What's better in a KaBar fixed blade: plain edge or serrated?

G

gubby

Joined
Sep 23, 2005
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I wanna buy a Kabar short model, but I got some second thoughts about buying the plaine edge model. Would the serrations be of good use? Do they stay sharp? And are they easy to sharpen with a standard fare wetstone? Thanks. I plan to use the knife for fishing/hiking/outdoor use.
 
I've never used a Ka-Bar shorty, but i have used the USMC plain blade model. I personally tend to like plain blades better than serrations, especially on a fixed blade of that size. I would prefer to have as much unobstructed cutting surface as possible. a serrated edge does come in handy for cutting para cord or fishing line, but my crkt m-16 follows me everywhere i go, freeing up my big(ger) knife from this obligation. if you don't usually carry a serrated folder i'd say yeah get the serrated version, and vice-versa. hope this helps

Alex
 
Hmm, thats a very good point lol. I think I'm gonna go ahead and get the plain edge as was the original plan (it looks a little better too, IMO :D ).
 
Ya, I'd have to agree with Alex C. The plain edge would be better unless you were cutting rope, cord, harness, seat belts and such, often. The plain edge can do it also, but the serrated edge would do it quicker. Personally I hate to sharpen serrated blades. And no, you cannot sharpen them on a standard wetstone. You could use a Spyderco Sharpmaker, or one of the many small crock sticks, or diamond rods specially made for a serrated blade (many options). The serrated edge gets dull just like the plain edge, but often times it appears sharper because it can often cut, when dull, due to the serrations.
 
I have 2 full sized kabars one plain and one half and half.the serrades are a pain in the a** to maintain.i hike a lot and i'm never without at least 1 of my kabars.
 
Well, glad I went plain edge if the serrations are difficult to sharpen! Just got done ordering it at AG Russell's...can't wait to get it :cool: I've heard many tales about the toughness of these knives, and my dad just got a full size leather-wrapped, plain edge one for xmas. Only problem was that full size seemed too much for what I'm gonna be doing (mainly fishing, and gutting them small trout they have here with a full-size blade seems like overkill). Yeah, I'm excited. :D
 
I was at Wal Mart a few months back and found a round, diamond sharpening stick. The price was right at around $8, so I thought why not add a new sharpening toy to the tool box.

As it turns out, it was worthless for me because I don't own any serrated blades. So I threw it in the tool box and didn't think too much about it. Then a friend asked if I'd sharpen his combo-edge Gerber Gator. I agreed and set off. I got the plain edge part shaving sharp, but the serrations had seen hell (the guy's a mountain climber and cuts all sorts of cords and saws sapplings with it too), they were pretty mangled. Then I remembered that little round Smith's diamond stick thing.

I rumaged around the tool box and found it. It cleaned those serrations up in no time and restored them to almost like new. So good in fact, that my friend cut himself pretty bad when he thumbed over the serrations.

Sorry that this post doesn't add any real value to the topic at hand, but it is a good way to sharpen serrations, better than the Sharpmaker (for serrations).

Edited to add something on topic... You can always carry a folding camp saw if you really need heavy cutting for shelter making, etc.
 
Gubby, congrats on the purchase.

I'm glad you decided on the plain edge and if you keep it sharp it will easlily cut rope or straps.

The leather handle you described is actually leather washers stacked onto the tang. Stacked leather makes a great handle and it's one of my favorites. It extremely tough and it gets a nice tacky feel as it ages. Keep it oiled and it will last forever.

Mine is almost 20 years old and still looks and performs great!

Collecter
 
collecter said:
Gubby, congrats on the purchase.

I'm glad you decided on the plain edge and if you keep it sharp it will easlily cut rope or straps.

The leather handle you described is actually leather washers stacked onto the tang. Stacked leather makes a great handle and it's one of my favorites. It extremely tough and it gets a nice tacky feel as it ages. Keep it oiled and it will last forever.

Mine is almost 20 years old and still looks and performs great!

Collecter
Click to expand...

What kind of oil, please?
 
collecter said:
Gubby, congrats on the purchase.

I'm glad you decided on the plain edge and if you keep it sharp it will easlily cut rope or straps.

The leather handle you described is actually leather washers stacked onto the tang. Stacked leather makes a great handle and it's one of my favorites. It extremely tough and it gets a nice tacky feel as it ages. Keep it oiled and it will last forever.

Mine is almost 20 years old and still looks and performs great!

Collecter
Click to expand...

Well how about that! And here I was thinking it was a leather-wrapped piece of steel or something. You learn something new every day! Znapshatz, I assume you could use any type of leather softening oil (neet's foot oil, for example).
 
I hope you love your new ka-bar.I own 2 leather stacked usmc models,2 impact series,a short tanto and a TDI sd knife.I love em all and use them all the time and they never let me down.they're a great,simple hard use knife that'll last for years.
 
znapschatz said:
What kind of oil, please?
Click to expand...

For all my leather products (everything from baseball gloves, to boots, tp knife sheaths & handles), I use linseed oil.
It works extremely well, and the smell of it reminds me of pocketknives, baseball, camping, and kites (you know what I mean... nice nostalgic scent that takes me back to childhood).

Peace.
 
I've used what ever machine or motor oil I have on hand but I usually oil my knives when I'm cleaning my guns so they usually get the same gun oil treatment.

Basically, leather just needs to keep from drying out and it will last a very long time.

Collecter
 
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