Abstract: A high speed circular saw blade exhibiting low operating noise characteristics comprises a plurality of narrow expansion slots up to about 3/32 inches wide formed in the outer edge of the blade at a negative angle of about 5.degree.-15.degree. with respect to a line extending radially from the center of the blade to the slots. Two to five slots are provided in each blade, with the depth of each slot being between about 3/4 to 21/2 inches, depending on the diameter of the blade. Expansion holes are provided at the bottom of each slot, and a further reduction in noise level is achieved by plugging these holes with a resilient material such as solder or the like.