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Combo-edges...desireable???
- Thread starter Hawkbill
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 883
Too bad the search function is broken. I would refer you to earlier diatribes I've written on this popular topic.
I avoid partially serrated blades. I would rather carry two separate knives, one serrated and one plain, than sacrifice half of a perfectly good plain edge. Serrations are great for some kinds of cutting, but when you don't want them they can be a real pain. Since I can almost always carry multiple knives on my person, having one blade that thinks it can do it all really isn't an issue. If for some reason I could carry just one knife, I would choose plain edge. But that's just me.
Manufacturers and dealers tell us that combo-edge variants outsell all others of a given model by a wide margin. I think the majority of customers simply don't know what they want, so they opt for a little of both. Having said that, I will admit that there are some knowledgeable individuals for whom a combo-edge seems like a reasonable compromise. Are you one of the latter? It's okay if you are; you've got lots of company.
I think people buy combo-edges for one or more of the following reasons:
a) They can't make up their mind, and buying/carrying two knives is not an option.
b) The dealer tells them combo-edges are the most popular choice.
c) They think the combo-edge looks cool.
d) They can't find the model they want in a full plain or full serrated version.
Incidentally, I do not mean to imply that the above reasons are not valid, or that people who opt for a combo-edge are crazy, stupid, or evil.
By the way, have you read Joe Talmadge's informative FAQ on the subject of plain vs. serrated edges? You can find it here:
http://bladeforums.com/features/faqser-plain.html
I hope this helps.
David Rock
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Stop when you get to bone.
I avoid partially serrated blades. I would rather carry two separate knives, one serrated and one plain, than sacrifice half of a perfectly good plain edge. Serrations are great for some kinds of cutting, but when you don't want them they can be a real pain. Since I can almost always carry multiple knives on my person, having one blade that thinks it can do it all really isn't an issue. If for some reason I could carry just one knife, I would choose plain edge. But that's just me.
Manufacturers and dealers tell us that combo-edge variants outsell all others of a given model by a wide margin. I think the majority of customers simply don't know what they want, so they opt for a little of both. Having said that, I will admit that there are some knowledgeable individuals for whom a combo-edge seems like a reasonable compromise. Are you one of the latter? It's okay if you are; you've got lots of company.
I think people buy combo-edges for one or more of the following reasons:
a) They can't make up their mind, and buying/carrying two knives is not an option.
b) The dealer tells them combo-edges are the most popular choice.
c) They think the combo-edge looks cool.
d) They can't find the model they want in a full plain or full serrated version.
Incidentally, I do not mean to imply that the above reasons are not valid, or that people who opt for a combo-edge are crazy, stupid, or evil.
By the way, have you read Joe Talmadge's informative FAQ on the subject of plain vs. serrated edges? You can find it here:
http://bladeforums.com/features/faqser-plain.html
I hope this helps.
David Rock
------------------
Stop when you get to bone.
- Joined
- May 13, 1999
- Messages
- 1,926
I prefer a combo edge on knives that will be carried pretty much full time, without a specific task in mind. The serrated edge doesn't get in the way of the plain edge on fine work, and the plain edge doesn't stand a chance against fibrous materials like small roots and branches, burlap, or nylon web. After sawing through these materials, a plain edge will almost always be dulled down somewhat. Not so serrations.
If I've got a specific purpose in mind, I'll get a specific task knife for the job. For random tasks (not Kershaw...), it's nice to be prepared...
If I've got a specific purpose in mind, I'll get a specific task knife for the job. For random tasks (not Kershaw...), it's nice to be prepared...
I'm not a senior member here and my experiences aren't based on a huge number of knives BUT I do believe that partly serrated blades make sense on a general utility knife with one caveat. That is that the blade should be over 3 inches long. The longer the better. My full size Wegner would be an example. I just don't think a combo-blade makes sense on a shorter blade. Both sections are then too short to be much use individually.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 1999
- Messages
- 6,117
The only thing worse than partially serrated blades are fully serrated blades. The only thing worse than fully serrated blades are blades with holes in them. The only thing worse than blades with holes in them are blades with hump-backs and holes in them.
It's no wonder that I've been avoiding Spydercos for years--till I got to bladeforums and discovered what wonderful work and materials are hidden beneath the designs I don't like. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the Calypso Jr. Lite with VG-10 blade. It's a smooth edge, but I've had to compromise on the hole and the cameloid shape.
I would rather have a two-bladed knife with one smooth blade and one saw blade. I can't think of a time I ever looked at a job and said to myself, gee I wish I had a serrated knife. There are times I've said I wish I had wire cutters (and used a smooth-edged knife), there are times I've said I wish I had a hatchet (and used a smooth-edged knife) and there are times I've said I wish I had a saw (and used a smooth-edged knife). My only use for a serrated knife is to cut bread (and I usually buy sliced bread).
For a utility edge I either use a smooth razor edge or a razor edge that I have gone back and roughened up with a steel or medium diamond hone. Even if I'm cutting something crude like cardboard I want to slice through it not saw through it. I've never found rope to be a challenge for a good edge on good steel (or a file edge on bad steel).
It's no wonder that I've been avoiding Spydercos for years--till I got to bladeforums and discovered what wonderful work and materials are hidden beneath the designs I don't like. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the Calypso Jr. Lite with VG-10 blade. It's a smooth edge, but I've had to compromise on the hole and the cameloid shape.
I would rather have a two-bladed knife with one smooth blade and one saw blade. I can't think of a time I ever looked at a job and said to myself, gee I wish I had a serrated knife. There are times I've said I wish I had wire cutters (and used a smooth-edged knife), there are times I've said I wish I had a hatchet (and used a smooth-edged knife) and there are times I've said I wish I had a saw (and used a smooth-edged knife). My only use for a serrated knife is to cut bread (and I usually buy sliced bread).
For a utility edge I either use a smooth razor edge or a razor edge that I have gone back and roughened up with a steel or medium diamond hone. Even if I'm cutting something crude like cardboard I want to slice through it not saw through it. I've never found rope to be a challenge for a good edge on good steel (or a file edge on bad steel).
I've found that the only time I don't prefer a fully serrated edge is for only one task:skinning. I've used my Police Model for this job, and while it worked, a plain edge works easier. Part of the problem is the less than ideal shape of the PM for this job, but the serrations tended to tear the hide, which made it a messier job. For all other daily chores, I'd always rather have a fully serrated edge. Some reasons why: ease of sharpening. Combo edges are a hassle to sharpen. Probably more importantly, edge retention. I don't wanna always be sharpening the blade, and serrations keep this to a minimum. I only recommend that a customer buy the combo edge if that's all I have to sell him. Sorry, but a guy's gotta eat.
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A flute with no holes is not a flute, but a donut with no holes, is a danish.
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A flute with no holes is not a flute, but a donut with no holes, is a danish.
I find the best comboedges are relatively long blades, like an Endura or such. Actually, though, at the moment, the only comboedge knife I really like on a regular basis is my new full-size AFCK (I know I've sinned, Spydie fans). On a shorter blade I usually prefer a plain edge, but sometimes I will opt for my fully-serrated Delica over my plain one for slicing up boxes.
Jim
Jim
Double Edge Dave
Moderator and Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 1999
- Messages
- 1,379
I like combo edges,but agree they belong on longer than 3" blades. For my use, they are an ideal combination.With so many styles available everyone can get what they prefer without crowding others out.If you don`t like `em,don`t get `em.
David
AKTI# A000150
David
AKTI# A000150