RC-5...plain or serrated?

larry44

larry44

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I have an RC-3 (black), Izula (desert tan) and am planning on ordering an RC-5 (OD) when released. My RC-3 has a plain edge and, of course, the Izula is plain (the edge, not the knife!). I'm very happy with the degree of sharpness I've attained with the Sharpmaker but am wondering whether it would be better to order the 5 with a serrated edge.

What's the general consensus on a serrated edge, particularly on the RC-5?
 
what're you going to be using it for? I personally prefer a plain edged knife, as a matter of fact I don't even think I own a serrated knife.
 
Serrated tend to stay sharp for a bit longer than plain edge when cutting stuff on a board, or table for example. The points dull faster than the scallops of the serrated. the points of the serrated edge can break off with hard use. My main reason for not really liking serrated edges comes down to ease of sharpening. I can sharpen a plain edge in the field. I don't need special sharpening tools. I can even use sand/mud and a piece of wood as a make shift strop to get a rough working edge.

Plain edges make smoother cuts. Serrated edges cut rope etc more aggressively.

up to you, and what you want to use it for. But I know I have never had a serrated edge knife I could sharpen my self very well, and I don't really dig having to send it back in for sharpening.
 
on a hardcore knife like the rc5, if the PE wont cut, you could just hack through whatever you're cutting.
 
larry44 said:
What's the general consensus on a serrated edge, particularly on the RC-5?
Click to expand...

Here is my view: You whittle shavings with the base of a blade. Since you have to push or draw firmly, it is by far the best and safest location on the blade to do this. If you have serrations, you just gave up that ability. What you gained, theoretically, is better ability to cut rope and other fibrous material. I cut a LOT more wood than rope. If I had to cut rope at all it might be one cut, once in a great while. And it's not like you can't cut rope with a nice sharp plain edge. The serrations may make it slightly easier. Not a worthwhile trade off for me. Also, cutting food is better with a continuous plain edge than with a combo edge. But... as you will certainly hear, many people do love them.
 
I like both ....I have RC knives serrated & Plain edge, on the RC3 that is SE I can use it to cut rope,straps ETC or if outdoors I use the serrated section to fuzz sticks & strike my firesteel w/o hurting the PE section or removing paint from spine.. you need to see what works for you best for your needs.
 
For the mission of the RC5 (which is not woods bumming) I'd go with the serrated edge (and I'm well known for not liking them).

Plus, the guys who have them say the RC serrations sharpen up just fine on a regular stone, special tools not needed, and they supposedly make wonder fuzz stick cutters.

But again, I don't see a knife designed for military E&E being anyone's primary bushcrafter. If that's what you want, get the RC4.
 
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