Abstract: A cutting blade includes a mounting portion and a working portion located at a distance from the mounting portion. The working portion includes a first surface portion at least partially lying in a first plane, a second surface portion at least partially lying in a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane, and an intermediate surface portion between the first and second surface portions. At least part of the intermediate surface portion has a wear-resistant property that is substantially different from a wear-resistant property of at least part of the second surface portion. The intermediate surface portion can be treated via thermal spray coating, laser hardening, induction hardening, and other similar surface hardening processes. Additionally, a piece of hardened material can be bonded to the intermediate surface portion. Furthermore, the blade thickness adjacent the intermediate surface portion can be increased.

Abstract: A reciprocating cutting blade includes a body portion having an top surface, a bottom surface, a longitudinal axis, a first working portion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis and defining a first cutting surface, a second working portion extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis and defining a second cutting surface. A laser-hardened region extends along at least part of one of the first and second working portions, and preferably along at least part of both of the first and second working portions. The working portions can be serrated to include alternating teeth and roots. The teeth can be laser hardened more than the roots.