Smooth v. serrated contact wheel?

[Hielander]

I notice a number of grinders come stock with serrated contact wheels, but offer options of smooth wheels, and that some forum members seem to prefer the smooth. What are the advantages/disadvantages of either?

 

[Ed Caffrey]

A serrated wheel will remove material quicker than a smooth wheel, with the same grit belt. A serrated wheel will also leave a rougher finish than a smooth one. I personally like a serrated wheel for roughing, and a smooth wheel once I get into grinding the actual blade. I really don't use either a great deal, as most of my grinds are flat or convex. I have noticed that on a serrated wheel, there is a tendency for the edges to round out faster than on a smooth wheel when your doing a lot of heavy grinding.

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Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.caffreyknives.com

 

[Jerry Hossom]

I agree completely with Ed, and I use my wheels a lot. If you have to choose, I suggest the smooth wheel since it provides for a better finish. It will grind slower however.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com