some beginner questions...

H

hemiQ

Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
15
hi
i have always been into knives quite a bit but have never actually had very many. and the one that i do have was given to me as a present when i was 14 (now 23).

i have been looking around for my first edc knife, and i think i have decided on the new cold steel recon 1 with the tanto blade. my first question is should i go for the serrated blade or the plain edge? the knife will be used for mainly light tasks.

it would also help if i could get some general things to look for in a knife.
any help is appreciated.
Q
 
Welcome to the forum Q.

Most (but not all) people prefer a plain edge over serrations. The theory is that if your knife is sharp enough then you don't need the serrations. They're only really useful if you're cutting a lot of rope/cord, otherwise they just get in the way when you need to use the full edge. If you search you can find several long threads on the topic, such as this:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=756263&highlight=serrations

I have a Recon, decent knife. Once again there are some old threads:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=747662&highlight=serrations

Enjoy your new knife whatever you get.
 
corwise nailed it. I only carry serrations when I know I'm going to be cutting rope, which isn't all that often. As long as your edge is well maintained (sharp) serrations are more of a nuisance than anything else.

Thats just my .02 though, others, like my dad, who cut thick rope on a daily basis, don't understand why any knife wouldn't have at least partial serrations. It's all about how your gonna use it.
 
Hello and welcome Q. I own a Recon 1 and I could say based on the steel and serration pattern, get a plain edge. The plain edge would be easier for you to sharpen when the time comes. Whatever you decide, enjoy the knife.
 
Thanks guys. I will most likely go with the plain edge as I assume it would be easier to sharpen as well.
Q
 
hemiQ said:
Thanks guys. I will most likely go with the plain edge as I assume it would be easier to sharpen as well.
Q
Click to expand...

word. serrations are a bitch to sharpen compared to a plain edge.

i'd only look for serrations on a knife i intended to take sailing as a good serrated blade does a better job on rope.

even then, a sharp plain edge will get the job done.
 
Things to look for: A good handle that fits YOUR hand well and provides positive grip. A well heat treated steel with a good main grind/profile that aids in cutting instead of take away from it (this part will take a while to learn)

You also want a well designed and fitted lock (not a worry with the tri-ad). A pocket clip that allows easy removal and does not hurt the hand while cutting. A good opening feature, some work better than others. Over time you will find the studs or opening holes that you like best.

You will gain your own personal preference for all these details as you experience different knives. Always review the knife before you buy, make sure it has positive feed back and few negative points. Most of all though make sure YOU like it.

Come over to MT&E we'll get a started on sharpening too.

Welcome to BF :)
 
Yep, you will need a sharpening system to go with that. I think the Spyderco Sharpmaker is about the easiest sharpener out there, and it comes with a DVD and booklet on how to sharpen. Of course get ready to drop about $50 to get one!
 
Most of my using knives have a plain edge. However I keep one or two CS serrated edge blades handy as I frequently receive packages. For cardboard I find the serrations superior. Yes, you can also use a plain edge. But the serrations make the job much faster. And if you receive blister packs, well, I think your choices are either serrations or a grenade. At least at my age, which I have no intention of revealing.
 
i would suggest you get a spyderco delica over the recon one

a well maintained plain edge will cut better than a serrated. remember, edges cut, serrations saw

i only have 1 serrated knife and it's a dive knife
 
My first "larger" EDC, i.e., other than a small slipjoint, was a 1st gen. CS Recon spearpoint w/combo edge. IMO, the relatively large 4" blade (as EDC folders go) has plenty of plain edge length, and I've always appreciated the ability to keep on sawing w/the serrations, no matter the material (blister packs are a great example), long after a plain edge has been dulled. I maintain my knives, but if you're hot, sweaty and in the middle of 2 hours or so of work, you don't want to have to stop in the middle of the job to sharpen your plain edge.

The others who have posted stating that my opinion liking serrations is much in the minority around here, though, are correct, but one of the great things about this sharpy, pointy, slicey, stabby thingy business is that you get to decide what's best for you.

FWIW, during the week I'm as white collar as they come, but I still usu. bring two EDCs into the ofc., the first a small plain edge and second a larger combo edge (or sometimes a big recurve like a 301 or 350 ZT). And many years after I bought it, I still have my Recon 1, still love it, and it still cuts up a blue streak. Great value knives, and a good place for you to begin, IMO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top