These serrated vs. plain edge threads are always interesting. It must be noted here though that "Joe Q. Public" buys serrated or partially serrated edges over plain, more than two to one in retail sales. That is reversed on this and other forums and plain edges rule.
What does this tell us? It tells us that SHARPENING is the main criteria for both. Joe Public doesn't care at all if his knife is "shaving sharp". He just wants to cut or "drag cut" as long as it will CUT and he feels serrated blades manage this better, (if not FOREVER in his mind), and he DOESN'T want to hassle sharpening a knife. Most of us folks here want the BEST performance out of our knives and DEMAND they be SHARP! I feel that is easier done with a plain edge because a quick steeling or stropping is all it takes to keep that plain edge going. Of course IF the edge is not chipped or deformed to where a full sharpening is mandantory. Even then plain edges shine in quick, easy resharpening.
Now don't get me wrong, serrated or part serrated blades have their place. I have a couple of fixed blades that are part serrated and I only use the serrations when they are needed thus keeping them sharp for a long time. I feel when I'm kayaking SOME serrations come in handy.
Joe said it well when he stated a plain edge WILL cut almost as aggressively as a serrated edge if done right. I also like some of my "beaters" to have a coarse edge that he described.
The preference for plain or serrated will be around as long as there is knives, (see what you started Sal?
), but get what you like. If you have either with you it's better than not having a knife. I also agree with Dann that the Spyderco Dyad is a wonderful piece. Best of both worlds right in your pocket!
What does this tell us? It tells us that SHARPENING is the main criteria for both. Joe Public doesn't care at all if his knife is "shaving sharp". He just wants to cut or "drag cut" as long as it will CUT and he feels serrated blades manage this better, (if not FOREVER in his mind), and he DOESN'T want to hassle sharpening a knife. Most of us folks here want the BEST performance out of our knives and DEMAND they be SHARP! I feel that is easier done with a plain edge because a quick steeling or stropping is all it takes to keep that plain edge going. Of course IF the edge is not chipped or deformed to where a full sharpening is mandantory. Even then plain edges shine in quick, easy resharpening.
Now don't get me wrong, serrated or part serrated blades have their place. I have a couple of fixed blades that are part serrated and I only use the serrations when they are needed thus keeping them sharp for a long time. I feel when I'm kayaking SOME serrations come in handy.
Joe said it well when he stated a plain edge WILL cut almost as aggressively as a serrated edge if done right. I also like some of my "beaters" to have a coarse edge that he described.
The preference for plain or serrated will be around as long as there is knives, (see what you started Sal?
), but get what you like. If you have either with you it's better than not having a knife. I also agree with Dann that the Spyderco Dyad is a wonderful piece. Best of both worlds right in your pocket!
