serrated or plain.

[kozak6]

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.

 

[buckg]

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.

 

[22-rimfire]

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.

 

[Dog of War]

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.

 

[Easyrider]

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.

 

[cockroachfarm]

....The serrations tend to mistakes much more nasty than they need to be.

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.)

 

[Backwoods_VT]

Plain all the way. :thumbup:

 

[WadeF]

Plain edge for sure! I feel I have much more control of my cuts with a plain edge.

 

[Brad Greulich]

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.

 

[M Wadel]

i get PE as often as i can, i find it more versatile. easier to sharpen no shit

 

[buckg]

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.

 

[KFLEISIG]

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.

 

[buckg]

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.

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.