Does sharpness of agressive serrations matter much?

[FortyTwoBlades]

Yeah the SOG is actually one of the few knives out there with a saw back that's worth a damn. Mistwalker likes his, and I trust the man's opinion 110%.

 

[me2]

Because h1 is work hardened, the act of grinding the serrations makes a blade in h1 much harder at the edge than most other steels. Sal from spyderco has been quoted saying that serrated h1 has been tested at a Rockwell rating of 68 at the edge.

I'm still waiting to see the paper/report on that one. Does anyone have a copy or a link?

 

[Big Barn]

Someone asked when do yo know when your serrations are dull & time to sharpen. I'd say when you notice whatever you're cutting is actually 'ripping' instead of a clean slice. (IMO)

 

[Pristerognathus]

I thank you people for good answers.

 

[mkjellgren]

Someone asked when do yo know when your serrations are dull & time to sharpen. I'd say when you notice whatever you're cutting is actually 'ripping' instead of a clean slice. (IMO)

I'd say this is about right. Obviously different people have different ideas about what exactly is sharp. In general, a serrated edge should not tear the material, although it could if it had to were you to be away from any sharpening equipment for any extended period of time. There isn't really a way to tell when it needs sharpening aside from it just not feeling as though it is cutting as efficiently as before. Generally this is when it starts tearing instead of cutting.

As far as serrated edges being superior to plain edges, I would say that both is and is not the case. It really depends on what you are cutting. For example, if you are cutting rope or cardboard or zip ties and things of that nature then yes, a serrated edge could be superior. For more precise cutting and slicing, a plain edge might be better. That's not to say either one can't cross over and perform the others tasks. I would even venture to say that a truly sharp serrated edge and a truly sharp plain edge would cut most things equally efficiently, with the slight edge in versatility going to the plain edge. So now the question arises, which do I carry? Which is better for edc? Well, I say both. Personally I edc a paramilitary 2 as well as a serrated h1 dragonfly. I keep both razor sharp and I'm covered in nearly all situations. Typically I prefer the plain edge on the para 2, but there are situations where a couple inches if serrated steel is just what I need.