Knife: Plain edge or serrated?

[AK103K]

Hey, at least some are figuring out that the stone doesnt have to be "stone" at all, and preferably isnt, and when they understand, they get it. A mirror, especially under glass, is a wonderous thing.

Going the other direction, I've seen people try to sharpen or touch up things on concrete slabs and curbs.

I think a lot of people think that the edge you get when you buy a knife is the best its going to be.

There seems to be some misunderstanding here about the use of the serrations. They have a specific purpose and are not (usually) for general cutting. They tend to work better for abusive cutting, or cutting of things that require more aggressive means or rob your "good" edge of its usefulness. Sometimes it just makes sense not to use your "good" edge at all, saving it for other things, especially if your not worried about haw the cut looks or comes out.

Some may not like the idea of a combo blade, and thats fine, its all personal choice. I like some blades to have one and others to be plain, depends on what I want it for.

 

[Buzzcook]

Straight edge.

My preference for sharpening has always been a tri-stone. The back of a plate works surprisingly well.
I've worked in many kitchens and most people don't know what a sharp knife is. When they do get hold of a sharp knife they do their best to dull it up.

What bugs me the most is visiting relatives or friends and being asked to help in the kitchen. They hand me a dull hunk of metal that might have been a knife in a former life time. Usually that knife will be something totally unsuited to the purpose.
I've given several people chefs knives just in case they ask me into their kitchens again.

 

[The Tourist]

There seems to be some misunderstanding here about the use of the serrations. They have a specific purpose

I think you and I actually agree. The issue, on my side, is that I think the list of people who really need serrations is much shorter than yours.

I will make one last example. If you google the SW automatic OPS knife, you will most likely find a black, tanto style police knife, half serrated. As I began to sell and service, this was the popular cops' knife in my area. The belief was the serrations were needed for the villainous seatbelt.

Over time, I sharpened the plain edge and repaired the damage to the serrations.

I don't sell that many combo edges anymore. A sharp, plain edge is just as effective in emergencies, and allows the officer to use the knife daily in mundane tasks.

Under water, in the rain, on sloppy media, etc., a serrated blade has value to that professional. However, the last time I was under water was in the shower at the gym. I use a plain edge Emerson to cut slippery buttered steak and potatoes. If it rains, both me and my bike get soaked, not only my knife.

However, your list is longer. I attribute that to the assumption that competent tinkers do not work in your vicinity. If you ever get to Madison, bring me your deer knife--you know, the one that gets slippery in blood and collides against bone.

 

[KellyTTE]

The OP didn't specify use, so I'll ASSUME self-defense.

Serrated blades snag badly in nylon jackets, windbreakers, and clothing. This is experience speaking and I've got the scars from the knife fights that back up this observation.

If you intend to defend yourself with a blade, a non-serrated edge is the way to go.

 

[mesabi]

I carry Kershaw. I have a Scallion because i lost my Leek. I think part of me died inside when I lost that knife in the woods. I started carrying knives at work to open boxes and crates and what not. Then I started carrying a knife after work when one of the times I stopped to help someone on the side of the road, A guy stabbed another guy. Then I stopped carrying my one hand open junk knife and got that Leek. I figure if I would ever have to use it in self defence, just opening it with the speedsafe will make someone think twice.

 

[The Tourist]

ASSUME self-defense...If you intend to defend yourself with a blade, a non-serrated edge is the way to go.

You know, I never thought of self-defense. The reason being that the serrations on most knives are towards the back of the blade's edge.

(I have seen a Russian knife with serrations towards the front, and once on a knife Bear Grills used on "Man vs. Wild")

My comments were towards utility. Frankly, that's even in question.

Off the top of my head I cannot think of a serrated knife that is successfully marketed for defense.

At one time Spyderco made an extreme hawkbill knife called "The Citizen." The story is that everyone knew the knife was geared for self-defense, but the company didn't want to market it that way.

You will also notice I used the phrase "successfully marketed."

 

[The Tourist]

ASSUME self-defense...If you intend to defend yourself with a blade, a non-serrated edge is the way to go.

You know, I never thought of self-defense. The reason being that the serrations on most knives are towards the back of the blade's edge.

(I have seen a Russian knife with serrations towards the front, and once on a knife Bear Grills used on "Man vs. Wild")

My comments were towards utility. Frankly, that's even in question.

Off the top of my head I cannot think of a serrated knife that is successfully marketed for defense.

At one time Spyderco made an extreme hawkbill knife called "The Citizen." The story is that everyone knew the knife was geared for self-defense, but the company didn't want to market it that way.

You will also notice I used the phrase "successfully marketed."

PVK&T has one in their Spydie section.

 

[Mags]

All of you have some fine points and i have learned a bit here. its all what your intended purposes are. I, like AK103, work in construction. I'm a plumber and often need to cut plastic,rubber and cardboard. One swipe with the serrated portion of my knife across some rubber hoseing does the job. If I use my straight edge on the same material I would have to saw the straight edge through. Thus making the task longer and more dangerous has I'm holding the floppy hose close by the cutting line. I agree, I've never atempted to sharpen my serrated portion nor do I know how. I usually have a fairly cheap knife for work usage. I still carry a partially serrated knife after hours in my pocket, probably because its habbit and feel that the serrated portion will come in handly if I need to cut some tough material. Actually on Christmas I used my new Kershaw tactical Blur to open my kids toys. They sure package the hell out of those things! I used the staight edge to open the boxes and fairly heavy clear plastic coverings. I then had to use the serrated part to cut through the heavy plastic tie downs (zip ties) that held the toys to the box. The straight just wasnt adquate enough to get through the heavy plastic with out many little jabs and swipes, as the serrated edge went through in one or two little pulling motions. I really feel that a knife for me with out some serrations is a half a tool.