On the Mohs hardness scale, Metal blades are rated 5.5 vs. Ceramic blades at 8.2, second only to diamonds. Harder edges maintain sharpness longer, cut better, and require replacement far less frequently. In fact, depending on use, you can go weeks or months without having to replace a single ceramic blade. They also last up to 10x longer! Both are new, opened one of each to photograph. They ship with a rounded-tip 10526 utility knife blade. Easily switch out the blade with it's compatible with blades: 10526 & 10528, available online.