I can't 😅 I don't like serrations either personally.

But they are sharpenable via cylindrical/conical ceramic/diamond files. Some serrations profiles require more than 1 size file- I'm extra not a fan of those. I had serrations on a coldsteel recon one and a few cheap knife from my younger years.

I understand the benefit- and i remember those serrations coming in handy when I failed to maintain my knife but thats a user error deal. Now, I'm good at sharpening things and never saw the benefit to be worth the extra effort.

I do like a serrated knife for bread... thats about it.

 

For my cheaper utility knives that get used and abused I like the serrations for cutting rope and cord. To sharpen them I use my lanskey sharpeners and tilt the stone so I can stroke the serrations with the 90 degree edge of the stone. Not perfect but keeps the knife going. Some knives I have just sharpened the whole bade serrations and all at the same angle and that works somewhat as well. My wifes spyderco purse knife is still wicked sharp after 20 years. She just uses it for emergencies or when someone comes into the ER and needs their boot cut off.

 

I have a set of Ginsu serrated steak knives that I bought probably around 2008. They still cut like brand new. We open boxes with them, use them as general kitchen utility knives and of course, cut steak. If I had to grab an AK-and-head-inna-woods, I would take one of the Ginsu's with me.
Back then I think I paid about 8 bucks for the set of 8.

 

I have a set of Ginsu serrated steak knives that I bought probably around 2008. They still cut like brand new. We open boxes with them, use them as general kitchen utility knives and of course, cut steak. If I had to grab an AK-and-head-in a-woods, I would take one of the Ginsu's with me.
Back then I think I paid about 8 bucks for the set of 8.

Did you buy them after midnight on the shopping channel? In all seriousness I agree what works works.

 

I just hit the flat side with my 600 grit diamond file. It seems to give it a new life. I do have lots of tapered and round files but don't use them for that purpose.

 

There are about 12 different types of serrations, and all have a different effect, some are better for one thing but not another, and some are easy to sharpen while others are nearly impossible.

For me, it’s almost required on bread knives, and I have a couple of serrated kitchen utility knives, which are great for tomatoes, plus a couple of folders with partial serrations that live in the truck or a tool box. My Leatherman Free has a small serrated part, I haven’t managed to dull it yet.

Funny thing, I DON’T like serrated steak knives. There’s simply no need for the serrations when cutting meat.

 

I won't carry a knife without serrations, I cut a lot of baling twine and it helps a lot to have a good blade to cut it with. Half serrated half.smooth blade is my favorite style for edc. Not difficult to sharpen, I use the fold out rod on those little blade medic pocket sharpeners.

 

Toughie-As a Merchant Mariner for a number of years, serrated cuts rope/line, especially nylon stuff, much better and holds an edge longer…nylon rope will ruin a standard edge in seconds
I carried a half serrated for years when I left the water mainly out of habit….I carry straight edge only now,but still have several of my 1/2’s…
There are so many diff things need cutting in an average day, I’ll still run up on something a serrated would do better….Personal choice on this one🤔

 

Being a product of the offshore oil industry, a serrated blade is required to work with slime-covered ) ropes and lines.

In practical terms, we didn't sharpen these or other knives. This requirement given out to others on shore.

 

Being a product of the offshore oil industry, a serrated blade is required to work with slime-covered (not politicians one doesn't like !) ropes and lines.

In practical terms, we didn't sharpen these or other knives. This requirement given out to others on shore.

You ever get to Fouchon when it was two ditches and Charlie Hardisons?😂
It’s a city now🙈

 

I still have my Wenoka from my days at sea but it has the broad scalloped serrations that are easy to sharpen, its was an emergency blade only, never used it for net or rope work.

 

I typically prefer a non-serrated blade, but I've seen a lot of partially serrated edges on knives in the military. I think it's mostly convenience of having an aggressive cutting edge if you don't or can't routinely sharpen your blade. Quite often I did have a secondary (or tertiary +) blade with a serrated edge (I carried a full size Spyderco Military with a fully serrated blade) for quite a while. They are definitely more effective when cutting a lot of cord, cutting through thick material, etc.

As for sharpening, a ceramic or diamond rod would do. Spyderco's Sharpmaker triangular rods allowed you to sharpen the smallest serrated edges.

They're a great option for some and I have a few partially serrated folders, but they're usually not my top preference.

Of note, there used to be some discussion on a knife forum about where to have those partial serrations on your knife blade. I kind of liked the once concept of having it out near the tip of your blade vice closer to the handle. Most combo knives have the serrations closer to the handle.

ROCK6

 

How do you sharpen your serated edge?

I mainly use this for inward curves... karambits... and for serrated edges. It's the only thing that works. You can also use a fine grit sandpaper wound tight around a pencil but why would I when I got a diamond file?

 

Forest,

Re # 14,

I sure in my older times I cruised past the place.

Yes, indeed, a critically designated city.

Thanks for invoking memories.

 

I ran supply boats out of there in the 80’s…Back then the friggin channel only had two buoys🙈😂…I looked at Google Earth the other day…I didn’t recognize it..

 

Once upon a time,when I was much younger.

I thought the Spyderco was the answer to cutting.

Then I found SHARP knives [ thank you Mike Stewart of Bark River knives ]

Now after more than a few decades,I use a serrated blade for bread !.

And if a really soft tomatoe comes along,the ragged edge gets called out.

 

Aesthetically, I prefer a plain edge. Most of my knives are this. However, my daily carry Spyderco has a partial serration. It is useful, sometimes.

A Lansky Tactical Blade Medic, is my field sharpener of choice. 4 in 1.

 

The problem with serrations is when you choke up on the knife to do fine work you are into the serrations. Try making a feather stick with a serrated blade. Sure, you can do it but it's a PITA...LOL

 

cheap steel and diamond file set, and youre all set. i have a few serrated/half serrated.

 

I've tried to sharpen serated with a tapered diamond round rod. Mangled the serrations. Guess I need more patience

 

A diamond rod like the one I showed can take off a lot of material if you apply pressure. With those, don't apply pressure. Let the rod do the work. And spin/twist it a little when going back and forth.

 

The rub is there are a lot of people who think they need a serrated blade when they really don't. I chalk that up to marketing.

 

I despise serrated edge knives. Learn to properly sharpen a straight edge, and you won't need a serrated edge.

 

A properly sharpened straight blade will go dull in seconds cutting a 2 in nylon line…personal experience 🥸

 

Killing chickens the cheap serated steak knife worked better. They have their place

 

When I have to cut cardboard (don't ask), serrated is better.

 

When I have to cut cardboard (don't ask), serrated is better.

I use a folding utility knife for cardboard. When one side of the blade dulls, I open it up and flip the blade.

Several years ago, I bought a hundred pack of disposable utility blades and by my account I'll probably die before I use the last one...LOL

M MEEPO Box Cutter, 4-Pack Tough Folding Box Cutter for Heavy Duty Purpose, Razor Sharp Blade, Comfortable Handle, with Extra 10-Piece Blades, Can cut Drywall, Sheet Plastic, Linoleum, Boxes, Rope - Amazon.com

M MEEPO Box Cutter, 4-Pack Tough Folding Box Cutter for Heavy Duty Purpose, Razor Sharp Blade, Comfortable Handle, with Extra 10-Piece Blades, Can cut Drywall, Sheet Plastic, Linoleum, Boxes, Rope - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

I like a partially serrated knife, especially for cutting rope, nylon and zip ties.

However, if you go to sell a knife with serrations it’s like it’s radioactive and you almost can’t give it away. Too many people are afraid of it or don’t know how to sharpen it.

 

Just looked at some on Amazon. Was tempted but heck I carry a pocket knife and a Leatherman. I guess I could use an excacto knife then I shook my head lol

 

So, I just grabbed some serrated knives I've had over the years; most are folders, most recent is a "dive knife" with a partially serrated edge I used in the FL Keys a couple weeks ago. If I think I need serrated, I prefer a second knife that is fully serrated. Some multitools are perfect as that's the blade that gets the abusive use, saving your plain edge for more appropriate tasks. I'm not a mariner at all, but if you're cutting a lot of thick rope (especially wet nylon), your plain edge is going to dull quickly...do you have time to touch up or sharpen, or do you just want to use that serrated edge to get the job done?

Another reason is defensive. I'm torn on this. My close friend took a Spyderco defensive class decades ago. Serrated edges can be devastating, or they can get "clogged up" with clothing...which is why they always recommended carrying two Delica or two Endura serrated folders. Again, I don't mind carrying a fully serrated knife, but it's always going to be secondary to a plain edge. The original SOG Pentagon kind of gave you a choice of either on the same blade...



ROCK6

 

So, I just grabbed some serrated knives I've had over the years; most are folders, most recent is a "dive knife" with a partially serrated edge I used in the FL Keys a couple weeks ago. If I think I need serrated, I prefer a second knife that is fully serrated. Some multitools are perfect as that's the blade that gets the abusive use, saving your plain edge for more appropriate tasks. I'm not a mariner at all, but if you're cutting a lot of thick rope (especially wet nylon), your plain edge is going to dull quickly...do you have time to touch up or sharpen, or do you just want to use that serrated edge to get the job done?

Another reason is defensive. I'm torn on this. My close friend took a Spyderco defensive class decades ago. Serrated edges can be devastating, or they can get "clogged up" with clothing...which is why they always recommended carrying two Delica or two Endura serrated folders. Again, I don't mind carrying a fully serrated knife, but it's always going to be secondary to a plain edge. The original SOG Pentagon kind of gave you a choice of either on the same blade...



ROCK6

As I stated I was 'once' a huge fan of serrated blades.

Then I was shown [ see I did learn ] what a REALLY sharp blade can do,I was sold and never looked back.

My only serrated blades came in a set from Cutkoe and I bought them as a favor.

The serrated edges do cut,BUT the SHARP edged blades are scary sharp !.

As my perfect [ for me ] example is,when I cut a steak [ and I do often ] I want a SHARP blade that does not rip the meat.

I carry my own steak knives when I eat out as the POS serrated chinese garbage that 'they' call a steak knife is a sad joke.

So comparing steak to say flesh or ANY meat = I go sharp edge.

To each their own,and I hope I did not change anyones mind !

 

No, Rigel…that knife is a joke.🙄

I meant these.

older

newer

NATO by Germany

 

The saw back on the top two is good for one thing only, ripping through the aluminum skin of the aircraft. And not very good at that.


BTW, one of the very few serrated knifes I have are the duct knives with a fine edge on one side and the full serrations on the other.