Plain, Serrated, or Combo ?

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Sep 28, 2007
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Don't know much about knives but I'm going to order a few good ones. I have a Leatherman Wave and notice I use both the plain edge blade and the serrated one a lot. Maybe the serrated one more than the other. Paper and cardboard, but also small plants, food (fruits, vegetables, bread). Plain, Serrated, or Combo ? Which one do you like most, what tasks do you use it for ?
 
This is a common question. I'll give my standard answer.
I like plain edge because it does more things well than a serrated.
The serrated shines at cutting cordage and can probably go longer without sharpening, but it doesn't do well at making clean cuts. I like making clean cuts and don't cut much cordage.
Most folks find that a combo edge doesn't give you enough of either type to be truly useful.
 
I have a wave as well that I carry everywhere. It's a great tool. I use everything on it. Both serrated and plain blades. I use the serration to cut straps and cord. The straight blade for everything else that you use a knife for. And I always keep it on me in the car in case I need to cut a safety belt or someone else's.
 
Plain or fully serrated. Not combo. At least not on a 3-4" knife. Don't worth it.
 
I have to say, please try Spyderco's full serrated edge. (Caly 3 is a great one to try!)

Spyderco serrations do NOT rip cardboard if they are sharp.
(FYI the Spyderco sharp maker is great for sharpening Serrations and Plain edge)


A lot of people are going to say plain edge, BUT I feel full serrated edge is great for EDC. That means sharp serrations though, a dull plain edge will rip as it cuts just like a dull Serrated edge. I have some $400 to $500 folders, and a ton in the $100-$200 range. Do you know what my most carried EDC is?.............


My full serrated edge Caly 3 and my full Serrated edge Military. Both added together can be had for under $200 (well under). My experience has been with lots of folders (do a search under my name in the exchange) and while yes I have "more" expensive folders...................I always come back to my full serrated edge Caly 3, and my full serrated edge Military. Why? because they cut better (MUCH BETTER) They do not rip as they cut, if sharp.

Please try Spyderco's full serrated edge, before you knock it. (hint hint "Caly3";))

Yes this is just one man's opinion, But I have spent a ton of money looking for the "right" EDC, and I always go back the full Serrated edge! ALWAYS!

Yes I still have my higher dollar knives, because I'm a knife knut (as are most everyone visiting bladeforums), but my everyday is 98% always a Full Serrated Edge!

Nobody does Serrations better than Spyderco!!! :cool:
 
Mine must not be sharp.
 
I feel a Combo Edge is a lot like drinking Wine. (An acquired taste)

Once you see the usefulness of a Full Serrated Edge, you can appreciate a Combo edge. You will understand that if you go combo edge, you MUST keep the serrations sharp and they will serve you well (very well!!!).

I have in the past hated the combo edge, and now I have the experience (acquired taste) to see the Full usefulness of a Combo Edge.

Guess what edge my Sebenza is?........................................



Combo edge, and I could not be more happier with my choice!!!

here she is in all her Combo Edge glory
IMG_5525.jpg



Yes a Combo Edge is a great choice, but only if you keep them serrations sharp.

Just try Serrations before you say you don't like them. :cool:
 
And here is a link to a thread I started a few weeks ago trying to find a Knife Maker to grind a Full Serrated Edge in my SNG! (around a $400 dollar knife;))

Click me to see the thread
I want a Serrated edge on my SNG! PM me of you know of anyone that can do it (please?).
IMG_5537.jpg
 
I guess you could say I like Full Serrated edge
lotsofSE.jpg


and I just added this gem to the Family
IMG_5746.jpg
 
Plain or fully serrated. Combo is okay on a large fixed blade, but on a 3" delica, kinda restricting
 
Sorry for the all the posts and pictures, but I really feel tons of people say they don't like Serrations because they have never really gave them a fair shot.
 
I think it depends!

I find the serrations on my RAT7 and TAK1 to be very, very useful.
But there's plenty of plain edge to do stuff that plain edges are good at.

On folders up to about 3.5 inches, I like to go with PE or SE.

At about 4 inches, I think a comboedge can be very useful.

Generally, I carry one SE (for example an Endura 4 or Delica 3), and one PE (for example a Benchmade 530 or Delica 3.)
 
On folders up to about 3.5 inches, I like to go with PE or SE.

At about 4 inches, I think a comboedge can be very useful.

Generally, I carry one SE (for example an Endura 4 or Delica 3), and one PE (for example a Benchmade 530 or Delica 3.)

I would agree 100%, my Sebbie is a Large, so yes Combo edge works great on this knife. I would agree a 3 inch blade would not benefit from a combo edge. :cool:

Also, I have to add that I hardly EVER use my full Serrated edges with a sawing motion. Yes you can saw with them, but I use then just like you would a plain edge.
 
some knives to me dont look right plain edge, the spyderco civilian and police come to mind.

other than that though i prefer plain edge all the way, cuts better, easier to sharpen, unless ya cut lotsa rope no real need for a SE imho.

FWIW very very few custom knives have serrated edges, in all my days i have seen one pardue which was a combo edge.
 
This is a common question. I'll give my standard answer.
I like plain edge because it does more things well than a serrated.
The serrated shines at cutting cordage and can probably go longer without sharpening, but it doesn't do well at making clean cuts. I like making clean cuts and don't cut much cordage.
Most folks find that a combo edge doesn't give you enough of either type to be truly useful.

There you go. But I prefer plain edged knives.
 
All the above is true, now that being said.
Serrated = evil unless attacked by rope,fishing nets, or fire hose.
Combo = bigger evil, with bells on.
Plain edge = my personal preference.
as usual your mileage may vary, not valid in Canada or the U.S. Virgin Islands. ahgar
 
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