If I bought a Spyderco...

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YoungCutter

Joined
Sep 17, 2001
Messages
1,218
Hey guys... hypothetically if I was to buy a Spyderco that didn't have 40/60 has an option... should I go for the PlainEdge or the SpyderEdge, typically I prefer combo edges so I can use the serrated for rough stuff (like cardboard and rope) and the plain part for more precise, softer work. But say I had to pick one or the other... Plain or Serrated?
Also, the Spyderco site says that the sharpening kits they sell will work just fine for their SpyderEdge, it was my understand that trying to sharpen a serrated edge on my own was a bad idea... has this changed?

Now take notice, this isn't to say for sure I chose the Spydie... but it's a much more serious consideration than it used to be thanks to these fantastic support stories.
 
I started out getting combo blades mostly but later found plain edge could do just about any normal task I needed as long as the edge was kept up so I now have no serrated or combo. However, for heavier tasks or a camping type knife I would probably go back to a combo. For the stuff you listed, if you keep your edge up, plain will do you just fine.

As far as the Sharpmaker... I have the 204 and sharpening serrations is a piece of cake. It takes a bit longer than plain but they come out incredibly sharp. If you get a chance to watch the video it demonstrates all sharpening techniques including chainsaw blades, pinking shears, and fish hooks. It really is a do all type sharpener. However, some say it is more of a 'sharp-keeper' meaning that it is a great set up to 'keep' or maintain a knife sharp whereas if you had a really dulled/folded over edge then you may have trouble removing enough metal to re-profile your blade. I believe, though, that they are coming up with some new diamond stones for the Sharpmaker which may make a difference.

Hope this helps and if not... Buy both! You can always sell the one you choose not to carry in the FS/FT area.

Best of luck,
Shawn
 
I think you will find the plain edge will do everything you want a knife to do, and do it well.

Paul
 
I strongly prefer plain edge. Recently, I came up with what seems like the perfect setup: I keep a small, full-serrated folder floating around in my left pocket (a blue Delica), and that allows me to carry any plain-edged main knife I want, knowing that I have some serrations laying around in case I come across some seriously thick rope and I've forgotten to sharpen for a long time.
 
Why not buy a Dyad? That'll give you BOTH a plain-edge blade, AND a fully-serrated blade.:).
 
I have 4 spydies on me right now...
Wegner jr, 40/60, in right pocket
Delica, plain, in left pocket
SS Dragonfly, plain, IWB/right
Tufram Cricket, serrated, IWB/left

The knife depends on the task, the IWB are for use around sheeple, the pockets are normal use. I started with plain, and only moved to serrated knives this yr(after 12 yrs of using knives).

a plain edge will do most of your daily tasks, but some small things (about 10% of use) need serrations.

Re: Sharpmaker...
I bought my 204 on monday(1 week ago). I have sharpened up each and every one of my knives since then(all 38 of them). My 3 with serrations(2 spydies and a UC scorpion 2) all did well. By using the proper equipment, you can get your serrations sharper than factory(in most cases).
 
I, too, started buying combo-edged blades, but later switched to plain edged. They are generally more useful for a wider range of applications and are much easier to maintain in razor-sharp condition.

That said, I have some fully-serrated blades such as the Spydie Military and Police. These come in handy when I know I will be cutting large amounts of tough, fibrous material.

Glockman's suggestion is a good one.
 
I strongly prefer plain edge blades for EDC, but since the cost of the FRN Spydercos is so reasonable I always make sure that I've got a serrated one around the house. My old serrated Endura cuts more food, opens more packages and does more tough cutting jobs than any of my other knives it seems.

PM
 
After many years of carrying only pl. edged knives, I've just recently (this past year) discovered how useful serrations really are. An aggressively serrated blade - Spyderco makes the best - will successfully tackle nearly any nasty chore you come up against. I own a farm and am doing a lot of remodeling. A fully serrated tactical in my right pocket, a quality pl. edge traditional for more precise cutting in my left pocket, and a Leatherman on my belt, works good for me.
 
Plain edge. I have the ol' 203 Sharpmaker. I've resharpened a few serrated knives with it. No problem.


Blades
 
Did I mention i'm kinda... negligent about care of my knife? That is to say... I won't sharpen it for months, but when I do i've no problem spendings hours on the task :)
 
Originally posted by YoungCutter
Did I mention i'm kinda... negligent about care of my knife? That is to say... I won't sharpen it for months, but when I do i've no problem spendings hours on the task :)
Click to expand...

Then get a serrated. It probably will take hours, though, depending on how hard you use it during those months.

I think that the versatility of a plain edge would be worth changing your sharpening habits, though.
 
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