Serrated or Plain Edge, How Do You Decide?

[Eager]

Serrated or Plain Edge, How Do You Decide?

Good question. The way you decide which to buy is that you buy a knife with big serrations, try using it, find that it doesn't work worth a crap, and are a PITA to sharpen, then never buy one (even combo) again. Except for those cheap Ginsu kitchen and steak knives which you give to your wife, 'cause she ruins good knives anyway and doesn't know the difference.

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

Originally posted by Nalapombu
Hey all,

I am looking at a Spyderco Police or Military for a new carry knife. As you all know they come with the plain edge, the combo edge and the full serrated edge. How do you decide what edge to get? What are the advantages of one over the other?
I am just aggravated at not knowing what edge to pick. I will be using for everyday duties, not really any tough stuff.

Thanks for the help and info.
Nala

Well it's easy for me I hate serrated edges so I always go for plain.

The partial serrations always seemed like a dumb idea to me, (dumber than full serrations anyway) Serrations work best in a sawing motion, How much sawing can you do with one inch of blade? In addition they put it in the wrong place on the blade. it should be the first inch or so from the tip of the blade, the part of the blade that does the most work. Remember, serrated edges were devloped to keep the blade sharp longer. So why use it in the area of the blade that gets the least amount of wear?

In my opinion serrated blades took off because they appealed to people who were unable to properly sharpen a knife. In addition they were marketed to the ignorant as a knife that never needed sharpening.

Ironically, when a serrated blade does go dull it takes much more work and a special sharpener to make it sharp again.

If you like serrated go full serrated and don't waste your $$$ on partial serrated.

Better yet go plain!

Drew

 

[Harry Callahan]

This may sound silly but there's actually a learning curve to using Spyderedge blades. It was mentioned by a forumite on this thread that serrated blades are meant to be used in a sawing motion. False. No wonder you were disappointed in serrated knives.

When used like any other knife, serrations really shine. They bite into the object being cut with various points of pressure. This is more efficient so naturally you don't have to bear down as hard. More control over the knife. I've had (sharp) plainedge knives "jump" out of hard plastics (mudflaps, buckets, etc) while cutting. Kinda dangerous. Serrations help keep the blade dug in and act sort of like a guide. Much safer.

After using plainedged knives all my life, all it took was one day with a Stainless Police and I was hooked on Spyder teeth. Who would have thought someone could advance the idea of a simple pocketknife into such a cutting machine?

Cheers.

 

[slices]

You nailed it Harry ! Serrated edges excel at tough jobs. They also slice as well as plain edge blades of equal sharpness. I can toss a sheet of typing paper into the air & cut it nearly in half with my Police model, fully serrated. Everyday slicing chores are a breeze too. Combo edges are a compromise , but add more cutting power for tough jobs.
Eager, try to find a store where you can bring a few things with you to cut. Wood, leather, a piece of jerky, cardboard,etc.
Once you get the chance to see for yourself you'll understand the benifits.