Combination edges

jlubas

jlubas

Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
301
I havn't seen this topic discussed here so i dont want to touch a nerve with some people, but i was curious about people's opinion on combination edges. When i first started buying knives i bought one or to but now refuse to. If i buy a knife now i want either straight edge or all serrated. I hate combination edges now but it seems like almost all production knives now are offered with combination edges. Just curious on peoples opinions.
 
I like either plain or serrated only as well...some knives are only offered plain and combo- in that case iwill go combo i guess. Spyderco manix and Bob Lum Folder are two that come to mind.
 
Use Google to search the site. Instructions are on the FAQ sticky. You will find that this subject has been much discussed.

Meanwhile, for myself, I do not like combo edges. I tried one on a 3 1/2" blade and found that I did not have enough of either blade type to be useful. A 3 1/2" blade is as big a blade as I care to carry. I also found that I missed having a PE at the base of the blade. When I really need to bear down on a cutting job, I want to cut at the base of the blade to maintain better control. Can't do that if the base is serrated.
 
I've come to prefer plain edge knives....thats all I will buy from now on. If i need a serrated edge for anything I have my leatherman...
 
Being a Paramedic I have always EDC'd a combo edge just for the fact that while a straight edge will cut a seatbelt or rope. I have found that a serration at the base of the blade gets the job started much faster and that is what I have needed in my blades. EDC 9 yr's Emerson Commander combi edge.
 
If I have a choice, I will go PE all the way. I do have a few knives that are combo edge, but that was because I could not find that knife in PE only.

I have bought one knife that is fully SE, and that is a Spydie Harpy. It is one that will be more of an emergency knife that will stay in my bag.

The only thing I see the SE good for that a PE is not that good at is sawing. A sharp PE can slice right through any other material that the SE can do and do it smoother.


John
 
Almost all of my knives are plain edge. I've had a couple of SE Spydies for years, they're great knives and I like the edges. Both were bought during my rock climbing days, and serrations are great for cutting nylon tape and rope. I've also had a (Frosts - Mora) Swedish Army Knife for years, which has serrations at the bottom of the blade. I haven't actually used that knife a lot though, as I've others Moras I prefer, and prefer a plain edge for what I use them for. I recently got a Spyderco Byrd Crow with a combo edge, so far I like it. What can I say, I like them all? :)
 
I think combo edges are for people who either can't/don't know how/or plain don't want to sharpen their blades.
 
I prefer either/and but not combo. I do like having both type blades with me, such as on my old, Leatherman Wave. I like the idea of the Spyderco or Byrd Wings, but the handle looks as though it would be uncomfortable with one blade deployed, and having the other dig into the hand. I haven't actually handled one though.
 
Combo works ok , in the 4in range . Sucks on blades in the in range . I prefer plain .

Chris
 
Just plain edge only for me. If I need a serrated edge is really needed (rare for me), well, that's what SAK's are designed for.
 
JackBauer24 said:
I think combo edges are for people who either can't/don't know how/or plain don't want to sharpen their blades.
Click to expand...

I sharpen 100-200 knives a week ,EdgePro pro + belt sander+ sharpmaker+file+ dremel ,for money .I can and do sharpen just about anything.
I am also a chef so I can appreciate a smooth cut . BUT, I ROTATE my Edc
Spyderco endura 1 se 1996,military 440v cpm SE native (same) ,rescue ,delica4 se and laitly endura 4 CE I have used these knives
in the military, field, trail ,outdoor kitchens ,and a few more places that I won"t get into .I find that the se gives the most cutting power for a small (under 10") knife.best S&R and SD tool.Its not good for skinning or whittling but for me Iwoudn"t use a folder for that anyway.I keep all my knives including SE blades shaving sharp.Igot the endura ce for cutting tendons cleenly its sharpend at 22deg inclusive.
 
I like plain edge too. I would rather have a separate SE knife for specific purposes. (Plus you have to own more knives)
 
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