If you’ve ever shopped for Freud saw blades, you’ve noticed the vast lineup of model numbers—starting with letters like LU, LM, LCL, or FR—and the curious color difference between the iconic red Perma-Shield and the silver I.C.E. coating. Many stores will tell you many different things but we are here to tell you what’s true.
This seemingly complicated system is actually a powerful roadmap. Freud, a leader in high-performance cutting tools, uses these codes and colors to instantly tell a professional or dedicated woodworker exactly what a blade is made for, its tier, and its key performance feature.
This guide will demystystify the Freud system, breaking down the SKU prefixes and explaining the technical differences between their protective coatings.
Part 2: The Battle of the Coatings: Red vs. Silver
Freud uses color-coding on the blade plate to indicate the specific protective technology applied, each engineered for a different primary benefit.
1. Perma-Shield Coating (The Classic Red)
The famous red coating is easily the most recognized Freud feature. It is a proprietary formula (often compared to a non-stick Teflon-type surface) applied to the blade body.
Freud Blade Coating: Perma-Shield (The Classic Red)
Attribute
Technical Feature
Key Performance Benefit
Appearance
The highly recognizable Red coating on the blade plate.
A proprietary, non-stick, low-friction surface.
Primary Focus
Non-Stick & Low Friction
Significantly reduces blade drag and friction, lessening the load on the saw motor, especially in rip cuts.
Protection
Excellent resistance to pitch, resin, and heat buildup.
Keeps the blade cleaner for longer, minimizes the need for downtime due to cleaning, and provides **corrosion protection**.
2. I.C.E. Coating (The Silver or Clear)
I.C.E. stands for Industrial Coating Edge or, in some contexts, is focused on extreme low-heat. This coating is typically silver or clear on the industrial lines, and sometimes black (Black I.C.E.) for ultra-heavy-duty or wet lumber applications.
Freud Blade Coating: I.C.E. Coating (The Silver or Clear)
Attribute
Technical Feature
Key Performance Benefit
Appearance
Typically Silver or Clear (sometimes Black I.C.E. for heavy-duty lines).
Proprietary coating focused on thermal and heat resistance.
Primary Focus
Heat Reduction & Thermal Reflection
Reflects **heat away** from the blade body and carbide, **maximizing the life** of the TiCo carbide and preventing burning.
Application
High-speed and high-feed rate cutting.
Ensures the blade stays stable and flat during long, fast cuts, especially when using **power feeders**.
So, Choosing the Right Blade for Your Job!
Understanding the SKU and coating differences allows you to invest smarter, ensuring your blade matches your saw and your material.
If you have a powerful cabinet saw and need the absolute longest-lasting, most resharpenable blade for general shop work, look for LU or LM blades with the Red Perma-Shield for maximum low-friction cutting.
If you are primarily using a portable saw or cutting engineered materials, look for the FR or LCL prefixes.
If your cutting generates extreme heat (like with a high-speed feeder), a Silver I.C.E. coated blade might be the optimal choice for thermal reflection and longevity.
By decoding Freud’s system, you move beyond guesswork and achieve the precise, professional-grade cut quality that defines the brand.
