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The best DeWalt planer blades for most woodworkers are the factory DW7352 reversible knives for the DW735 and DW735X planers, the DW7342 knives for the DW734, and — for heavy hardwood use — carbide insert or spiral cutterhead upgrades where budget allows. Your real decision comes down to three things: which DeWalt blade planer you own, how much abrasive material you run through it, and whether you’d rather resharpen cheap steel or flip and replace longer-lasting edges.
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Know Your Planer Before Buying Blades
DeWalt planer blades are not interchangeable across models. The DW735 and DW735X use a three-knife cutterhead with double-sided (reversible) knives sold as the DW7352 set. The DW734 uses its own knife set, the DW7342 — these are also reversible, so each set gives you two usable edges. The older DW733 uses yet another blade format, and blades for DeWalt planer models in the portable 13-inch class will not fit benchtop lunchbox planers from other brands despite similar widths.
One practical note many buyers miss: DW735 knives index on locating pins, so installation is straightforward and self-aligning. DW734 planer blades mount against a knife gauge and locking bar — still manageable, but take care to seat each knife fully before torquing the gib screws evenly from center outward.
Comparison: Factory Knives vs. Aftermarket Options
| Blade type | Fits | Material | Edges per set | Typical edge life (BF, hardwood) | Resharpenable? | Market price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DW7352 factory knives | DW735, DW735X | M2 laminated HSS | 2 (reversible) | ~1,500–3,000 | Limited (thin profile) | $45–$70 |
| DW7342 factory knives | DW734 | HSS | 2 (reversible) | ~1,200–2,500 | Limited | $30–$50 |
| Aftermarket HSS knives | Model-specific; verify fit | HSS/T1 | 1–2 | ~800–2,000 | Yes, if thick enough | $20–$45 |
| Shelix-style helical head w/ carbide inserts | DW735 (head swap) | Carbide inserts | 4 edges per insert | ~10,000+ per edge | No — rotate/replace inserts | $400–$500 installed |
What the Numbers Mean: Cost Per Board Foot
A quick worked example puts the upgrade question in perspective. Say a DW7352 set costs roughly $60 and delivers two edges lasting about 2,000 board feet each in mixed hardwood and softwood use — that’s $60 ÷ 4,000 BF ≈ 1.5¢ per board foot. A $450 helical head delivering 40,000 BF across all four insert rotations works out to ~1.1¢ per board foot — cheaper long-term, but you spend $450 upfront and the knife marks on figured wood actually improve because shear-cutting inserts reduce tear-out dramatically.
Budget aftermarket HSS blades for DeWalt planer models can dip to ~1.2¢/BF, but edge life varies widely by steel quality. If you mostly plane pine and poplar, any sharp HSS knife lasts far longer than these hardwood-based estimates — often 5,000+ BF per edge.
Which Should You Choose?
| Your situation | Recommended choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbyist, under 500 BF/year, softwoods | One DW7352 or DW7342 factory set | A single set may last years; guaranteed fit |
| Weekend furniture maker, mixed hardwoods | 2–3 factory sets on hand | Swap mid-project when tear-out or ridges appear; no downtime |
| High-volume hardwood or reclaimed lumber | Helical head upgrade (DW735) | Lowest cost/BF; individual inserts replaceable if nicked |
| Tight budget, willing to experiment | Aftermarket HSS knives | Lower per-set cost; quality control is hit-or-miss |
Finish Quality: Where Knives Differ Most
Fresh factory DeWalt planer blades leave a surface that often needs only 120–150 grit sanding. As knives dull, you’ll see ridges down the board, glazing, and tear-out on figured grain like curly maple. Carbide helical inserts cut on a shear angle, which is why they’re the go-to fix for birdseye, quilted, and reversing grain that straight knives chip out. A common mistake: blaming feed speed when a single nicked knife is leaving one raised line — hold a straightedge across the board to check; one ridge means a chip in one knife, not a dull set.
Ownership Realities: What Wears First
- Resin buildup, not dulling, kills edge life. Pine pitch bakes onto the knife edge and tears grain. Clean knives with a resin/pitch solvent before assuming they’re dull — often the edge is fine underneath.
- Nicks from staples and dirt are the #1 killer. Wire-brush reclaimed lumber and check for fasteners before planing. One buried nail ruins all three knives at the same nick line.
- Rotate before resharpen. All factory DeWalt blades are reversible — flip to the fresh edge first. Resharpening these thin disposable-profile knives removes enough material that it’s rarely economical versus a new set.
- Snipe increases with dull knives. Worn edges deflect rather than cut, exaggerating end-of-board snipe. Supporting long stock at infeed and outfeed helps regardless.
FAQ
Are DW734 blades the same as DW735 blades?
No. The DW734 uses the DW7342 knife set; the DW735/DW735X use the DW7352. Different lengths and mounting formats — they’re not interchangeable.
Can DeWalt planer blades be sharpened?
Technically yes — any honing service can re-edge HSS knives — but the knives are thin and only reversible once. Most owners find replacement more cost-effective than paying $15–$25 per knife for sharpening.
How do I know when to flip the blades?
Watch for a raised ridge line (nick), increasing motor strain, burnished or fuzzy grain on softwoods, and tear-out that a sharp set wouldn’t produce. Flip all three knives as a set to keep the cutting plane consistent.