plain or partially serrated

[vinstang67]

For EDC versatility, which do you prefer, plain or partially serrated?

I have a Kershaw Leek plain blade for years, & really like but thinking about getting a new knife trying to decide which type of blade to go with.

Not a big fan of a partially serrated blade but Ernest Emerson mentioned on a web that should always carry serrated.

What's your opinions?

[Spots]

Plain. The only thing Ive found that serrated works better for is if your cutting lots of rope constantly. I can sharpen a plain blade in about 10 min no problems, and they will slice nice and clean through most materials. If its for self defense a sharp plain edge is better as a cleanly sliced artery or vein will stay open and bleed where as a ripped one will close up and clot faster. Tapatalk ate my spelling.

[Trekbike]

Having a serrated is nice except when it's time to sharpen. I've got a special stone for serrated blades for my Lansky kit but never have liked my results. I usually end up using a very small precision round file set I've got to touch it up. My current EDC for the last several years has been a plain blade.

[UncleJak]

I prefer plain. I have a new one that I have been carrying that is partially serrated and it is cool but hard to sharpen Sent barefoot from the hills of Tennessee

[peejman]

I've got a knife with a partially serrated blade but rarely use the serrated part. It's really only useful for sawing stuff... rope, wood, bones, etc.

[jtmaze]

Plain. Serrated blades have a few good uses, but rarely do I run across them in everyday life. JTM We the People of the United States, in order to form a more Perfect Union......

[Troutburger]

I prefer plain for everything except sawing through joints, fish backs and rope.

[satalac]

Always have a partially serrated. I like that it's there if I need it (rope, twine, etc) and I have never had to sharpen the serrations, still razor sharp. There is still plenty of usable blade for regular stuff too. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

[mikegideon]

Plain here too. Serrated can be useful, but they're a pain in the butt to sharpen.

[TripleDigitRide]

I would prefer a plain, but there's been a time or two when I was extremely grateful for having the serrations during an unexpected situation. If I'm buying an EDC, it is serrated. 

[vinstang67]

Serrated blades have a few good uses, but rarely do I run across them in everyday life.

I like that it's there if I need it

there's been a time or two when I was extremely grateful for having the serrations during an unexpected situation.

Those are the things that I have been debating on.

I never sharpened any serrated blades & I do not think I have the right sharpening tool(s) for.

I was leaning toward to plain but I still don't know.

Once decided, I need to pick a knife.
Blade materials to consider, S30V, M390, M4......
It seems tougher than picking a hand gun. Edited January 11, 2014 by vinstang67

[TripleDigitRide]

Those are the things that I have been debating on.

I never sharpened any serrated blades & I do not think I have the right sharpening tool(s) for.

I was leaning toward to plain but I still don't know.

Once decided, I need to pick a knife.
It seems tougher than picking a hand gun.

My current EDC is a Zero Tolerance ZT350. If you consider a Zero Tolerance knife for EDC, do yourself a favor and check out the blemished models offered at Kershaw Guy. Big savings.

[mav]

I prefer plain as well.  I have a few large fixed blades with serrations, but I won't have a folder with serrations.

[satalac]

This is what I carry (I have the 580S). They have a several different kinds of blades and points. The blade material is 154CM, don't know if that's a deal breaker for you. 

[mikegideon]

This is what I carry (I have the 580S). They have a several different kinds of blades and points. The blade material is 154CM, don't know if that's a deal breaker for you. 

 

Benchmade likes 154CM for some reason. I only have one Benchmade, and it's 154CM as well.

[vinstang67]

My current EDC is a Zero Tolerance ZT350. If you consider a Zero Tolerance knife for EDC, do yourself a favor and check out the blemished models offered at Kershaw Guy. Big savings.

Thanks for the information.

[vinstang67]

This is what I carry (I have the 580S). The blade material is 154CM, don't know if that's a deal breaker for you.

Benchmade likes 154CM for some reason. I only have one Benchmade, and it's 154CM as well.

Models I have in mind happened not using 154. Not a deal breaker.

I narrowed down to two:
Benchmade 940 Osborne
Benchmade Contego
(Benchmade Emissary was in but not on the table for now).

[Ted S.]

PLAIN!!! Serrated is for yankees.

Sent from somewhere in the cosmos using magic...and bacon.

[TripleDigitRide]

PLAIN!!! Serrated is for yankees.

 

That explains it. Guilty.

[Fourtyfive]

PS for me , never had to sharpen the serrations , but could.

[Chucktshoes]

I solve the serrated/smooth blade conundrum by carrying two blades. I have a habit of misplacing things so I carry inexpensive blades. One is a kershaw speed safe assisted open with the combo blade the other is a crkt dragon fixed blade smooth blade.

[Guest Lowbuster]

My edc is plain but I also carry a multi tool that has both plain and fully serrated. If you are worried about sharpening, honing takes years of experience but kits are made to sharpen serrated by smiths I think.

[mikegideon]

My edc is plain but I also carry a multi tool that has both plain and fully serrated. If you are worried about sharpening, honing takes years of experience but kits are made to sharpen serrated by smiths I think.

 

A SharpMaker will do it. Just use the corners

[jimmydeuce]

90 percent of the time I'd say plain. But when you need a serrated it's great to have one one. That said I carry a plain edge but have a partially and a fully serrated in my vehicle just in case. The DMT Aligner sharpener I have has a serrated sharpener attachment. I never dreamed they'd be so easy to sharpen with the right tool.

[hipower]

OK, I'll add to the pot. Like almost all the posters here, I prefer a plain edge. No particular reason. I just like it more. Maybe it's because I cut myself years ago with a serrated blade. :stunned: