I purchased this blade about 12 months back and was thrilled with it for about one month.  It cut through maple and cherry (up to 2" thick) "like butter."  And then it was dull and prone to all the trials and tribulations of dull blades (kick-back, etc.).  When it was brand new it cut better than any blade I have owned but at the price it should!  At the price, it should also have retained its edge for a lot longer (I've had really cheap (Skil 10") and mid-priced (Hitachi, et al) blades last MUCH longer and some even started off almost as sharp).