Stihl or Oregon chain

[morten]

The chrome plating on the Stihl chain cutters are thicker, which makes it hold its edge a little better, but also means it is a little harder to file, and will wear down the file quicker.

 

Another unique advantage that Stihl chains have is that they are "pre stretched". So when putting on a brand new Stihl chain, it won't go loose after a few minutes use like Oregon chains do. Mind you, that is a pretty minor issue having to tighten the chain once or twice more in the lifetime of a chain.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

The Stihl chain teeth are harder. I dunno about the carrier straps, but I have noticed it takes more to sharpen a Stihl tooth(which also means your files go dull faster). Having said that, I rarely get Stihl chain unless forced to. The Oregon chain have much larger teeth, more room in the gullet, and yet cut just as smoothly, last as long or longer till EOL(end of life), but are easier to sharpen. I only notice the Stihl lasting longer between sharpening in some dirty cutting near the beginning of it's life. Otherwise, it's a wash, really. You can also use a 7/32 file on an Oregon chain until the EOL. On a Stihl, you have to start with 13/64 and end with 3/16 to keep the hook from flattening too much to be of much use(.325 chain files); something I just had to do on my 98 DL Stihl chain earlier today(which is why I am responding to this thread now). I also think Oregon chain cuts noticeably better as the teeth top plates shorten towards EOL, I would guess due to the cutter being taller, with a larger gutter.

 

I'd go with that. Needing to hold an edge 10% longer isn't really an issue if you can go for days without blunting it... Last time I grew tired of sharpening and frustrated with chain life was when converting skidded timber; through mica enriched soil.