Carbide blades are used to cut a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and various metals, due to their superior hardness, durability, and heat resistance compared to traditional steel blades. They provide clean, efficient, and precise cuts with minimal burr, are particularly effective for cutting abrasive, dense, or composite materials, and can even cut through embedded nails and screws. Proper use involves selecting the correct blade type (e.g., triple-chip grind for metal), using lubrication to cool the blade, and employing the appropriate saw (e.g., miter saw, band saw, cold saw) for the job.