Serrated vs Plain Edge

V

Valiant

Joined
Apr 2, 2003
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26
Any opinions on serrated vs partially serrated vs plain edge blades for self-defence? (Blade 2-5" long)

Is one type better than the other?
 
I have no training or experience with knife self-defense or fighting techniques, but if I had a choice, it'd have to be plain edge. If I HAD to fight back, I would probably try for multiple stab type attacks in the head and neck area, and a smooth blade would give easier penetration and smoother cutting.

However, certain knives designed for slashing such as the Spyderco Civilian have very aggressive fully serrated blades. This is probably designed to slash through clothing and other fibrous materials and give the most aggressive surface cut.

A combination serrated blade would probably be the least useful for self-defence. If you needed serrations, you would probably want them in the front or tip of the knife, and you probably would have no time or coordination to use the serrated part exclusively.

I think the general consensus here is that a plain edge can do most things a serrated edge can, and is a lot more versatile. There are also some people that will swear by serrated blades. I think it mostly depends on technique, training, and the situation.
 
Id go with the plain edge because its alot easier to clean the evidence off. All that goo gets caught up in the serrations and can get you caught for murder. Stabbing someone is the last thing I want to do. If i HAD to stab them itd be in the leg or arm so they dont bleed to death and die. Sorry, I just aint a killer. Usually a plain edge will be far more useful than a serated one.
 
Uh oh...not one of these rouge self defense threads. :rolleyes:

Really, you can get in more trouble stabbing someone in the leg than stabbing them in the heart.


I would say serrated for slashing techniques and plain edge for stabbing techniques. Of course, if you're really into self defense than get a gun. :P

Something big is always better for stabbing.
 
Well my arms and legs have arteries in them,and the fermoral in particular if cut can bleed one out fast.
 
Fireshaker:

Please explain your statement for us and how you came to the conclusions you did about more trouble stabbing someone in the leg vs. the heart?

Just curious as to the thought process.

Thanks

Brownie
 
Valiant, you'll get strong opinions on both sides of the argument and reality is that combo edges and plain edges sell at about the same levels so it appears there is a fairly equal number of people on both sides of this issue. At least those that vote with their money seem to be fairly equally divided.

I'll give you my opinion but it's an opinion, not a fact. The purpose of serrations in the kitchen is two-fold. Mainly, they are used to keep a portion of the edge away from the cutting board. The cutting board dulls edges way, way faster than food does. Secondly, serrations are good for some kinds of sawing cuts like cutting fresh, crusty bread with a bread knife. That's kitchen knives, of course, and I think every bread knife should be serrated - I truly do.

In a sporting knife, the application is different. Normally sporting knives aren't used against a cutting board so hiding a portion of the edge from the cutting board isn't an issue. It isn't likely that one will slice bread with a sporting knife either.

So let's look at the purpose of serrations on a sporting knife. Some would argue that serrations will cut some things (like rope) better than a plain edge. I've cut enough rope in my life that I can't be convinced of that. I find personally that a properly sharpened plain edge cuts rope even better than a serrated edge. Those who do better with a serrated edge don't have their plain edges sharpened appropriately for rope cutting. Basically, serrations aren't important for the things for which sporting knives are generally used.

There are some negatives to serrations. They tend to tear rather than slice and that's not particularly efficient. They are harder to maneuver through whatever is being cut than a plain edge. Finally they are harder to sharpen and maintain. Not impossible but certainly harder.

Is there any benefit at all to a serrated edge on a sporting knife? I can think of only one. A dull serrated edge will cut better than a similarly dull plain edge (or at least tear better.) So people that won't or can't maintain an edge properly will get more life from a serrated edge than a plain edge before it dulls to the point of uselessness. For people who will not sharpen an edge I therefore recommend serrated ones.

Conversely, people who do maintain edges properly will benefit from the plain edge because it will do anything a serrated edge will do and will do most things better. Also, the plain edge doesn't have those negatives I mentioned earlier. So for those who will maintain an edge properly, I recommend the plain edge.

Personally, I maintain my edges properly and even enjoy doing it so I have plain edges - except for those bread knives, of course. Take care.
 
but I'll give you my two cents for free, so here goes. As a tool a plain edge will be more versitile. If you cut a lot of rope, serrated will be better. If the sh!t hits the fan and you're backed into a corner, or jumped, the best knife to have is the one you use everyday, because that's the one you will reach for without THINKING about it. You'll need it and it will just end up in your hand, your muscles know what to do. I think edge type would be secondary to familiarity with the knife. Think of it like this, you have a Mustang and a Ferrari. You drive the Ferrari once in a blue moon, you drive the Mustang everyday. You'll do better in a car chase driving the Mustang. Why? Because you know EXACTLY how it corners, stops and accelerates. Like I said, I'm no knife fighter, but it makes sense to me. I'm curious what the MBC guys say.

Frank
 
I always carry (at least) 2 folders; A plain-edge Spyderco Delica (as my "utility" folder), and a fully-serrated Spyderco Police model (which I reserve as my "defensive/offensive" folder). I believe that the full-serrated blade of my Police model will comport itself very well if pressed into a "defensive/offensive" role, as I think that the serrations would rip-open some quite nasty, heavy bleeding wounds.
 
Brownie. Its not my logic I garentee. I've read on these very forums where Gollnick broke down the law of "Use of deadly force". If you're using deadly force, then you should be using it for that reason. Anything less than deadly force would suggest your life isn't in danger...and can be flipped around on you in court.

In fact, If Gollnick(sp) comes here, he'll probably tell you that same story about the guy and the gun.

Edit: (I can't find the original thread he posted in becuase of some kind of server issues. But Im sure if you ask him, he'll explain it to you)
 
I agree with Fireshaker. You hear the story (or fable depending who you ask) about the guy who shot an intruder in his home in the leg. He was sued, torts galore, etc.
 
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