Plain edge or serrated?

You guys keep weighing in on this question.

I keep sending links to these threads internally and they create incredible new product discussions.

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CJ Buck
Buck Knives, Inc.
AKTI Member #PR00003


 
I used to like serrated blades but now I am more into to plain ones thats why I carry one of each.
smile.gif
 
Another reason for plain edge: Although I have been through airport security recently with no problems carrying my Crosslock DB, I hear some people have trouble with their knives because they have serrations. Supposedly non-serrated, plain edge is more acceptable to security checkpoints.

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"A knifeless man is a lifeless man"
-Nordic proverb

 
Thanks for the feedback CJ. Looks like this thread is working.

Keep it coming guys.

Brian, I have one ATS34 plain Odyssey left, if you're interested.

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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
(Buy a gun....Piss off a liberal!)
La Mesa, Kalifornica
wrightknife@ixpres.com

 
Plain, PLAIN, P-L-A-I-N!!!

IMHO, you're losing sales because you lack the option of plain edges on some of your choice blades. If I could vote 100 times, every one would be "plain". Call me old fashioned, but I believe knives were originally made to cut things that a straight edge can cut. If your job or pasttime includes cutting massive amounts of heavy rope, webbing, or hose, then get a fully serrated blade! Otherwise, a plain edge can do the job! (And is a whole lot easier to sharpen.) If you're really concerned about being able to cut everything out there, then get the Crosslock Double Blade, and have your cake and eat it too! This is soon to become my daily carry, (as David Williams stated it is his). (Soon - because I have yet to purchase it!) I've had my eye on it for ages. I think it's the answer to the combo edge (which I think ruins the blade), unless you'd rather carry two separate knives. I'd rather have the two blades in one handle.

IMHO - the Crosslock Double Blade is the "best of both worlds", and the 'Combo' edge is the worst of both worlds - it messes up either a good straight edge, or a good serrated edge, depending on which way you look at it (and I personally tend to look at it the former way!).

Buck - Want to sell more knives? Offer a straight edge in every style of blade you make.

Plain, PLAIN, P-L-A-I-N!!!
smile.gif


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Cutting through all the muck,
we get to what's really important.

John 3:3-7

God Bless You!
 
I'm basically a plain edge guy too although I have a few with combo edges. The best of the bunch are NOT 50/50 but rather blades with sufficient straight edge belly with a small serrated area near the choil. The ratio differs depending on the design. The only exception I've found is my Starmate which has a 50/50 blade but seems to afford sufficient plain edge nontheless.

-=[Bob]=-
 
plain edge
buck 182CF PLAIN EDGE PLEASE

[This message has been edited by tpaulos (edited 16 August 1999).]
 
Why not make plain and serrated blades? Serrated are really hard to sharpen, but have their uses. Plain is real easy to sharpen, and is also good. I'm still partial to a plain and serrated edge, gives me best of both worlds. My Cuda is half and half, 2 inches of each blade type. I'd prefer a half serrated Oddessy myself, but would but a plain one if it was all they had. All serrated seems to be a Spyderco thing thou, not as many are like that.
 
My vote goes to Partial

I would have to say that i am finding the Odyssey's half serrated edge more effective for my purposes than any of my plain edge blades. It suprised me at first too. Before now all i have had are plain edge. And the plain edge have one thing going for them... they are much prettier, in my opinion. Completely serrated knives do nothing for me. And as for the idea of carrying 2 knifes, thats not always posible. I work at a college, and keep having troubles justifying just one.
 
Plain edges only for me. I don't buy anything with serrations because I'm left-handed.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
I'll cast my vote for a straight blade. I have no use for serrated blades and don't particularly like the looks of them. I reckon they have their uses, but I'll take a sharp straight blade any day.


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John Foresman
Lifetime member Buck collectors club
Member NKCA
Member AKTI
 
I'll have to go with a straight edge for most
uses, although a fully serrated blade would
come in handy at times. Hmmm...how about a
110 with a fully serrated blade, checkered
walnut scales and nickle silver bolsters???



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Dave Fortman

~Buck Collectors Club~
~Lifetime Member #736~
 
Plain,

But i think fully serrated knives look cool! Of course "cool" isnt always the best one for quartering up an elk!

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Joe Houser
Director of Quality, Buck Knives Inc.
Buck Collectors club Administrator
 
Plain, straight and sharp edge any day of the week. On a working lockblade folder it provides durability, versatility and ease of re-sharpening. Serrated blades have their use in certain arenas. Examples include the kitchen, and as tools for emergency rescue personnel, i.e quick cutting of seatbelts or lines. Serrated edges are not very durable under hard use. I do believe that the Spyderco Sharpmaker is the best sharpening system on the market though, for both serrated and non-serrated blades. It quickly and cleanly sharpens all knives and tools. As for hunting uses, men have been hunting and dressing game for many many years with straight edged knives. Hunters have used straight edged knives for dressing game long before the "serrated revolution"! Experienced hunters always have two knives, and big game hunters have a field axe for dressing use. The axe handles bone, cartilidge and tendons better than any serrated blade knife. As far as blade steel goes, 440C gets my vote hands down. I totally dislike 420HC, does not hold an edge long enough. Junk as far as I'm concerned! ATS34 does not get my vote either. Folders with ATS34 blades have began to surface rust simply from riding in my pocket during one day. BG42 does however impress me. As far as corrosion resistance goes for the 440C; keep it cleaned and well oiled, and dry it as soon as possible after it gets wet. There is no such thing as steel that does not corrode. Maintain and treat yours tools well, and they treat you well. I swear by my 20+ years old Buck 110. It is a treasured possession that has served me well. It is a straight edged 440C steel lockback. The best ever made. Al Buck knew what he was doing when he made the Folding Hunter!!!
Originally posted by Joe Houser:
Plain,

But i think fully serrated knives look cool! Of course "cool" isnt always the best one for quartering up an elk!
Click to expand...

 
PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN, PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,PLAIN,Idon't like serated edges.

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=========================
I can't think of anything 'cut' to say.
mike o
member;Buck Collectors Club
North Star Blade Collectors
 
Seems to be THE topic,
biggrin.gif
, is any one counting the votes? My vote goes to PLLLain
cool.gif


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Have a KNIFE day,
fmcanoe
 
It's interesting how this topic has been revived and taken off again. I originally posted it almost a year ago.

The initial idea was to try and get enough data to convince Buck Knives that they should bring back the plain edge ATS34 blade in the odyssey.

It didn't work, even though the overwhelming share of the response went to the plain edge. I was mystified at first but, after several months I realized that, surveys aside, actual sales go the other way.

Sales on knives with partially serrated blades lead plain edge sales with a ratio of about 70% comboedge to 30% plain. Those figures pertain to other brands that offer many models in all three configurations such as Spyderco, Benchmade, Columbia River and others as well. The full serrated blades, when offered, lag both of the other types by even more.

The interesting thing is that these figures don't track with all models. When Buck made the 110 with a partially serrated blade it bombed. I have several of them in stock and they hardly move at all. Maybe some models just can't overcome tradition. Also, the Strider folder was offered in plain only and sold out almost immediately with only one customer asking about a partially serrated edge and I had 15 of them.

I guess the bottom line is that this exercise has shown, at least to me, two things:

1. Buck knew what they were doing when they dropped the plain blade ATS34 Odyssey.

2. Surveys, while interesting, don't always reflect the real world.

The other thing that is clear to me is that forums like these aren't representative of the "average" knife buying public. While the BFC membership may be over 4000, the actual number of folks who post here regularly is probably much less than 10% of that number and, most likely, closer to 5%.

All that aside, I would still like to see the ATS34 Odyssey with a plain blade, maybe with the CF handles or G10. Same for the Lightning in CF.

DW

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Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods
1-800-400-1980
("Have a knife day!")
wrightknife@ixpres.com
 
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