Serrated Edge

C

Cappy2cap

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May 19, 2009
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Are there any Busses that have a partially serrated edge that were not custom LEs or variants?
I once saw an ARK on the Hog Cult Website and the BARF seemed to have a partially serrated edge but these seem too rare that if i got my hands on them i would prob just leave them in my safe.

Any reason why we dont see that many especially on the 3-6 inch knives?
 
the scrofa was one of the few that i've seen actually offered with serrations as an option.
i've often seen some custom shop pieces for sale with partial serrations on the main edge - namely the muddy Mojo and muddy SFNO.
don't know why they aren't that popular, but i rather like it this way. if i want serrations, i'd get a knife with them on the back.
 
I know the Smog Warden came partially serrated. Don't know if that would be considered custom/varient. You don't hear too much about the serrated Busses.
 
My guess is there are few serrated Busses because serrations aren't that useful (although many people think they look 'cool'). Plain edge is easier to sharpen, better for chopping, batoning, precise cutting... just about the only advantage to serrations is better edge-holding, ability to saw through certain materials easily and added cutting edge area. Serrations are also much more prone to breakage in heavy use than a plain edge. I don't much like serrations.
 
I carried a fully serrated Spyderco folder for a long time but it rarely saw any use. The serrated blades are rarely better than a plain edge, IMO. Hot bread and some fibrous material, I think that's about it. In theory, the increase in cutting surface is a plus but in actual use I find it harder to cut most materials and its not as precise. Like most manufacturers, Busse is probably considering what the market wants, which is mainly plain edge blades.
 
I think Gofastalot has it with his market analysis.

But, you can get serrations on any knife if you pay the small, reasonable fee they'll ask for when you call to ask. It may be a slightly higher fee if you send an old model back for serrations, but within reason I'm sure. For the cost involved, I'd recommend having the shop doing it rather than trying your hand at a dremel. Just specify that you want sharp, rope and webbing cutting serrations not the deep "flying" serrations and they'll hook you right up (at least they used to, best to call and see).

As far as serrations on a Busse, I've had this done on one or two, and I've been pleased. I don't care much for the deeper "flying" serrations that are better for high velocity fighter applications than rope and webbing cutting, but if you need to cut, proper serrations do cut about twice as fast and effectively as a standard edge. You're effectively going from a 25 degree angle from vertical to a 10 degree angle from vertical, much much sharper, and faster cutting.

If you're on a boat or in another environment where serrations are absolutely necessary, I'd recommend carrying additional serrations to those that might be on your fixed blade, i.e., carry your partially serrated Meaner Street or Sus Scrofa or... in its sheath, and carry a fully serrated spyderco delica in your pocket or better yet, in a small belt pouch. Serrations on a fixed blade are more for emergency use than dedicated use, and will not be 100% as effective as a more appropriate blade like the fully serrated delica, atlantic salt, assist... For example, if I was an Air Marshall I'd try to carry an Air Rescue, and an atlantic salt (but I don't know what they're limitations are, so I'm just throwing that out for example). If I were a helicopter crewman I'd carry a partially serrated Sus Scrofa and and spyderco Assist... you get the idea. And that these are my opinions, yours are welcome to vary.
 
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