Serrated or Plain?

H

hummer784

Joined
Jun 17, 2001
Messages
52
Hi, I know this is probably a popular question but is it better to get a plain edge or a partially serrated edge? The knife would be for EDC. Thanks in advance for all of the advice.

-Michael
 
Welcome to Blade Forums Michael, you came to the right place to learn about knives. As far as edge type, my personal preference is a plain edge since it is easier to sharpen, and makes a clean cut. But I think if you find yourself using your knife for a lot of utility cutting like rope etc you might be better off with a serrated. What type of knife were you planning on buying?
 
Welcome to the forums!
Your question is one of largely personal opinion. Opinions are like belly-buttons . . . everyone's got one . . . so here's mine!
I STRONGLY favor plainedge knives! Serrations seem great for specific tasks and definitely in "emergency" situations. However, for EDC a plainedge blade is more versatile and can be brought back to a razor's edge more easily. If you a newcomer to sharpening as well as the forum then you will probably be much less frustrated with PE IMHO!
Have Fun!!:D
 
Thanks for the info, I like the looks of a PE knife more and was planning on buying a Microtech Kestrel. I am new to sharpening and think a PE would be better for me. Thanks.

-Michael
 
Let first welcome you to the forum Hummer, and hope all your knife deals turn out well.:) <p>As far as your question goes, its a matter of preference, so I'm sure your going to get many opinions, including my 2&#162;.:D :D <p><b> I hate serrated blades!</b>:barf:
 
I, too, much prefer plain edges. But sometimes I come across something that really asks for serrated. I hate those part-serrated knives most of all, so I gave in and got a fully serrated Spyderco Delica to toss in my left pocket with my keys. Now I can keep whatever plain-edge knife I like in my main pocket, knowing that I have a durable, ridiculously sharp, not-too-big serrated knife if I need one.

BTW, I used to giggle at the folks who carry more than one knife. It's only a matter of time before you become one.

BTBTW, the new blue-handled Delica is really nice.
 
I mainly use my knives for food prep and utility chores and much prfer a plain edge. More important than the edge type is the edge geometery, an acute edge profile combined with a course edge finish will tear through fiberous materials like rope (without hanging up like a serrated edge) and can be polished with finer stones and strops for push cutting and cleaner slicing abilities.
 
Without a question plain edge. If the chioce was between a plain edge and a fully serrated blade then there might be room for debate but the partial serrated blade has no real point other than to look really cool.
 
I too, would have to go with the plain edge, at least for every day carry. To me, they are much easier to maintain and cut with.
 
I am distinctly in the minority, but I insist on a combo-edge for my EDC. There are 2 reasons: (1) it is easier to trim my fingernails with a serrated edge, the little curved edges gve me more control for this, one of my most regular knife-tasks; (2) I want my EDC to be able to cut all kinds of stuff, and if you need to cut through hard materials, like strong plastic or thisck cardboard, the serrations are much better for the task than a plain edge, which simply sucks on certain materials.
 
I now am going with a Plain edge for sure. Thanks for all of the help, it wasnt the first question and it wont be the last.

-Michael
 
Michael,

I agree that a plain edge is usually a better choice except there is one knife that you could get partially serrated for a great price. The old Benchmade Mini AFCK combo-edge is only 1/3 serrated so you still have enough of a plain edge and have about an inch of serrated edge for the tougher stuff to cut. It is my EDC and you can pick one up for about $60 or less if you look around the forums for sales. It has good steel and good handle materials and the lock up on mine has been very good. You could even get this and still get a Kestrel without having to spend too much extra money and carry both to see what you like better.:D
 
For EDC tasks, I prefer the plain edge. For that matter,i prefer plan for everyting, but that is a choice that you will have to make yourself. Go with what works for you. And yes, plain edges are easier to sharpen.

Paul
 
Plain edges look better (IMO), are easier to sharpen, cut nicer and are good for just about everything you would ever want to cut, even fibrous materials if you sharpen for that purpose ahead of time, buuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttttt,

I like the combo edge, especially if the serrated section is small, about 1/3rd or less. A small section of serrations is always there for rope, poly cord, cardboard and sawing if/when needed. I really do not see how it adversly affects the rest of the blade's function for most functions. It may be harder to sharpen, but it's only a small section and it certainly does not need attention that often.

Having a small serrated section is almost like having two blades on the same knife (three if it's a tanto:) ); you can keep the forward section nice for, well, nice chores, and use the serrated part for the tough and not-so-nice stuff.

Carrying two (or more) knives certainly has it's place, but for a general purpose EDC, I'll take the combo edge.
 
I like plain edge knives over serrated knives. Easier to sharpen. If I new I would be cutting alot of rope I would use a serrated blade
 
Plain edge unless your buying a bread knife. IMHO serrated edges on knive's are an abomination and make any knife look cheesy just like something on the Home Shopping Network. Knives are knives and saws are saws and never the twain shall meet.:barf:
Bob
 
I buy mostly plain-edge knives and I also feel fully serrated knives have their uses. But having both on the same blade is an unforgivable evil!

Andrew L
 
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