What are the benefits of using "throwaway" woodworking knives?

While the initial cost is higher, a couple of real advantages are that the knife body is reusable, there is no need to re-align the knife, and the blades can be replaced as they are used. Most throwaway blades have at least two cutting edges per cut, while some have four.

When the knife becomes dull, you simply loosen the blade (knife), rotate, and retighten.

Often this can be accomplished from the machine or on the knife, thus saving valuable time setting up without reclamping the knife.

Another important feature of the shedding tool is that there is no loss of tool diameter for re-sharpening.

This is especially advantageous if tight tolerances must be adhered to, or if a piece is cut off and must exactly match the preceding piece.