Plain edge or partial serrations for an EDC knife

R

rob5

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Jul 10, 2006
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I am new to knife collecting, having only one knife that I use for hunting trips (SOG Seal Pup). I am looking at various EDC knives (the SOG Trident, Emerson) and was curious as to what people thought about a plain edge versus a partially serated one. Do you find the serrations useful and what do you tend to use it for? Or do you preffer a plain edge.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Personally I could count the times serrations would better suit me in a given task on one hand. Everyone's situation is different though.

If I thought I were going to need a serrated knife, I'd pick up a small fully serrated Spyderco to compliment my plain edge EDC. Something like a Delica, Harpy, Native or Caly jr. With serrations I would think you'd do more sawing motions than push cutting, so the length would be useful.

If I were going to go with combo edge, I'd want at least 3.5 inches of cutting edge so I had a decent amount of each type of edge.
 
Usually, if a knife is sharp enough, a plain edge blade will suffice. For aggressive cutting on rope and cardboard, some prefer serrations. As Vivi stated, the serrated portion of blade needs to be long enough to be effective, otherwise go with plain edge.
 
I agree with Vivi, I just don't need serrations that often...hardly ever.
I prefer a plain-edge for an EDC.
 
I am using a BM 814, Mini-AFCK, and a Spyderco C25, Centofante, partially serrated as EDC, but mostly when I am outside the city, and I'm very satisfied. But normally I have a plain EDC, e.g. BM 850 or Spyderco Delica C11 with me. Earlier I had a fully serrated Spyderco Calypso, Harpy and C11, Centofante, but it didn't work out. But I agree with VIVI, if you can forsee, what you want to do and serrations will be needed so it is good to have 2 knives, a plane one and a serrated one.
 
I am using a BM 814, Mini-AFCK, and a Spyderco C25, Centofante, partially serrated as EDC, but mostly when I am outside the city, and I'm very satisfied. But normally I have a plain EDC, e.g. BM 850 or Spyderco Delica C11 with me. Earlier I had a fully serrated Spyderco Calypso, Harpy and C11, Centofante, but it didn't work out. But I agree with VIVI, if you can forsee, what you want to do and serrations will be needed so it is good to have 2 knives, a plane one and a serrated one.
 
One of the things that I've found with my Delica 4 in CE, is that there is not quite enough of each for what I do,which is the simple day to day stuff. Not that it can't be done, per se, just have to be a little more careful. My CE did work better as the points wore down a bit, though. Didn't snag near as much:) On a larger blade, though, like an Endura 3/4 a CE works well, but then you also have a lot more edge available. I tend to carry both a Delica 4 in PE and SE depending on what I want to do. PE probably handles just about everything for what I do during the week. My Enduras get used on weekends in yardwork, etc.

- gord
 
Both of my EDC knives have partial serrations. There have been many times I used the serrations without the plain edge.

There has never been a time I wished that the serrations were not there.
 
Hey Guys...

I mostly like plain blades,, however...
Either Plain edge or fully serrated...
Don't like combo too much..

ttyle

Eric
O/ST
 
Chipperman said:
Both of my EDC knives have partial serrations. There have been many times I used the serrations without the plain edge.

There has never been a time I wished that the serrations were not there.
Click to expand...
Exactly. All my knives are combo-edge (except for a fully serrated Spyderco Police) and there is plenty of each edge to go around. Most of my knives are over 3.5" though. I never know when I'm going to want a serrated edge and I'm not going to have to carry 2 different folders every day so combo edge is the way to go.
 
I've gone back and forth on this issue and have landed with the opinion that a 3.5 inch blade minimum length is all I'd consider for a partial serrated edge.

And, yes, partial serrations can be advantageous; it just depends upon your cutting needs (as mentioned, the plastics, the fibrous stuff, etc.).

Ideally, you could barrow a knife or three and try the different blades for a couple weeks each.

Personnaly, I prefer plain edges, but I still switch out when I feel it is advantageous to do so.
 
If you are new to this, I would suggest getting a Partial... All my knives that I EDC are partially serrated. I do not use it ALL the time, but when I need to... guess what... It's there. I would start with a partial, and see if you use it that much. I mean at least you would have it. If it gets in the way or you don't use it.. then at least you know the next time.

I wouldn't bank on everyone's idea of what to get as noone lives the same way as the other. You may find plenty of uses for it... you may not.

But as they say... "Tis better to HAVE and NOT NEED, than to NEED and not HAVE."

YMMV,

DM
 
I prefer plain edge blades because sharpenign is easier and I can get a razor sharp edge on the knife...I carry a knife every single time I leave my house but I don't use them that often, and I have yet to use the serrations on ym combo edge knifes, I just have no need for them but thats because the cutting jobs I do are simple, and usually small...so a plaine dge blade is perfect for ME, but what about you? Everyones different!
 
I dont like partial. The plain edge can be rough sharpened (about 300 grit) on the blade where you need it the most (i prefer the 1st edge on a tanto rough sharpened for cutting thorny things without the thorny things cutting me). If you really like a serrated get a fully serrated and carry it too with a plain edge knife (two knives are better than one :)).
 
I have to agree with sog in that if you want serrations go fully serrated since it gives you more room for the saw like actions you will most likely be using...a combo edge is a good design in ym opinion but on larger blades...
 
I never did care for partial serrations, they always get in my way. I managed to buy a Spyderco C44P&S Dyad which solved the problem nicely. One plain edge, one fully serrated edge, all in one package. So you CAN have your cake and eat it, too. :D
 
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