Serrated vs. Plain Edge

sirgrumps · Oct 19, 1999

It seems to me that plain edge blades are much more popular this this forum. Why? I like comboe edges. The plain edge for delicate cutting and the serrated edge for ripping. What is the groups logic for liking the plain edge? It is a simple matter of preference?

Thanks

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Sir Grumps Alot

Remember the lost of one's right does not happen overnight, but incrementally over time.

Scarman · Oct 19, 1999

I personally prefer a plain edge for a few reasons.
First they are, IMHO, much easier to maintain. No worrys of chipping a tooth on a plain edge.
Second, a properly sharpened can cut anything a serrated edge can.
Third, plain edges are generally less likely to cause panic among the non-knifenuts(sheeple as some call them).
Fourth, I prefer to aesthetics of a plain edge over a serrated edge.

The only benefits of a serrated edge that I can see is that the edge will last longer, it gives you about 10% more cutting edge, and the edge is more "agressive".

But I defer to a more experienced voice.

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The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that one day I will have to stand before a Holy God and give an account of my life.
*Daniel Webster

Rev 20:12

Joe Talmadge · Oct 19, 1999

It may be worth looking up the half-dozen or so other threads on plain edges versus serrations versus partially-serrated. I'm too exhausted to elaborate again

But the summary is: I feel partially-serrated is worst-of-all-worlds for a number of reasons. I stick with a plain edge properly sharpened for performance, and if I absolutely have to have a serrated edge, I carry my plain edge knife plus a separate spyderco delica serrated.

Joe

Samurai6 · Oct 19, 1999

An appropriately sharpened plain edge(included edge angle well under 40 degrees, coarsely sharpened and stropped) will cut woven materials as well as a serrated edge, it is easier to sharpen, and offers none of the drawbacks of a serrated or partially serrated blade such as wavey, imprecise cuts.

I view partial serrations on moderately large blades as acceptible. One of my favorite carries is a partially serrated Gerber Covert. It has sufficient plain edge that I can use plain only if I want to. This also allows me to sharpen the plain section to a polished, razor edge, since I know I have the serrations for loose material. I still dislike sharpening the serrated area as the small serrations are too small in diameter for my EZ-Lap field sharpener.

Partially serrated blades under about four inches might as well be fully serrated as far as I am concerned, meaning I would rather have a plain edge.

RGRAY · Oct 19, 1999

IMHO the serration breaks up the lines. Sort of like speed bumps in the road.

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RICK LEFTIES UNITE

Kingknives · Oct 19, 1999

Some "experts" say that with a combo edge you get the worst of both worlds. Not enough serrations to be of use and not enough straight edge to be efficient. My preference lies in the self defense aspect of knives, and are carried more than used. I prefer a partially serrated blade. I think it looks better and makes it more useful (IMHO).

Saying that, I look around at the 22 knives I have mounted on the walls in my den. 1 is fully serrated, 9 are partially serrated and the other 12 are plain edge. But for actually carrying, I still prefer the partial serration.

I hate to blasphemy, but I even wish my Sebenza had some serrations!

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"May you live in interesting times"

AKTI - A000389

Johan · Oct 19, 1999

My first real folding knife was a Spyderco Endura, full serrations. Maybe that's coloured my view, but I like serrations. Properly maintained (easy to do if you have a Sharpmaker) serrations cut phenomenally and give a knife a really nasty look (suits some knives). I like combos, but only if the blade is about 4", there needs to be enough blade for both types of edge. But really, I think it all boils down to personal preference and usage. If you're cutting nothing but cardboard, you don't need serrations (in fact, they may hang-up on the material), but if you're cutting a lot of rope or similar material then nothing beats serrations. IMO, it's all about what you're going to do with it.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.

HJK · Oct 19, 1999

I used to prefer partly serrated edges thinking it would give me the best of both worlds but now I'm coming around to the view that what you really get are two edges that are too short and that tend to work against each other. The one situation where it does make sense is where you have to cut rope in a hurry, as in canoeing or kayaking. For that I usually use a Gerber that has one straight side and one serrated side, but in a crunch it does make sense to have serrations on your primary edge so you don't need to index to the serrated edge. I don't agree that a straight edge will do anything a serrated edge will do. At least not in the field when you might not have the chance to keep the edge as sharp as you would like at all times. For tactical purposes, some experts say the serrations are unwise because they can catch etc. Maybe so. Depends what surface you contact and how.I still use my partly serrated knives for utility and tactical purposes, at least as a backup - and they do look great.

Tuff · Oct 19, 1999

This will be debated forever. And I still like Seratted to date. About 60% plain and 40% serrated is perfect. I still say Serrations can be realyl sueful, and are good for cutting through things liek Rope easier

JoHnYKwSt · Oct 19, 1999

Combo edges are good, if you have a knife as large as the Project 1. Combo edges on smaller knives especially 3" blades are just asking for trouble. 1" of serrations and 2" of plain edge is not very useful.

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Johnny
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cerulean · Oct 20, 1999

I prefer serrations. There is no question that serrated edges are much, much better at cutting fiberous materials than plain edges. A sharp plain edge can cut rope, but even a "dull" serrated edge can do it better. There is nothing more frustrating than unexpectedly having to cut rope, realizing joyfully that you have your knife on you, then pulling out your knife and seeing that it has a full plain edge.

Some of the resistance to serrations might be attributed to the fact that they are a relatively new deal. Technology has only recently allowed reliably uniform serrations and the ability to easily sharpen them, as well as steels that will hold them in shape.

Cliff Stamp · Oct 20, 1999

A serrated blade would cut rope and other such similar material better than a plain edge if both are finished to a high polish, the steels are fine grain low carbide, and the blades are used in a slicing motion. If you change any of these conditions the plain edge will rapidly pull ahead.

Unless the rope is really thick you can simply pull the plain edge through it, same with most other materials, use a push cut. If you decide not to put a fine polish on the fine grain low carbide plain edge it can slice much better, as well if the steel is very high in carbides or has a coarse grain.

As an example, my currently utility knife in CPM-10V retains a very agressive edge even when polished up to an 800 grit finish (ceramic rod). Rope, carpet, webbing, etc., parts like water.

Serrated edges do have benefits though, they localize damage, they cut (by ripping) even when blunt, they function as pseudo-saws, etc.

-Cliff

King of Groove · Oct 21, 1999

I am in the process of ordering a Benchmade 710, plain-edge. I have a couple more knives, a 4 1/4" blade fishing knife, a chisel ground Tanto point, (It's a Fury, it was $20, the liner-lock is horrible and there's no stop pin, it dented the handle and the vertical play is horrible. Obviously it was before I saw the Light)
The Tanto point is partially serrated and i almost never use it. The fishing knife, although being crappily made, has been sharpened to a polished finish. The crappy steel it is made out of must lend itself to cutting rope because it will slice through it faster than the serrations, /easily/. The serrations just get in the way for me.

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"If you fake the Funk, your nose will grow."
- W. Bootsy Collins

David Reidling · Oct 20, 1999

I just like the looks of the plain edge a lot better, plus I know I can sharpen a plain edge fairly easy.

Dave R

not2sharp · Oct 20, 1999

I like the plain edge. It gives you far more control over the delicate work. About the only advantage I see for the serrated edge is in cutting fibrous material under water.

Steve B. · Oct 20, 1999

Though I prefer the traditional plain edge, for ripping up a lot of cardboard everyday, a serrated edge will do it as well as any plain edge and stay sharper longer than the plain edge. Serration seem to hold an edge forever. (The Ginsu folks figured that out years ago! "Our knives stay sharp forever! Now how much would you pay? But wait! There`s more......")