What Do You Use Serrations For?

C

Confederate

Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
2,826
Some other threads got me thinking about serrations and why people buy them. Keeping in mind that there are different types of serrations and sizes, I'm interested in learning how those who buy combo blades and serrated edges use them. What do you cut with them most of the time, and what type of serrations do you use?

SWHawkbills.jpg


The serrations on the S&W (above) are small and cut many more things better than heavier serrations. Syderco's fine serration pattern (below) is far better than the bumpier, saw-toothed types of serrations, at least in my opinion.

SpydercoSerrations.jpg


Such teeth can be used on leather and other tough materials. I'm also a fan of the Cold Steel serrations pattern and carry a Gunsite most of the time. With it's 5-inch blade, it has plenty of plain blade and a fine serration pattern if you need them just below.

ColdSteelGunsite_1.jpg


But the serration patterns found on many knives, like this CRKT, are a waste of blade space and simply are little more than saws.

CRKTDesertCruiserSerrations.jpg


So what type do you use, if any, and again, what do you use them for?

Thanks!
 
I mainly carry spyderco's, but i absolutely always have a fully serrated endura just incase any of my other knives arent sharp enough to handle a task with ease. For me its mainly just a backup if i happen to find somthing one of my knives cant handle.
 
I was never a fan of serrations, but have been carrying a serrated Military for several days and am starting to understand why some folks like 'em. For general usage like cutting open boxes, plastic clamshells, zip ties, opening letters etc., its pretty dang good. Really tears through a box, and I suspect that in a defensive scenario it would go thru someone's leather jacket better than a plain edge, but I don't intend on finding out.

Have not tried anything delicate like peeling an apple, but I suspect it can be done.

Overall, I could see myself carrying a serrated EDC knife on an ongoing basis.
 
I often use a Spyderco Worker and first gen Endura, both SE, for cutting up carpeting. Works better than most edged tools that I've tried.
 
I only own 2 part serrated knives, a pair of first production run UT6's. 50/50 serrations look ugly. I would be open to full serrations tho.
 
I use a Boker RESCOM as my climbing knife to saw through old webbing and rope to make room for my new anchors. I like that it's small and light. The hooked blade prevents me from stabbing my partner (hanging anchors get crowded), and it protects the edge from the rock.

2700247624_c5baa8e8f1_o.jpg
 
I have sold off all of my serrated knives. I prefer plain edge for my knives.


NOTE: I just remembered I do have an older Hawkbill Spyderco with serrations that a family member gave me many years ago. I don't use it though; its a keepsake.
 
The only 2 CE blades I have are the Gunsite and Gunsite 2 and I keep one in the truck just in case.
 
the reason i like srrations personally is because you can dig in gravel all day long trashing the whole plain edge of the knife but still be able to cut rope with the serrated section of blade

in theory at least :D
 
I'm mostly PE myself, but I always carry an SE knife at work (Cable installer), great for when I need to tear into whatever, and the spydie larger scallops work perfect for stripping quad shielded RG6 :)
 
I am a plain edge guy because I like to sharpen my knives myself, but I do like serrations for the saw type function. Even if it is a little dull, you can roger your way through a cut with a serrated dull blade. However, my serrated bagel slicer will shave hair off the said bagel.
 
So far: cutting open packaging, pruning, cuting heavy rope.

Roger999 said:
I prefer not to use them because I don't like sharpening them.
Click to expand...

That was why I hated them for so long. I have three Spydercos now, all serrated (one partially), and I'm finding new chores daily for them.

thx - cpr
 
They are great at cutting thick climbing rope, though a well-sharpened plain edge will work fairly well, I'll admit.

My favorite use for serrations is in making fuzz sticks. You don't need a large section of serrated edge, and the chisel grind makes it easier to get the precise depth you need to get those shavings nice and fine:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top