I gave in and bought the serrated LUM Chinese...............

Bimmer1

Bimmer1

Joined
Sep 30, 2000
Messages
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My earlier post asked about the LUM Chinese. I wanted one for everyday simple cutting tasks. I searched and found a deal on a serrated model that I could not pass up. I know the serrations make the design look somewhat strange, but I thought that it would be great for what I need. I intend to purchase a plain edge as soon as I find one at a decent price.
I do not have much experience with Spyderco products. I'm wondering how long (with average use) cutting string, taped boxes, cardboard, etc..... How long will the serrated edge stay sharp? How difficult is is to sharpen the serrations? What is the best/easiest way to sharpen the serrated portion of the knife. I have never been able to master the art of knife sharpening. Surely, there is an easier way to do it! I need "Knife Sharpening for Dummies."
I would appreciate any input and I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new LUM Chinese. Hopefully a plain edge green and blue handle will join the collection soon.

Thanks!
 
The serrations stay sharp for a very long time. I have a fully serrated endura in AUS 8 (hardly a wonder steel, especially compared with VG-10).

I cut aluminum cans in half, sawed through branchs, used it for everything that should have made it dull. It got pretty dull after 3 years. 3 years!

I wouldn't worry sharpening that much. It will still cut, long after plain edges have gone dull. It's not great for everything, but I like the full serrations a lot. Should you need to sharpen it, the cheapest way is to get a Gatco Tri-seps - there's a version that's the exact size of spydie's serrations. There might be better ways, but it works very well for me. (I managed to cut the *&^% out of myself after testing the edge - still thought it would be somewhat dull.) Enjoy your new knife, I'm sure it will give you many years of hard use. (I want one, love that design - maybe next paycheck.)
-- Rob
 
VG-10 steel is one about which one reads much praise. Not sure I recall any negative comments about it, to be truthful. As baraqyal
said, it surely should hold an edge longer than AUS8.

It is difficult to ascertain without a search just how much participation you've had on the Spyderco forum. Your post indicates little experience with the knives, so am assuming the same with the forum, and information which soon becomes known by those who frequent this forum.

The Spyderco Sharpmaker Mod. 204, is regarded by many as an excellent sharpening system. It comes with a video featuring Sal Glesser, showing one how to use the sharpener. I believe there is a book or manual also. It was designed to sharpen serrations as well as plain edges.

The Gatco TriSeps mentioned by baraqyal won an award for best accessory last year. It indeed has 3 corners which can be used for serrations. It is Lansky which has come out with 3 very similar little sharpeners, specifically made for Spyderco, Cold Steel, and I don't know the 3rd, serrations. All should be under $10 at a web vendor. I use the triseps a lot, but for some reason just can't get around to buying the Sharpmaker. I soon will though. The short little ceramic rod of the pocket varieties are more difficult to work on large blades with than the Sharpmaker. Both the Sharpmaker and the Gatco TS position the rods at angles. ALl the user must do is keep the edge perpendicular to the table/ground. Don't believe the Lansky products have the angled head of the Gatco.

Good luck! I think you will enjoy the plain edge a bit more when you get it.
 
Thanks for the info. I received the LUM Chinese serrated today. The serrated version actually looks better in hand than it does in pictures. I ordered a plain edge and it should be here next week.
Hopefully, I can get a blue handled one when they are available.
I will purchase a sharpener and practice on my old Cold Steel Voyager. It has a completely serrated blade and has seen some hard use. It will be a good knife to practice on.
 
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