Origin of Serrated Pocket and Fixed Blades

[Dr Heelhook]

I was trying to look up the oldest relatively modern serrated knives I could find. Al Mar (who apparently was working for Gerber at the time) put the serrations on the Gerber Mark II in the '70's, which I believe predated Spyderco knives (Source: Wikipedia).

What other vintage combat knives came with serrations back in the day?

 

[22-rimfire]

The first serrated knives were probably made from Flint and Obsidian.

 

[Minnesota Man]

I believe they were invented long before man walked the earth. There was a legendary monster that swam with a mouth full of double edged serrated edc knives. Decendants of this flippered knife nut still roam the deep to this day.

In all seriousness though I believe the OP is asking specifically when they became popular on folding knives. To which I agree it was likely Spyderco that popularized serrations on folders. However those early Spyderco serrates folders seem to usually be mostly serrated with a tiny bit of plain edge at the tip.

I wonder who first popularized the “combo edge” we often see today with only the last 1/3 of the edge serrated. This seems to have become very prevalent in cheap knives.

I was mainly curious about knives that are relatively modern and NOT used in the kitchen. I got some great responses. Wasn't referring to flint knapped knives. But I love learning all aspects of edged tools and weapons.

 

[Lapedog]

I was mainly curious about knives that are relatively modern and NOT used in the kitchen. I got some great responses. Wasn't referring to flint knapped knives. But I love learning all aspects of edged tools and weapons.

Yeah I don’t know why I wrote you meant folders. I was thinking modern knives but wrote folders for some reason.

I was going to say the flamberge or kris are sort of like a serrated knife in function. (Not really) Those indian examples from above appear to be actually serrated.

I have seen some old serrated knives from the islamic world as well, particularly from the causcus area. (Can’t find the pics)

But in terms of modern knives I believe as stated above Spyderco helped popularize serrations. However as I noted many of their old Serrated models seem to be fully serrated with a tiny run of plain edge at the tip. I am curious who started the trend in combo edge knives where the serrations are only at the part of the blade closest fo the handle.

 

[Wowbagger]

A

I never really got the "serrations are like a saw" thing.

Actually they are very much like a cross cut saw teeth configuration which cuts across the fibers on the push stroke as well as the pull stroke; as opposed to a rip saw where the teeth are more like a row of tiny chisels that cut only in one direction. Cutting wood cross grain the fibers are some what like cutting a rope so the comparison is apt.

As far as the wharncliffe points in a row a cross cut saw is like dagger points in a row . . . flat sided daggers.

Here is a photo of the highly effective Japanese cross cut saw pattern


Here is the Western cross cut saw pattern


In addition, microscopically, about any knife edge that is a plain edge has super small teeth from the abrasive scratches at the edge. Again . . . like a saw.

 

[Wowbagger]

There has to be some serration history in the mariner-world as well; serrations are quite effective at cutting the heavy hemp and nylon ropes.

One would think . . . and I'm not saying that's not true but all the Elephant Toe knives and Sunfish Knives etc which were used by sailors, rough necks, miners and loggers working with rope . . . I have never seen a single one that was serrated.
I love these things; I really do need to get a real one some day.

 

[Wowbagger]

The first serrated knives were probably made from Flint and Obsidian.

I think there is an echo in here.

 

[James Y]

As far as Spyderco goes, IIRC, I read (in The Spyderco Story) that Sal was inspired to design serrated blades by observing serrations in nature, such as shark's teeth, blades of grass, etc., etc. The main purpose was for efficient utility cutting, and NOT originally focused on use as a weapon.

Jim

 

[22-rimfire]

One would think . . . and I'm not saying that's not true but all the Elephant Toe knives and Sunfish Knives etc which were used by sailors, rough necks, miners and loggers working with rope . . . I have never seen a single one that was serrated.
I love these things; I really do need to get a real one some day.

View attachment 894632

That Sunfish looks like a Frost. I have one but also have a GEC #36. The 36 is one hunk of a pocket knife. Give one a try. They are only getting more expensive....

I think there is an echo in here.

I believe you're right about the echo. But did you say Obsidian in your post?

 

[marcinek]

One would think . . . and I'm not saying that's not true but all the Elephant Toe knives and Sunfish Knives etc which were used by sailors, rough necks, miners and loggers working with rope . . . I have never seen a single one that was serrated.
I love these things; I really do need to get a real one some day.

I believe those were not serrated because they were not used by "sawing" through the rope. They were used by placing the blade on the rope and whacking the spine of the blade with a baton. Hence whey they are so heftily built.

Believe.