One Reason I Reeeeaally Like Serrations

[Mistwalker]

Roger that, I misunderstood. I thought you were talking about stuff like doing a bow and drill under tactical conditions. Thanks for clarifying.

Oh god, for that I hope they have thermite! Or at least trioxane

 

[JUST1MOR]

My dad likes to say that using a wood stove to heat the house keeps you warm three ways--chopping the wood, stacking it, and burning it!

:thumbup: Smart father, expecially if he delegates this to the children . . .
Be safe.

 

[Mistwalker]

Ain't that the truth!

My dad likes to say that using a wood stove to heat the house keeps you warm three ways--chopping the wood, stacking it, and burning it!

Yep, by the time I got through splitting the wood and the kindling and carrying it all in I didn't even want a fire any more

 

[JUST1MOR]

Mist, I have to ask this & value yours & the others opinions. Keep in mind this is coming from a life long handgun addict who just recently (last 3 years or so) discovered the excitement, joys, thrills,wonder, & the awe of the knife world. I see a lot of replies in these posts saying "I like serrations / I don't like serrations", but no one is say WHY they do or don't. I myself, in this short span of time, have used both & can live with both. Is there something I am missing or something I have not run into in my short & non-experienced knife learning? As always, thanks for your posts, almost as good as spending an afternoon in the library . . . :thumbup:
Be safe.

 

[Mistwalker]

Mist, I have to ask this & value yours & the others opinions. Keep in mind this is coming from a life long handgun addict who just recently (last 3 years or so) discovered the excitement, joys, thrills,wonder, & the awe of the knife world. I see a lot of replies in these posts saying "I like serrations / I don't like serrations", but no one is say WHY they do or don't. I myself, in this short span of time, have used both & can live with both. Is there something I am missing or something I have not run into in my short & non-experienced knife learning? As always, thanks for your posts, almost as good as spending an afternoon in the library . . . :thumbup:
Be safe.

Under perfect conditions there is little that can be done with serrations that can not be done with a plain edge...I've just spent a lot of time operating under less than perfect conditions and like having them around. In the bush I like serrations for making notches and such with more control and less noise (think batonning) than with a plain edge and for quickly cutting through hide, cartilage, and sinew if needs be but that's about it. They come in more handy working with synthetic materials in an urbanized environment for me...but maybe that's just me.

 

[JUST1MOR]

Under perfect conditions there is little that can be done with serrations that can not be done with a plain edge...I've just spent a lot of time operating under less than perfect conditions and like having them around. In the bush I like serrations for making notches and such with more control and less noise (think batonning) than with a plain edge and for quickly cutting through hide, cartilage, and sinew if needs be but that's about it. They come in more handy working with synthetic materials in an urbanized environment for me...but maybe that's just me.

Mist, a little insight to file away for future use. Thanks for the help.
Be safe.

 

[kgd]

I never tried notching using serrations on a big knife before. As a rule, I'm not a big fan of notching with a big knife. I have done it with an RD-9, tried to do it with the scrapyard SOD (and gave up the attempt) and almost lost my left index finger first time I did it with Rick's S-curve. Whenever I do use a big knife, the batoning method is the one I prefer because my fingers are out of the way and the touch of arthritus in my left index finger knuckle is a good reminder of this. Otherwise, I'll use my SAK saw.

As for smaller knives, I'll disagree with Joezilla in that I found a scandi more difficult to notch with then a flat grind. This is more pronounced on wider spined scandi's when the notch you are making is deeper than the bevel width on the knife. The bevel has a bad habit of kicking the edge out of the notch there and you have to go at the shaping with the tip of the blade (I typically begin swearing at this point). A flat ground 1/8" thick blade in the 3.5" - 4" length seems effortless to notch with and even more preferable than using my SAK saw.

I do have an ESEE-3 serrated and will give notching a try though. I sort of curious but my intuition suggests I'll like plain edge better in this size of blade.

 

[Guyon]

I've got a couple of serrated Beckers I've been itching to try. This might just give me an excuse. Great thread as usual. :thumbup:

 

[nutnfancyfan]

off topic, but what do you think of the blade?

 

[ROCK6]

Mist, I have to ask this & value yours & the others opinions. Keep in mind this is coming from a life long handgun addict who just recently (last 3 years or so) discovered the excitement, joys, thrills,wonder, & the awe of the knife world. I see a lot of replies in these posts saying "I like serrations / I don't like serrations", but no one is say WHY they do or don't. I myself, in this short span of time, have used both & can live with both. Is there something I am missing or something I have not run into in my short & non-experienced knife learning? As always, thanks for your posts, almost as good as spending an afternoon in the library . . . :thumbup:
Be safe.

First, I'm not sure why, but about 90% of knives in most PX’s (even in Afghanistan/Iraq) carry partially serrated fixed and folding knives. I've used serrated knives as an improvised saw before and they will work, just not as good as a dedicated saw...however, improvisation is an essential requirement for my profession.

I'll add my two cents to Mistwalker's reply on serrated or partially serrated blades. I mostly use plain edges these days, but I have at times carried partially serrated or a dedicated fully-serrated knife (Spyderco Military). Even with a partially serrated edge, Soldiers will rough them up pretty bad and don't always get them very sharp in the field or don't have the time to put a decent working edge on a hard-used blade. The serrations will still be able to cut (or saw) through webbing, cord, wire, canvas, flex-cuffs, etc. If the knife user isn't going to religiously maintain his/her edge, those serrations are a God-send when needed. Also from a self-defense stand-point, serrations will shred through clothing...Spyderco has courses that really emphasize the effectiveness as a slashing defensive weapon.

There are also camps that will debate have serrations closer to the handle verse out at the tip of the blade (several SAK's have them that way). I'm not sure which is better (I like serrations closer to have the tip), but I've used all types of serrated knives and while I prefer a plain edge, I wouldn't be bothered by a fully or partially serrated knife; again, it's not the tool but the user and skill that make the difference. An EZE-LAP or Spyderco sharpener make it quite easy to touch up most serrated edges and the small section on my CR Project-1 is actually set up to sharpen like the rest of the plain edge...that's my preferred style of serrations outside of a dedicated, fully-serrated Spyderco blade.

Like I said, I'm not sure why most service members carry partially serrated knives, but I would suspect (after a few inspections) most don't spend a lot of effort keeping the plain edges sharp and if you run into some tougher material, those serrations come in handy.

Great review as usual Brian!:thumbup:

ROCK6

 

[Boondock Saint]

Hmmm. Very cool Pics Mist. You've got me wanting to try that with My RC-3 MIL serrations.

 

[hiwa]

Once again, a nice, informative post. I don't know why people frown on having a serrated knife. It's not like ALL your knives are going to be serrated. I just got an Esee 6 S recently for a carry-one-only and am very happy with it. Granted, Esees' serrations are not like the scalloped ones and they are easy to sharpen, but where the knife shines is it's versatility. Firestarting prep works awesome shaving with serrations. Firesteel striking is an option as well but I use a dedicated striker always to save the edge of whatever knife it is.
Out of over a couple hundred knives I have maybe 3 or 4 are serrated. I prefer PE, but serrated has it's place, especially in the bush.

 

[JUST1MOR]

First, I'm not sure why, but about 90% of knives in most PX’s (even in Afghanistan/Iraq) carry partially serrated fixed and folding knives. I've used serrated knives as an improvised saw before and they will work, just not as good as a dedicated saw...however, improvisation is an essential requirement for my profession. I'll add my two cents to Mistwalker's reply on serrated or partially serrated blades. I mostly use plain edges these days, but I have at times carried partially serrated or a dedicated fully-serrated knife (Spyderco Military). Even with a partially serrated edge, Soldiers will rough them up pretty bad and don't always get them very sharp in the field or don't have the time to put a decent working edge on a hard-used blade. The serrations will still be able to cut (or saw) through webbing, cord, wire, canvas, flex-cuffs, etc. If the knife user isn't going to religiously maintain his/her edge, those serrations are a God-send when needed. Also from a self-defense stand-point, serrations will shred through clothing...Spyderco has courses that really emphasize the effectiveness as a slashing defensive weapon. There are also camps that will debate have serrations closer to the handle verse out at the tip of the blade (several SAK's have them that way). I'm not sure which is better (I like serrations closer to have the tip), but I've used all types of serrated knives and while I prefer a plain edge, I wouldn't be bothered by a fully or partially serrated knife; again, it's not the tool but the user and skill that make the difference. An EZE-LAP or Spyderco sharpener make it quite easy to touch up most serrated edges and the small section on my CR Project-1 is actually set up to sharpen like the rest of the plain edge...that's my preferred style of serrations outside of a dedicated, fully-serrated Spyderco blade. Like I said, I'm not sure why most service members carry partially serrated knives, but I would suspect (after a few inspections) most don't spend a lot of effort keeping the plain edges sharp and if you run into some tougher material, those serrations come in handy. Great review as usual Brian!:thumbup:
ROCK6

ROCK6, thanks for your input as well. I have learned if you don't ask, you don't learn. There is so much knowledge on here, it's like having your own set of encyclopedias . . .
Good post, more for the files . .
Be safe.

 

[Mistwalker]

I do have an ESEE-3 serrated and will give notching a try though. I sort of curious but my intuition suggests I'll like plain edge better in this size of blade.

Hmmm. Very cool Pics Mist. You've got me wanting to try that with My RC-3 MIL serrations.

Thanks, I have a partially serrated 3MIL that I carry a lot just for things like this. The up-side to the RAT/ESEE serrations is their ease of maintenance, the down side is a loss of aggression. I like both types for different reasons. Either is a compromise of something, but I still like using the serrations on the 3MIL to help with making/cleaning notches in fire boards.

I've got a couple of serrated Beckers I've been itching to try. This might just give me an excuse. Great thread as usual. :thumbup:

I noticed that there was a version of the BK-2 with serrations available to military only. I have been wondereing what the serrated BK-2 looks like.

off topic, but what do you think of the blade?

I like it a lot actually. It reminds me of a Ka-Bar with a longer, straighter clip.

First, I'm not sure why, but about 90% of knives in most PX’s (even in Afghanistan/Iraq) carry partially serrated fixed and folding knives. I've used serrated knives as an improvised saw before and they will work, just not as good as a dedicated saw...however, improvisation is an essential requirement for my profession.

I'll add my two cents to Mistwalker's reply on serrated or partially serrated blades. I mostly use plain edges these days, but I have at times carried partially serrated or a dedicated fully-serrated knife (Spyderco Military). Even with a partially serrated edge, Soldiers will rough them up pretty bad and don't always get them very sharp in the field or don't have the time to put a decent working edge on a hard-used blade. The serrations will still be able to cut (or saw) through webbing, cord, wire, canvas, flex-cuffs, etc. If the knife user isn't going to religiously maintain his/her edge, those serrations are a God-send when needed. Also from a self-defense stand-point, serrations will shred through clothing...Spyderco has courses that really emphasize the effectiveness as a slashing defensive weapon.

There are also camps that will debate have serrations closer to the handle verse out at the tip of the blade (several SAK's have them that way). I'm not sure which is better (I like serrations closer to have the tip), but I've used all types of serrated knives and while I prefer a plain edge, I wouldn't be bothered by a fully or partially serrated knife; again, it's not the tool but the user and skill that make the difference. An EZE-LAP or Spyderco sharpener make it quite easy to touch up most serrated edges and the small section on my CR Project-1 is actually set up to sharpen like the rest of the plain edge...that's my preferred style of serrations outside of a dedicated, fully-serrated Spyderco blade.

Like I said, I'm not sure why most service members carry partially serrated knives, but I would suspect (after a few inspections) most don't spend a lot of effort keeping the plain edges sharp and if you run into some tougher material, those serrations come in handy.

Great review as usual Brian!:thumbup:

ROCK6

Thanks Rock, glad you liked the post.

That's exactly what I meant by less than perfect circumstances. Usually the serrated part of a 50/50 edge gets a lot less use day to day. There fore by the time the p.e. section is getting dull the serrations are still pretty sharp and serviceable if you find yourself in a pinch at a bad time.

I know the philosphy that knives make poor saws and saws make poor knives...and i do agree. I just also happen to feel like a poor anything is better than no anything when you need that...thing

Once again, a nice, informative post. I don't know why people frown on having a serrated knife. It's not like ALL your knives are going to be serrated. I just got an Esee 6 S recently for a carry-one-only and am very happy with it. Granted, Esees' serrations are not like the scalloped ones and they are easy to sharpen, but where the knife shines is it's versatility. Firestarting prep works awesome shaving with serrations. Firesteel striking is an option as well but I use a dedicated striker always to save the edge of whatever knife it is.
Out of over a couple hundred knives I have maybe 3 or 4 are serrated. I prefer PE, but serrated has it's place, especially in the bush.

I use the seration closest to the handle as a dedicated fire steel striker on a lot of my serrated knives...the 3MIL and TOPS Blackstar in particular.

 

[caine]

Ok I think 90 % of soldiers use part serration is one that's about all the Px carries and or they could care less. Its a knife and it cuts. Most I've seen are super dul lol. Not me though. I carried a reeves green beret in 2003- 2004 that's part serr. But that's the only way it comes. Given a choice I perfer plain edges. Why no reason I have used serrations like mistwalkers does and I have known for years what there capable of esp spyderco stlye. Now sawteeth I'm all about. Lol

 

[j_d]

I enjoyed the post. Its good to see a dirty knife being used instead of just being ogled and photographed like a centerfold.

FWIW I'll throw my 2cents worth into the serrated issue. Is the serrated edge shown factory or has it been sharpened? The only serrated blade I still own is in my leatherman and I try to never use it for fear of dulling it. I leave it in reserve for emergency rope or seatbelt cutting. My straight blades, leatherman and others get used heavily because I an confident in my ability to sharpen them. I have come to view the serrated edges as disposable because I cant resharpen them. Its the same reason I dont buy light sticks and comercial firestarters. I figure if i cant maintain it I can't rely on it. I am also concerned that in the unlikely event of heavy chopping they might be more likely to chip. Anyway, thanks for the post.
Josh

 

[Mistwalker]

I enjoyed the post. Its good to see a dirty knife being used instead of just being ogled and photographed like a centerfold.

FWIW I'll throw my 2cents worth into the serrated issue. Is the serrated edge shown factory or has it been sharpened? The only serrated blade I still own is in my leatherman and I try to never use it for fear of dulling it. I leave it in reserve for emergency rope or seatbelt cutting. My straight blades, leatherman and others get used heavily because I an confident in my ability to sharpen them. I have come to view the serrated edges as disposable because I cant resharpen them. Its the same reason I dont buy light sticks and comercial firestarters. I figure if i cant maintain it I can't rely on it. I am also concerned that in the unlikely event of heavy chopping they might be more likely to chip. Anyway, thanks for the post.
Josh

Thanks, all my knives get dirty the first time out...usually scratched up too

These serrations are still factory., but I have some small round files and small ceramic rods I use to sharpen them with when they get dull. A couple of companies make small tapered diamond rod pocket sharpeners that work well too.

 

[cody1]

Nice Mist!!

 

[Mistwalker]

Nice Mist!!

Thanks Cody, glad you enjoyed it!

 

[KiljoyKutlery]

Great post Mist,
You know what..I have really been changing in the way I look at my collection. I still think for carving wood, Scandi X 1/8" is the way to go...but as far as going into the woods and bumming around..I find that I need my Chopper more than my whittler. And you know what could fit on a chopper, serrations..and not mess with performance at all.
That way you have them...if you need them.
BUT

Wait for it.....


Why not a Saw Back knife? To thick maybe?