Trying to choose mower blades.

[JDTank]

Gator blades are sharp from the factory. But they coat them with a clear 'rust inhibitor' that makes them seem dull. After a mowing or two, this coating wears off. It certainly doesn't hurt to sharpen them before use, but I don't think it's necessary.

My blades were black when new.

If I remember, it wasn't an Oregon sticker on them, it was another company. I can't remember what it started with, maybe it was predator or something like that? Either way, I am impressed. I cut 1.5 acres of 18 to 24 inch high grass today with my X740 and 54C deck. Basically used it as a bush hog. It did amazingly well, and it cut like I was just taking an inch off the lawn. No build-up after all that cutting either.