> Dean, It is probably lacquer to prevent corrosion. Try nail polish remover
> to see if it comes off in a small spot. I would remove it myself, others
> may have another reason to leave it. Hammers come with a lacquer finish to
> keep the pretty polish before the sale. It dont last long in the real
> world.

> Larry C.

Dean, These are all excellent ways to clean off the coating on the blades, be it protection or lubricant, but, keep in mind the thickness of these coatings is very slight and another possibility could be that there just isn't enough SET in the teeth. I have purchased a saw or two that just didn't cut without sticking. Upon having them sharpened and having the set in the teeth increased just a fraction, it made all the difference in the world. Perhaps you could check with the local sharpening service and let them check it out. ???

Rehd