Short answer? Yes - on both counts.
I used to think skimming blades were just another gimmick until I tried one. After a couple of hours, I realized I'd finished a wall that normally took me twice as long with a trowel. The difference is all in how effortlessly it spreads and smooths the plaster.
You don't need to muscle it. The flexible blade does most of the work - it just glides. That means less pressure, less fatigue, and a much smoother surface right off the bat. The first pass already looks like something you'd normally need two or three trowel passes to get.
And when you're working overhead or on big ceilings, it's a total back-saver. The wide blade lets you cover more area with fewer strokes, which adds up fast.
I've been using Hanke Tools blades lately, and they really help keep things consistent. Good edge, perfect flex, comfortable grip - everything you want when you're trying to move fast without sacrificing quality.
So yeah, if you like saving time and keeping your shoulders intact, skimming blades are worth every penny.
