Combo or plain edge?

Combo gets a lot of criticism here, but I find it useful to have at least one combo available. It's one of those things you don't need until you really need it, if that makes any sense.....
 
I wouldn't recommend a combo edge on a blade that length. To me they just leave you with a plain edge that's too short to be useful and a serrated edge that's also too short. I would stick with a plain edge for a general purpose knife and if you cut things where serrations would be beneficial invest in a full serrated knife as well.
 
It is a personal preference but my preference is for plain edge. I carried a combo edge of that size for many years and I don't recall that I ever used the serrated part so now I try to buy plain edge when possible.
 
On a blade that size, no. But you should try a couple knives with a combo blade to see if you like it.
I've found that I never have a use for serrations, and aesthetically I don't like combo blades, so I dont buy them
 
I don't usually like combo edges very much but mine has come in handy here and there when I cut through heavy zip ties and cardboard. Besides that, my plain edge sees more use.
 
It really depends on what you expect to be cutting. For general use I don't see the advantage of a combo blade but if you are going to be cutting rope & line they are very useful.

However on a blade that small I would choose one or the other, not a combo.
 
I prefer a PE. The only knives that I have that have serrations are fully serrated kitchen knives. My activities don't warrant serrations for my EDC.

Have you thought about getting an inexpensive serrated or combo edged knife and EDCing it to see if you like having a serrated blade?


Ric
 
Plain. If I'm ever in a life/death situation where I needed that tiny bit of serrated edge to save my life, say to saw through some steel braided cable... I'll just die... and thats ok!
 
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Combo. I have a kershaw clash, and the serrations are super useful. Especially when opening packages and boxes 'n stuff. The serrations just hold the knife in place while they cut.
 
sqchram said:
Plain. I've I'm ever in a life/death situation where I needed that tiny bit of serrated edge to save my life, say to saw through some steel braided cable... I'll just die... and thats ok!
Click to expand...

This sir, is dedication to a belief, and I love it!! HAHA!
 
I prefer combo blades myself. It's like carrying two blades in one. I've used the serrated part to cut hard plastic or wet rope, ect.

Even with a 3" blade like on a Mini Barrage I find I have enough of each blade to do what I need it to.

I even have the combo bladed version of the new Benchmade flipper on pre-order. I could have had the plain edge one weeks ago.
 
I guess it kind of depends on your sharpening abilities. If you sharpen to say only 600 grit then strop, you'll have a toothy, but not as long lasting edge. Compared to what I normally put on my knives, 60, 120, 240, 400, 800, 1200, 3000, linen belt with chromoxide. That edge I put on is somewhat polished, so it doesn't have much bite, it's mainly for pushcutting. So I like the addition of serrations, because they allow me to saw, instead of pushing with alot of effort, and then my hand and knife going forward after the cut.
 
Meh...I am not a combo fan BUT I do have a few for tasks I don't know what I might get into. A serrated edge will cut through some materials faster like rope,etc...

These make a great beater knife.
Flash2hand.jpg
 
I know alot of people prefer plain edged knives, but honestly i use my serrated portions of my blades more than plain alot of the time. Though i tend to be cutting alot of cordage, rope, zipties and such things. i guess it just depends on what your doing.
 
I have been carrying a combo edge for years (I was an aviation/auto mechanic), but lately, I've been more inclined to carry a plain edge (I now have a office job where ripping thru things just isn't needed). When I was in the Army, I carried a Spyderco full serrated knife that I really loved. I gave it to my Dad and he still carries it today. That knife is over 20 years old now... jeez I'm old.
 
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