I noticed that most members in here prefer a straight edge on their blades instead of a serrated or combo. What are the benefits. I have carried a serrated edge for almost 2 years now and am considering going to a plain edge due to the popularity of this style blade.
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Straight edge
- Thread starter cut finger
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- Sep 20, 1999
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Medic,
It depends on what you want to do with your knife. If you are doing utility cutting, the Spyderedge may be more practical. If you are going to whittle or skin and clean game, you might want a plain edge.
It depends on what you want to do with your knife. If you are doing utility cutting, the Spyderedge may be more practical. If you are going to whittle or skin and clean game, you might want a plain edge.
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I agree with cut finger. I prefer a plain edge most of the time (though I often carry one plain edge and one serrated edge--don't do combos anymore). I think it just depends on what works for you and what you are comfortable with. If I was an EMT like you I would probably lean more towards the serrations. It's kind of like the revolver vs. automatic debate in handguns. Some people swear vehemently that one is better than the others. Those both probably have advantages in certain situations but they both will do the job well for the average person. That's the way I see it anyway.
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Also, I think that most people on BF like straight edges because we are knife nuts that actually know how to sharpen a knife and enjoy it. Serrations can be sharpened using a Sharpmaker or some of the other systems but not as easily. I feel that I get more control on the edge of a plain edge blade by being able to change the bevel. I have some knives that I like to keep razor sharp and others that I like to keep a less accute angle on the secondary bevel for different types of use. It is harder to change the angle on serrations.
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You can read some views on plain edge versus serrated from the FAQ at http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqs.html
Plain and serrated edges have different strengths, it's a matter of what you do most with your knife, how often you're willing to put up with sharpening and how skillful you are at it, etc. Generally speaking, serrated edges are at their best when they are slicing, and enjoy their biggest advantage through hard objects, especially when it's okay for the cut to be ragged. Plain edges excel at most push-cutting jobs, and when slicing through looser or softer material, and when a controlled cut is necessary.
I used to carry a serrated blade, but now find a plain edge works better for me. I leave at least part of the edge coarse in order to get great slicing performance.
Joe
Plain and serrated edges have different strengths, it's a matter of what you do most with your knife, how often you're willing to put up with sharpening and how skillful you are at it, etc. Generally speaking, serrated edges are at their best when they are slicing, and enjoy their biggest advantage through hard objects, especially when it's okay for the cut to be ragged. Plain edges excel at most push-cutting jobs, and when slicing through looser or softer material, and when a controlled cut is necessary.
I used to carry a serrated blade, but now find a plain edge works better for me. I leave at least part of the edge coarse in order to get great slicing performance.
Joe
- Joined
- Jul 17, 1999
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I have always favored a straight blade,for ease of sharpening.However, now that I have a Sharpmaker 204,it is not a factor.Now,the Spydercos I carry defensively are all serrated.There is nothing I know of that is scarier than a truly sharp serrated Spydie.I still favor straight edges for utility.
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"To grow older is inevitable.To grow UP is optional."
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"To grow older is inevitable.To grow UP is optional."
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- Oct 3, 1998
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One reason serrated edges have been popular in recent years is that, if you can't or for whatever reason won't maintain the edge, a serrated edge will remain marginally effective after a plain edge has given up. In other words, if you work in a warehouse and cut cardboard all day and can't take the time to sharpen your knife, then you might want a serrated edge, since the teeth will allow you to saw through the boxes even after the edge has dulled. Assuming you can keep it suitably sharp, though, a plain edge might actually work more efficiently in this situation.
The real advantage to serrations, as far as I'm concerned, is that with some materials such as plastic ties, wires, etc., the teeth grab hold and keep the material on the edge long enough to complete the cut, whereas a polished plain edge will just slide off without cutting. The drawback to serrations is that they tend to snag on loosely wrapped ropes and cords, cloth, and that sort of thing. The solution, as Joe Talmadge has pointed out, is to not polish the plain edge, but rather sharpen it on a coarse stone. That way you can get a useful degree of "grabbiness" without the snagging effect.
I carry both a plain edge and a serrated edge every day, on two separate knives (I detest combination edges). The plain edge gets a lot more use, and if I had to choose just one or the other, I'd definitely take the plain edge. Bear in mind, though, that I can and will sharpen my plain edge on a daily basis.
I hope this helps.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."
[This message has been edited by David Rock (edited 21 September 1999).]
The real advantage to serrations, as far as I'm concerned, is that with some materials such as plastic ties, wires, etc., the teeth grab hold and keep the material on the edge long enough to complete the cut, whereas a polished plain edge will just slide off without cutting. The drawback to serrations is that they tend to snag on loosely wrapped ropes and cords, cloth, and that sort of thing. The solution, as Joe Talmadge has pointed out, is to not polish the plain edge, but rather sharpen it on a coarse stone. That way you can get a useful degree of "grabbiness" without the snagging effect.
I carry both a plain edge and a serrated edge every day, on two separate knives (I detest combination edges). The plain edge gets a lot more use, and if I had to choose just one or the other, I'd definitely take the plain edge. Bear in mind, though, that I can and will sharpen my plain edge on a daily basis.
I hope this helps.
David Rock
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AKTI Member # A000846
"Never carry a knife shorter than your schnoz."
[This message has been edited by David Rock (edited 21 September 1999).]
- Joined
- Aug 2, 1999
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- 32
Don't choose between the two. Get at least one of each. I've found good uses for both serrated and plain edge. On the farm, the serrated Military is great to cut vines, saplings, thorns and the like. It is light enough that you can put it into the back pocket of your jeans and forget it is there. I prefer to keep a serrated knife in my car (Rescue) should seatbelts need to be cut.
Straight edges win out for hunting, kitchen and general duties. My Large Wegner is being used in the kitchen for now and will eventually end up in my hunting kit unless my better half insists it remain in the kitchen. Very handy knife for all kinds of kitchen work. Straight edges are a better choice on small, general utility blades, say smaller than the Delica. The only knife with a combo edge that I've found satisfactory is the Jess Horn but the serrations don't take up much of the blade leaving a good length of straight edge.
Paul
Straight edges win out for hunting, kitchen and general duties. My Large Wegner is being used in the kitchen for now and will eventually end up in my hunting kit unless my better half insists it remain in the kitchen. Very handy knife for all kinds of kitchen work. Straight edges are a better choice on small, general utility blades, say smaller than the Delica. The only knife with a combo edge that I've found satisfactory is the Jess Horn but the serrations don't take up much of the blade leaving a good length of straight edge.
Paul