John Deere reels hold the edge longer and have better impact resistance. Here’s why: our blade material is an AISI Chrome Alloy steel cold-rolled, formed and welded robotically into the reel assembly. And our specifications for edge retention and “hardenability” are superior to those of regular mill run steels using induction heat treatment hardening. (Lower quality steel's lack of uniform hardness reduces the effectiveness of heat treating and results in more frequent grinding to maintain a sharp edge).