Since the folks at Norton might be seeing what's written here, I will also mentioned that due to the ever increasing cost of the Blaze belts, I have been searching for alternatives. At about $10 each, Blaze belts, while being great belts, really cut into the supply budget. And the black "goop" on the platen.....is just another annoyance that I don't need.
I keep asking myself if the Blaze are worth the money based on a what I get out of them. Recently I have tested a few other belts, and found one full ceramic that is literally half the price. After testing it, it was obvious that it did not last as long as the Blaze belts, but I felt it cut "better". In my estimation, a belt that cuts better, but only last about 2/3 as long, BUT is 1/2 the cost, is worth a little thought. I ordered a dozen of the belts I'm speaking of, and will see how it goes. If anybody wants to know what those belts are, I'd rather you PM or email me.....don't want to get into a "this or that" thing on this thread.
For a long while now, I've considered Blaze belts to be "the best"....but instances of receiving orders of them that were not cut straight on one edge, the black "goop" they leave behind on the platen, and the fact of their high cost has driven me to seek alternatives.