With the recent discussion about the Spyderco serrated edge, I thought it would be useful for all of us experts to pull together a list of examples where the serrated edge and the plain edge excel and fall short. Surprisingly there is little information on this subject which I think would really benefit from having some hows, whys and concrete examples.
I hold the belief that both the SE and PE are simply two versions of man’s most useful tools. And that tools will, by their design, excel at specific tasks while falling short at other tasks.
So, I’ll start the discussion …
Serrated Edge - Preferred
Slicing: The SE’s domain is in slicing and it is here where this edge design really shines, especially for soft and fibrous materials. Held horizontally with the edge pointing down towards the material the blade can be drawn horizontally to slice through the material. The blade does not need to be tilted at an angle to the material, so one has great control on the depth of the cut. As the blade is drawn, the curved edges cut the material at numerous angles to cut quickly and efficiently. These features make the SE the preferred choice for:
1. Slicing soft material like bread, tomatoes, etc. This is because the slicing motion and force are not down, smashing the item, but across the material where it is not constrained.
2. Slicing rope. Again, because you can cut the rope without pushing it away, which is not an easy task with a rope that is not carrying any tension.
3. Sawing through cardboard and similar material. Not particularly neat, but fast.
Slippery Materials: The serration scallops tend to “grab” materials. I liken the scallops to numerous little hawkbills. This makes the SE preferred for slick materials like:
1. Wet materials
2. Plants
3. Wire ties
4. Poly rope
5. Plastic e.g. packaging, tapes
6. Fish. Apparently for quick initial processing of your fresh catch.
Edge Retention: The geometry of a SE has two features that extend the life of the sharpened edge. First, a significant increase is total length of the edge compared to a PE. The circumference of each scallop adds to the length of edge. This gives you more edge to use up. Second, the scallops move the cutting edge away from the edge of the blade. The material being cut must be drawn into the cutting edge. This protects the cutting edge from hard materials that might dull the edge. The SE sharpness is said to last 5 to 10 times longer than a PE.
Quick, Rough Cutting: With many materials the SE will leave a cut edge that is jagged, but the aggressive nature of the blade makes quick work of cutting chores. Hence, the SE is preferred to cutting where speed, not neatness counts.
Serrated Edge – Not Optimal
Fabric: The SE has a bit of a problem cutting fabrics especially cottons and other natural materials. The threads tend to get caught and the cutting can come to a halt as the edge essentially gets jammed. An experience cutting fabric with a SE is probably a primary reason why some avoid the SE, but that is unfortunate, since it just doesn’t do well with this material.
Nylon or Cotton Core Rope: As with fabric, the SE can catch on some ropes. Your results may vary.
Plain Edge - Preferred
Push Cutting: The PE wins when it comes to the push cut. Hence, the edge is preferred for:
1. Chopping. Items on the cutting board, trees, etc.
2. Batonning (sp?)
3. Whittling
4. Shaving
5. Scraping
6. Trimming materials
7. Cutting paper
8. Cutting thread and string. SE edges can get hung up and pull.
Slicing, Firm Materials: The PE is used for slicing firm materials where precise cuts are needed. Hence, it preferred for:
1. Filleting
2. Most food prep. Look at kitchen knife set, all PE blades except for the bread knife.
3. Skinning
Clean Cutting: The PE edge is preferred for making clean, neat, precise cuts.
Plain Edge – Not Optimal
Slicing Soft Materials: Most cuts with a PE are made with some slicing (motion perpendicular to the direction of the cut), but the primary force is in the direction of the cut i.e. you are pushing into the material. If the material is soft like a very ripe tomato, you can end up smashing the veggie. This is not to say that soft materials can not be cut with a PE. But, the edge must be very sharp to minimize the forces needed and the action must be primarily slicing. Often the blade can be angled such that the cut is not made perpendicular to the cutting board (for example), but parallel to the supporting surface.
Articles
http://www.ebladestore.com/plain_vs_serrated.shtml
http://www.missionknives.com/articles/Serrations.html
OK, now it’s your turn …
Jim
