Zeff serrations ?

Joined
Dec 7, 2005
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Does anyone have an opinion or experience with CRKT's newer folders with the "zeff" serration pattern? I just ordered a Triumph folder and was wondering how they cut. They look like they would grab like hell and hang on while actually being easier to sharpen than more traditional patterns. Thanks for any input.

Brian
 
*Veff* serrations, so named for cutler Tom Veff who designed them. I've used them before, on a Triumph folder that I borrowed for a day. I didn't care for the knife overall - too many sharp edges and corners - but the serrations themselves were the best I've ever used. They bite deep and tear hard, almost like a series of mini-wharncliffe-style blades. I don't normally advocate serrations on smaller knives, but in this case the utility is certainly worth it, especially if you're working tough outdoorsy-type jobs.
Might be a bit of a bother to sharpen, being so radically different from other serrations, but I'm only speculating now. I haven't actually used them that long.
 
That confirms some of my thoughts on Zeff serations. On the CRKT version it looks like a simple round tapered diamond rod should do the job quickly. It sure looks easier than the convex serratons on some Kershaw knives I've seen. The relatively large profile of the serration also "looks" easier to sharpen. I'll know in a week or so. Thanks!

Brian
 
Quoted from Tom Veff's website:

"Veff-Serrations ... are unlike traditional serrations which are usually small scallops oriented at 90 degrees to the blade cutting edge. Veff-Serrations are wide and angled at 60 degrees to the edge. The resulting cutting points bite instantly and dig deep upon contact, while the large, surgically sharp valleys slice smoothly and effortlessly. Unlike traditional serrations that tend to snag and stick when cutting rope and similar material, Veff-Serrations slice through cleanly and easily. This produces dramatically improved cutting ability on rope, webbing, strapping, hose and leather."
 
Anybody have a picture?

Edit, got one, looks interesting:

image524.jpg
 
I wrote two article last year for a gun magazine (Hungary), from the Triumph folder, and the Tiny Tighe Breaker.

Altough I don't like serrated edges, the Veff-serrations were the best I've ever used. I cut various electrical wires, poly ropes, and it worked flawlessly. :thumbup:

I almost like it. :D
 
The one thing about Veff's serrations, is that you will have to work very hard, or be very, very stoooopid with your knife, to break them.

Many serrated edges have those fragile looking points...cruel looking things, but if you whack those babies up against something hard, off they go...
 
"VEFF" serrations are probably the best serration design I have used. They are very tough and bite into whatever you are cutting. Very difficult to break and definetly the right choice as far as serrated blades go.
 
I am not correcting anyone, just speaking from experience. I own a m16-14sfg which obviously has veff serrations. At first i was in such awe of my knife i was actually uncomfortable using it, but after seeing video of someone else doing so, i easily sliced through two plastic bottles. After that i just carried it around with me as a personal defense knife, and even though it is heavy the "handguard" and it's ability to quickly draw it by snagging the guard make it invaluable. Once i finally came back to my area where there are actual woods, i was prepared to test it out. I started out on the softest wood i could find, and on the smallest branch on a small sapling too. And immediately, the serrations bent. I thought it was impossible, and that i must have dropped it at some point without realizing it. But no, i cut into the tiny branch again, and then a serration chipped. Never had i had a knife both chip AND bend, and from such a gentle task. I have no idea if it's just the 8Cr14 steel, or the fact that the serrations themselves are a bad design. If you look on google you will see that on the g10 m16 or m21, the serrations look more fragile than say, the triumph or ultima. No idea what to do or if i should return it, seeing as how i didn't buy directly form them. And no, it's not a counterfeit.
 
Welcome to bladeforums!
Were you applying any lateral torque to the blade? I can't imagine why else the Veff serrations would fail so easily. Unless you just got a lemon.
I would contact CRKT's warranty department. It's worth a try to see what they can do about it.
 
What is it that you cannot tolerate? Welcome to the forums.

Indeed, such failure of a CRKT blade is not common. CRKT has a good warranty. I broke a small portion of the tip on one o mine, and they replaced the knife. My CRKT knives serve me well, but lately I have not been into folders. I am thinking about an Kommer IFB, I do not think I could break one.
 
No lateral torque of any kind, but my knife was not pressed to the branch, so it wasn't a chop, but it wasn't a draw/slice either, more of a light slash. But still, i think it must have been a lemon, even if the new m16 g10 series has more fragile looking serrations. I'll try to return it, hopefully they'll replace it.
Thanks
 
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