Plain Edge, Combo or Full Serrated

WoodenChicken said:
Sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm kind of new to knives, or should I say quality knives.
I have mostly plain edge knives, mostly because I believe them to be much easier to sharpen. What are some pros/ cons between PE and serrated or combo?
Is there anything a serrated knife can do that would not be possible with a plain edge? And vice-versa?
Thanks.

To Life---
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From your stance I would suggest a Plain edge. Serrations are time consuming to sharpen compared to a straight edge and not something a newbie really wants to tangle with. It took me years to learn how to sharpen a knife properly as it is more of an art than a skill and serrations were among my graduate lessons. I mean plenty of people can do a half baked job of sharpening serrations but to do it right can be a pain. I would suggest getting a nice plain edge and if you find over time that you really need something more aggressive then maybe look into serrations. Personally I have yet to find any material that you cut with a knife (In other words lots of people use the wrong tool for the wrong job) that a nice sharp well mantained plain edge can't do that a serrated edge can. I hear lots of guys talk about ropes and such... my Rukus goes through rope like a freakin laser because I keep it razor sharp. I noticed serrations can get in the way when you need to use the entire blade for evenly slicing material. Lot's of folks like serrations cause they look cool. But I have always been a fan of plain edges and found serrations to just be an uneeded addition.
 
I use razor sharp pain edges exclusively. If I need to cut through rope then I use a hatchet or baton the blade through the rope. That is actualy the way that they used to teach men to cut rope in the navy. Serations require far more time to sharpen so I avoid them since they don't offer me any real gain for all the extra effort.
 
I like plain edge, though fully serrated isn't bad.
I tend not to buy combo edge knives.
 
jacknife said:
I never liked serrated blades until I bought a Victorinox OHTrekker.

I still prefer a plain edge for most cutting I do, but I must say the OHT has made me appreciate that serrations can be very useful in some situations.

If I couldn't get near a sharpener for a few days I'd take my OHT with its serrations over a plain edged knife.
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I agree, I like how the sreeations are at the front as well, and the chisel grind is where you need it, by your hand.

My OHT serrations are still going strong after over a year, and I use it a lot.

My buddy in the infantry says he uses a serrated blade exclusivly on base,
as he is mainly opening MREs and boxes and the like, but when camping or in the woods he prefers a PE.

It really depends on what you are doing with the knife.
 
I prefer full plain edges on my knives. Easier to sharpen, and I just like them. My only combo is with the Veff serrations from CRKT and the Assist from Spyderco.
 
I do not like serrated knives as I really don't have any applications in which that type of blade excels. Currently my only serrated blade is a Victorinox Bundeswehr SAK where the font half of the blade is serrated. The serrations are not aggressive or fancy in design. They work well but I would prefer all plain edge.
 
What are the most used knives amongst chefs, meat-workers and fisherman? Ever wondered why? Serrated has its place but there are so many variations on the theme that you just about have to use a different tool or technique on each to sharpen :barf:. I prefer to cut rather than saw so the PE gets my :thumbup: - and a small steel or stone is all you need for field sharpening - I've even resorted to fine emery paper, bricks and rocks on occasion -(don't laugh - how do you think Arkansas stone became popular) - try doing that with a serrated edge
 
serrations are evil and will make your car leak oil, raise your taxes, and cause your house to burn down. okay maybe not but i still don't like them. i like plain edge knifes, hate combos and would only consider a full serrated if i was working around rope or fibrous materials i had to cut on a daily basis. that being said quite a few people really like them. whatever floats your boat.
 
Lot's of threads about this! PE also for me. Serrations are okay and like stated if I had to get a blade with Serrations it would be the OHT, but as you know and read serrations can be a pain to get sharp once they get dull but with a PE, much easier for the average user.
 
I allways carry a full serrated Endura in my truck for emergencies or some nasty cutting job, but I always carry a plain edge in my pocket.
 
I own and will use any of the three configurations, depending on the knife/what I want to do. I own a Sharpmaker and haven't had any trouble whatsoever resharpening serrations, at least Spyderco's or Benchmade's serrations. Though for most uses I prefer PE, there are times I've gotten great use out of SE or CE blades. For a CE, I personally prefer a blade around 3.5" to 4" long so there's enough of each edge style.
Jim
 
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