Torn between two blade types, combo or plain

K.O.D. said:
Back in my youth, and early adulthood, I thought combo edges were awesome. I came to find that it was not the best of both worlds, but the opposite in fact. If you truly need serrations, it is better to buy a fully serrated knife. Generally speaking, a plain edge will do everything you need done, except maybe sawing. In that case, a saw is a better bet. Right tool for the right job.
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This is 100% correct. Go with a plain edge for sure, unless you're into climbing or watercraft. In that case, get a full serrated Spyderco with H1 steel.
 
I hope you enjoy the ripple. Let us know how you like it.
 
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A serrated blade is never "sharp" it cuts because it acts like - and basically is, a saw.
I've never found anything a plain blade could not cut better than a serrated blade, including plastic bands used for shipping. (I'm a truck driver)
 
i like combos i heard alot that only like fine edge but everyone has their taste thats what makes knives what we love
 
From my experience plain edge or liked stated a full serrated for it's purpose.
 
I don't care for any partially serrated knives. Once you learn how to sharpen (if you haven't already, I don't know) you will be able
to keep the plain edge plenty sharp enough to cut whatever you need cutting, no need for serrations.
 
I don't prefer serrated but as to your question,

Based on 'gentleman's EDC,' I'd just find the knife you like. I wouldn't worry either way. For me, serrations on a blade of 3" or less can leave not enough regular edge to do some jobs comfortably. At 3.25" it's still marginal.

The only time I think 'serrations' is for cutting a seat belt....maybe...or zip ties (although my karambit cuts them better than anything). I used to feel that way about some ropes too but seems that myth's been busted as well, as Johnson reiterates above.

In short, I find that life without serrations has been fine.
 
You know, up until recently, I didn't care. I bought knives based on need and whatever edge it came with, I just used it.
Then a year or so ago, I got interested in knives and read a lot of forums. I became partial to plain edge knives and avoided serrations.
Then, a couple of months ago, something interesting happened. I was out camping with a bunch of friends. Between the 7 of us, we probably had 50 knives. I use mora knives for food prep. I was using a super sharp mora knife to cut blood sausage that we had just grilled and it didn't cut the casing. Instead, the pressure just squeezed out the contents and ruined it.
On the next one, I took out my folding knife which had a combo edge and used it to cut the blood sausage. It worked remarkably well. The serrations did what a super sharp carbon steel blade mora couldn't do.
Since that day, I'm back to my old self. I buy the knife if I like it. I don't care about plain or serrated, but if I can, I carry two knives. A pocket knife with a razor fine edge (SAK, case, etc), and a bigger folder with combo blade.
I have found this combo to be best. Sheeple friendly picket knife. Heavier duty folding knife.

If you are an office dweller, a SAK and a smaller folder go great together. Even a 58mm SAK classic and a 3" blade folder.
If you have a job that is more active, I'd look into a multi-tool and a 4" folder.
By the way, I used the office setup do formal occasions. Has worked well for me.



YMMV.

Best

Z
 
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johnsonrd said:
One test is worth a thousand expert opinions- Wernher von Braun

Don't take my word for it, try these tests for yourself and see.
Cut through a 1/2" rope with a sharp plain blade and a serrated blade. You'll see the plain cuts better.
Cut through some green wood and some dry wood with a sharp plain blade and a serrated blade. You'll see the plain cuts better.
Cut through some plastic bands use for shipping with a sharp plain blade and a serrated blade. You'll see the serrated cuts better.

Decide what you intend to cut with the blade and go from there.
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I agree except that in my experience a sharp serrated knife cuts rope easier than a sharp plain edge. (Not that either is that hard)
 
If the edge is sharp enough serrations hardly ever come in useful, plus they're a bit of a pain to sharpen themselves, however, there are some times (tough rope, thick cardboard, light wood/branches) where a serrated edge does have its advantages in sawing as opposed to cutting

All comes down to what you need the blade to do regularly... If it's normal day to day stuff, a plain is the way to go IMO, as the serrations actually can get in the way for many common chores, (paper comes to mind), but if you see yourself using it for some heavier usage as mentioned above, where sawing actually is going to be a regular occurrence, go with the combo.
 
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