Are Serrated Blades Best for Defense?

Joined
Oct 22, 2001
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Is a plain blade or a serrated blade better for self-defense? Or does it really make any difference? Most of my knives are general purpose utility folders that I use for a variety of tasks, but it is somewhat comforting to know that I could use them if necessary for self-defense. As a result I usually select the blade for the utility tasks rather than the hopefully never-to-be scenario where I would need it for self defense. Some friends have told me that a serrated blade is more effective than a plain blade for protection against either the two-legged or four-legged animal, while others prefer a plain blade. Which do you think is better?
 
I can't think of a better weapon then a serrated knife if I'm attacked by a loaf of bread.
Bob
 
If both are sharpened properly it should not make much of a difference in the outcome. Remember, the most important thing is being prepared and trained in the proper way to use your tool of choice. Otherwise it is like the guy who wants to know if he should get 9mm or .45 and then never goes to the range to train.
 
...still chuckling at Strider...

Them loaves ain't half as bad as all them hangmans nooses I see!

Seriously, the only serrated knife I own is a bread knife. In most cases a well sharpened plain edged blade will out perform a serrated blade.

Carrying a serrated knife for self-defense is like wearing a helmet while driving your car...yes, it might save your life....but what are the chances? The chances of any knife saving your life are slim.

Besides....serrated blades are ugly. :)


Steve-O
 
Originally posted by Steve-O
..

Carrying a serrated knife for self-defense is like wearing a helmet while driving your car...yes, it might save your life....but what are the chances? The chances of any knife saving your life are slim.

Besides....serrated blades are ugly. :)


Steve-O

:D LMAO
Bob
 
IMHO no way a plain edge is going to hurt like a serrated blade. A sharp plain edge will make a nice, neat, clean cut, think of a surgeons scaplel.

A serrated blade is designed to cut via ripping and tearing, think of the many rows of teeth a shark has. I like the way Ernest Emerson describes serrations, "force concentrators" .

I do prefer a plain edge for opening my mail, but that is about it.

Also make sure you get good serrations like Spyderco's, that can be resharpened (Cold Steel's suck major wind)and a sharpening system that works well with serrations, if you go that way.
 
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