Serrations on a survival knife?

B

bearthedog

Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
4,290
Serrations on a survival knife?

Why not? I took a few of my serrated knives out for making some fuzz sticks since in the strange land of California it was 85F yesterday and now it is cold. Cold enough for me to use the fireplace. Usually, I opt for plain blades for fuzz sticks, but there comes a point with some wood where it rounds out and it is hard to find that sharp corner to shave down. The serrations can actually dig in pretty deep and with some control, they can be very effective for fuzz sticks. These are just a few knives I tried out. Not a comparison in any way of their ability, this is just an example of what serrations are capable of. Don’t take my word on this, try it yourself.

IMG_1613.jpg


The TOPS Storm Rider made regular size fuzzies and next to them you can see some very fine smaller fuzzies. This blade is ¼-inch-thick too.
IMG_1614.jpg


RC-3 and TOPS Steel Eagle absolutely kicked ass! One is 1/8-inch thick and the other, ¼-inch-thick and they still rocked!
IMG_1616.jpg


Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race Knife and Leatherman Wave
IMG_1618.jpg


Wenger again with the SOG Pup
IMG_1621.jpg


I am interested in seeing what anyone else comes up with using serrations for fuzzies.

-RB
 
Never been a big fan of serrations for much of anything really. Hard to control, hard to sharpen, snag on material being cut, etc. Well in the pass around of the ESEE-5 I got to put that to rest. The ESEE serrations are by far my favorite and are probably the only serrations I would consider.

10qcpc0.jpg


They strip bark like nobody's bid-ness.

2vtulas.jpg


Great pics as always man!
 
While I do find serrations handy sometimes, I tend to opt for plain edged blades just for the easier maintenance/sharpening
 
I prefer partial serrations on my outdoor knives. I think it provides some flexibility when dealing with tenuous materials. All of my outdoors type knives have them. Except my new Izula!

SP
 
I have tried it and I sucked at getting fuzz sticks with SE, however I think the smaller teeth were to pointy, I have just finished sharpening them down a bit and will try tomorrow on some sticks.

On a side not, some of the best serrations IMO is that of Chris Reeve and ESEE. They can be sharpened just by using a normal stone or diamond paddle. Great bonus and well designed.
 
I've always liked plain blades as I can keep them up easy and by myself.

But, everytime I read what Adam says about the ESEE serrations, it makes me want to try 'em when I need another knife.

Problem is, I got a decent # (for my uses) of ESEE's already on hand...and they don't wear out...so it may be awhile! :)
 
I don't favor them for wood work, but the fact is they make pretty good fuuzies. If you look at serrations you will see they are actually very thin and once the wood gets cought in there it almost acts like a guide and slices with the thinnest part of the cutting edge. I had some good flat grinds that stopped where the serrations were still able to bite into and shave the wood!

All I am saying is, TRY IT!

-RB
 
I've mentioned this before, but the CE on my Leatherman and my CE RC-4 make quick work of the red cedar bark up here for tinder. I like having easy to sharpen serrations in the bush. Another bonus is quick work of young evergreen bows for bedding.
 
I have the ESEE-6 with serrations, love them, but I feel like they should be on the other side of the blade. I'm right handed, and the serrations are on the left side. When stripping bark and making a fuzz stick, the discharged wood is between the blade and the lumber.

I end up holding the knife steady against my leg or knee as a support and pulling the wood toward me instead of moving the blade.

It just feels awkward. Am I the only one?
 
I just got an Esee 3 S. I am loving it. The serrations are only concaves cut into the blade, leaving the regular edge flats in between ,unlike other maker's serrations, where there are micro-serrations in between the bigger ones. Those smaller serrations some have ( Spyderco,CS,Sog,etc.) I do not like at all. The Esee ones you can just sharpen on a benchstone if you have to. And, they cut awesome ! They make excellent fuzzstix ,shavings , non-organic material cutters ( zip-ties ,straps, para-c, rope)
This is my first half-serrated Esee ,but am considering getting a 4 in it too. If you're a scoffer of serrations, I recommend you try an Esee. You will not be dissapointed , and find sharpening is not a major issue at all. I would think it an asset in the " carry only one knife" concept. :)
 
every other 50/50 knife i've handled, the edge geometry on the plain edge was terrible. almost a chisel, but not quite as functional. with esee, the 20 degree bevel is still there, and plenty sharp.
 
I love my ESEE-3MILs serrations. It is the only serrated knife that I own that I would be very confident with in the field, if it was my only knife. I like my Vic Trekker, but only if complemented with a fixed blade.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top