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The hardness requirements for cutting tool materials are generally quite high, with the minimum requirement being greater than that of the workpiece material. The same principle applies to slitting‑machine blades. However, hardness alone is not enough; tools must also possess a wide range of other properties to carve out a competitive niche in the market and win consumer favor. Key performance attributes include wear resistance, heat resistance, thermal conductivity, and toughness. The following provides a detailed explanation.

　　High wear resistance and heat resistance. Wear resistance of cutting tool materials refers to their ability to resist abrasion; generally, the higher the hardness of a tool material, the better its wear resistance. Heat resistance is typically assessed by a material’s ability to maintain high hardness at elevated temperatures—known as hot hardness. The greater the heat resistance, the stronger the tool material’s capacity to resist deformation and wear during machining.

　　Good thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of tool materials is expressed by the thermal conductivity coefficient; a higher value indicates better heat‑dissipating performance, allowing heat generated during cutting to be efficiently conducted away. This helps reduce the temperature at the cutting edge, mitigates tool wear, and enhances the material’s resistance to thermal shock and thermal cracking.

　　Sufficient strength and toughness. The material of the cutting edge must withstand substantial cutting forces and impact loads during machining; therefore, the tool material must possess adequate strength and toughness.

　　Good machinability. Cutting tool materials should exhibit excellent processability, encompassing forging, welding, machining, heat treatment, and grindability, to facilitate the manufacturing of round cutting inserts.

　　Economic efficiency. Low cost, easy to implement, and delivers strong returns.