I like the concept of the combo edge, but does it present problems when sharpening? Can it be maintained with just the sharpmaker or is the use of a diamond stone recommended also? Is there a way to maintain these blades over the long haul without getting them too scratched up? It is better to just go with either full SE or full PE?
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Combo Edge Questions
- Thread starter Evany
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I'm probably not the best one to reply to this, Evany, as I am more of a plain edge kind of guy...I don't use serrations much, though I have an old fixed blade Myerchin with a combo edge that I carry on my floatation vest when off shore sailing. That said, few would disagree that serrations generally require more maintenance than a plain edge. Sometimes the tips of the serrations can break off if you are trying to work with wood on a combination SE/PE blade...even when you are trying your best to be careful. Some folks like a combo edge, but to me it compromises the usability of the plain edge for tasks where a plain edge excels...it's like having half a knife in your hand. I would sooner have a complete edge of either one or the other. Serrations *are* very effective on rescue or mariners knives...they are good at catching and ripping through heavy woven materials, webbing, line and what not, especially on hawkbill style blades. Serrations can be cool to just look at...I suppose. 
But yeah...I would say for the vast majority of common tasks the plain edge is the better edge to have.
But yeah...I would say for the vast majority of common tasks the plain edge is the better edge to have.
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2007
- Messages
- 95
Yeah, I agree. I just got my first real folder (a Delica 4 combo edge, because I liked the concept too... thought it would be "the best of both worlds") a week ago and if I were to do it again (which I will!), I'd go with a plain edge. Like headroom said, it's like having half of your knife... out of the 2 9/16" of blade length, 1" is serrated. The combo would be good in certain situations/uses, but I think a plain edge probably fits my needs better. And depending on the length of the blade, it might not be as significant a portion.
As for sharpening, I've just touched up the plain portion on the Sharpmaker once, and it seems like it will be a challenge to sharpen such a short portion of blade, especially now that I'm trying to keep the tip from getting rounded by not going off the rods. According to the video that comes with it, the corners of the Sharpmaker are pretty well suited for dealing with serrations, although I haven't tried that myself yet.
Don't get me wrong, the Delica is an impressive knife, and I wouldn't hesitate to get another... it will just be a plain edge. Good luck with your decision!!
As for sharpening, I've just touched up the plain portion on the Sharpmaker once, and it seems like it will be a challenge to sharpen such a short portion of blade, especially now that I'm trying to keep the tip from getting rounded by not going off the rods. According to the video that comes with it, the corners of the Sharpmaker are pretty well suited for dealing with serrations, although I haven't tried that myself yet.
Don't get me wrong, the Delica is an impressive knife, and I wouldn't hesitate to get another... it will just be a plain edge. Good luck with your decision!!
Let me provide a contrasting opinion.
I own a CE Manix. In fact, I own *two* CE Manixes.
I understand the problems of CE on a knife that's too small--it just doesn't leave you with enough of either edge type to be useful. However, I feel that the Manix is big enough to get the best of both worlds. There are some kinds of cuts that you simply *must have* PE for (i.e.- sharpening a wood pencil), and there are some kinds of cuts where SE makes all the difference (i.e.- fibers, some kinds of plastic, etc). The Manix (and I'd imagine other large knives like the Endura and Military) gives you enough blade length so that you end up with a useful PE section and a useful SE section, allowing you to handle many more types of cuts than before. Plus, the serrations can act like small recurves on delicate cuts where you want to draw the material back towards you, something that I found to be incredibly useful when opening packets of resistors from digikey.
So, I'd argue that the usefulness of CE depends largely on blade size. If the blade is big enough, you get the best of both worlds. If the blade is too small, you're stuck with the worst of both worlds.
I own a CE Manix. In fact, I own *two* CE Manixes.
I understand the problems of CE on a knife that's too small--it just doesn't leave you with enough of either edge type to be useful. However, I feel that the Manix is big enough to get the best of both worlds. There are some kinds of cuts that you simply *must have* PE for (i.e.- sharpening a wood pencil), and there are some kinds of cuts where SE makes all the difference (i.e.- fibers, some kinds of plastic, etc). The Manix (and I'd imagine other large knives like the Endura and Military) gives you enough blade length so that you end up with a useful PE section and a useful SE section, allowing you to handle many more types of cuts than before. Plus, the serrations can act like small recurves on delicate cuts where you want to draw the material back towards you, something that I found to be incredibly useful when opening packets of resistors from digikey.
So, I'd argue that the usefulness of CE depends largely on blade size. If the blade is big enough, you get the best of both worlds. If the blade is too small, you're stuck with the worst of both worlds.
I don't know what type of tip you like on the end of your pencils.
The Spyderco serrations are the absolute best tool for sharpening a pencil if you want a classic cone shape and point. If you are only going to carry one knife, make it a CE regardless of the blade length. Don't leave home without a few teeth.