"JaxDawg" writes in article .com dated 27 Sep 2006 07:56:58 -0700:
This seems like a silly question... but here goes...
I've just purchased new blades for my Craftsman 42" mower. The blades
are not at all what I'd call "sharp" - which surprised me. Should new
mower blades be sharpened before they are used? or is this angled edge
(but again, not "sharp") proper for a mower?
If it makes a difference, these are mulching blades.

Sorry I'm late on this thread, I don't read r.g all that often.

One thing nobody has pointed out -- mulching blades have several different
regions. Some are designed for cutting and some are meant to circulate the
air for mulching.

Last time I replaced the blade on my 24" Craftsman (mulching), I noticed the
cutting edge was quite a small part of the total blade length, maybe 25%.
That would be 3" on each side.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.