They might look similar at first glance, but they're built for different jobs. A taping knife is narrower, stiffer, and meant for spreading joint compound over seams or corners - it's more about precision and control.
A skimming blade, on the other hand, is much wider and more flexible. It's all about smoothing large areas and getting that perfect, flat finish after your material's on the wall.
Think of it like this: taping knives are for detail work; skimming blades are for the big picture.
When I'm finishing drywall, I'll use a taping knife for embedding tape and filling seams, then switch to a skimming blade for the final pass. That's when you get that super-smooth, ready-to-paint surface.
If you're picking tools, go with quality ones - Hanke Tools makes both, and their skimming blades, especially, feel like they were designed by people who've actually done the job. The balance and flex just feel right.
So yeah, both tools have their place. It's not "either-or" - it's "both, when used right."
