carbide cutter: yes cuts well nice to own skill level low
original tools work very well some skills to learn
original tools win hands down on cost.
why the rush to carbide cutters.
the tools we have work very well?
school me; why better, not cost effective/cost effective. lets discuss this
Carbide is nice for many people due to the low maintenance required in owning and using them. The blade is replaceable, you need ZERO skill in grinding in order to have sharp tools, and they last a reasonably long time between changing edges or buying a replacement. Also, for those that have some minimal skill, you CAN re-sharpen the inserts with the use of a diamond card file or other similar diamond hone.
Cost to own/use/maintain carbide tools: high, unless you make your own, low for usage, low for maintenance unless you like to buy a lot of replacement blades. Extremely high costs if you tend to drop them and shatter the inserts.
High Speed Steel is nice for many people due to the lower cost in initial purchase (compared to commercially made carbide tools). The various makers and styles available give price ranges between 20 dollars for a set of tools up to 150 dollars for a single tool. While you can still make your own, making the handle or a replacement handle is still easily done and done often. Using HSS chisels means that you will have to know how to properly maintain your bevels and edges for appropriate cutting profiles, so the skill required to maintain them is much higher.
Cost to own is higher, because you need additional tools and jigs to maintain your bevels and edges, cost to use is low, once you have everything set up. Dropping them is not that big an issue ... re-grind the bevel and sharpen and you're good to go, no waiting for shipping. Cost for maintenance is virtually nothing, once you're set up to maintain your tools.
I should also point out ...
Carbide makes it easy to work extremely hard woods and acrylics ... even metals and stone.
You CAN get away with HSS to work hard woods and acrylics and a few types of metals (aluminum, brass), and only a few types of stone (stick with soapstone and alabaster). You'll be stopping a LOT to re-sharpen your tools.