EDC: Smooth vs. Serrated

S

Sharp Stuff

Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
3
Hello,
I am about to purchase a Spyderco Delica IV for my EDC knife and was wondering what you folks would suggest, regarding the most useful/versatile edge. The options are Smooth, Serrated, or a combination of the two. Any input will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
S.S.
 
Try to get a knife with the serrated edge on the front instead of in the back of the cutting edge.
 
You will get alot of replies in favor of a plain edge. I'll suggest a combo edge, best of both worlds.
 
If your just going to be cutting open mail or some cardboard boxes at work then get the plain edge. If rope or other fibrous materials are in your future then get the combo edge. A full serrated edge really isn't that practical for most EDC chores.
 
Two schools of thought. One says that a plain edge is best for every day carry as it does almost all tasks well. It is also the easiest to sharpen. A combo edge - half plain and half serrated - is the other theory, as it gives you a little of each. Detractors say that the combo edge does not have enough of either to do what you need. Plus, the serrated portion can be a little pesky to sharpen. I happen to prefer the plain edge.

cheers
 
Plain-edge for me!

I try to avoid combo-edges these days as I think they're too much of a compromise.
 
Welcome to the forum!

In a knife the size of a Delica go for a plain edge. It will accomplish everything you might do. If it doesn't perform well in some tasks get yourself a fully serrated Endura. They are like pocket chainsaws! happy huntin'.
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Welcome to the forum!

In a knife the size of a Delica go for a plain edge. It will accomplish everything you might do. If it doesn't perform well in some tasks get yourself a fully serrated Endura. They are like pocket chainsaws! happy huntin'.
Click to expand...

I'll second this... I really don't like serrations, but my serrated Endura has lasted years and years and still cuts well. My plain edge Delica is one of the sharpest knives I have ever purchased. The true answer is to get one of each...
 
Combo edges I despise. I own 3 fully serrated knives and they are only used for special purposes. For general use plain edge is the way to go. A plain edge delica and a spyderco sharpmaker and you will be good to go for along time. If you cut alot of rope you might want to also get a fully serrated model. A combo edge you will probably end up hating. I have hated everyone I have tried. They are just not effective IMO.
 
i personally prefer a plain edge because i also like to whittle etc with my knife, and it is difficult to do with a serrated edge or combo edge.

i am not a fan of serrated edges, i suppose because i just have no use for them. maybe if i had a job that required me to cut alot of rope etc i might try one out, but cutting smaller diameter cords and strings in my life i find that i like the smooth cut that a plain edge delivers. easier to sharpen without specific tools too...

ultimately you just have to think about what you are going to use it for, and decide if you want to be carrying a very specific-use tool or if you want a more general use edge.
 
I find serrated edge knives work very well for me. I fact I just bought a serrated edge Delica, even though I have a plain edge Delica already. I think it would be good to consider your intended use for the knife and go from there.
 
First choice, I go with combo myself, most of the time. While the serrated area on combos tend to be small, they get the job done on things like plastic zip ties. If you use a Sypderco Sharpmaker, sharpening the serrations isn't an issue. For outdoor use, you still have enough of the plain edge to make things like fuzz sticks to start camp fires.

Second choice, I'd go with a plain edge. Cleaner cuts when cutting plastic bags and such. I find serrations tend to snag on plastic bags a lot.

Serrated edges are great for cutting cardboard.

IMO, it depends on what your primary use for the knife will be, then pick the edge to fit.
 
I prefer plain edge. Combo edge only gives you a little bit of serrations, and they get to be a pain when you want to make a little detailed cut. At least for me, I choke up on the handle and use the edge of the blade closest to the handle to make a little detailed push cut. Combo edge messes that up, just so you get about an inch of serrations. Not worth it for me.
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Welcome to the forum!

In a knife the size of a Delica go for a plain edge. It will accomplish everything you might do. If it doesn't perform well in some tasks get yourself a fully serrated Endura. They are like pocket chainsaws! happy huntin'.
Click to expand...


I agree. I've carried combos for almost ever, but ever since I got my PE Native I doubt I'll ever go back. Cuts everything short of 6" manila rope just fine. Hell, it ever cuts rope better than most CE's I've had... I always hate the way the serrations dig into the rope and stick; a nice keen edge with a reasonable finish (1200 grit DMT does the trick for me!) seems to work the best on typical cuttables. Polished enough for great push cutting, toothy enough to slice well. :thumbup:
 
I go with a partially serrated knife for this purpose. I get the benefit of a plain edge for slicing and some serrations for rough stuff. The only problem is that I need to be more careful when opening letters for example, since the teeth on the back of the blade will tear it up unsightly.
 
Delica PE or CE, I'd much prefer PE though. IF you want a Spyder with SE, defininately get yourself a HARPY:D now that's a pocket chainsaw, but may not be the best edc.
 
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