serrated or plain.

Plain edge.

I am a balisong guy, and if I mess up, at least a plain edge will leave a nice clean cut. The serrations tend to mistakes much more nasty than they need to be.
 
Since plain edges can make finer cuts than serrated edges, it would have to be a plain edge. But that said, I love serrated blades as they are appropriate for most of the utility work that I use a knife for.
 
I prefer plain edged knives, but for cutting certain materials nothing beats a serrated edge. I have yet to decide if I like the partial serrated blades where there is a short section of serrations near the handle and the rest is plain.

IF I'm trying to cut something "difficult" as in applying a lot of pressure, I would be using the portion of the blade where there are serrations and in most cases. The plain edge is the one that is more appropriate for a push cut.

I think I need to cruise the SAK catalog for a double bladed knife with both a fully serrated blade and one that is plain edged for general use. Might be the perfect compromise for my needs.
 
For EDC and general utility, plain edge. IMO the only place for serrated knives are in the kitchen for some jobs and for steak knifes, and for a dedicated self-defense blade when you can expect an assailant to be wearing heavy clothing.
 
Easy answer.

Plain edge since I can either polish the edge or give it a toothy edge depending on how I sharpen it. The best of both worlds.
 
kozak6 said:
....The serrations tend to mistakes much more nasty than they need to be.
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That's a good point.

(and the original question was - "..if you could only have ONE knife". I use serrated blades for some work too, but if I had to have ONE knife only - plain edge, for all the reasons mentioned in this thread.)
 
Plain edge for sure! I feel I have much more control of my cuts with a plain edge.
 
I'd have to go with a plain edge all the way, i'v never really liked serrated blades, plus plain are much easier to sharpen.
 
A dull serrated blade will cut better than a dull plain edge. A serrated blade has a greater edge length than a plain edge for a given blade length and shape. Serrated blades are more difficult to sharpen, but you don't have to sharpen them as frequently. A plain edge can make finer cuts than a serrated edge but will require more "sawing" on large objects. Plain edges are better for "push" cutting. I think this pretty much sums the differences up.
 
SE is easy to sharpen? What is your secret? I managed to ruin a Vaquero Grande trying to sharpen it. Always thought that would be a great knife in PE.
 
KFLEISIG said:
SE is easy to sharpen? What is your secret? I managed to ruin a Vaquero Grande trying to sharpen it. Always thought that would be a great knife in PE.
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I wouldn't say they're easy to sharpen, but the Lansky Dog Bone from CS fits the Voyager and Vaquero serrations and makes it pretty simple.
 
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