Asking for imput.
Given a choice between two identical high quality folding knives except that one has a combo blade, 40% serrated, which one should I choose? Why would I not want a combo blade?

Thanks

I would say that combo blades are unnecessary as log as you keep the knife relatively sharp. It will do everything that the serrated will do. I like my fixed blades with no combo! I would recommend the just single.

http://www.equipped.org/devices6.htm#SerrationsorSmoothEdge?

a serrated is a pain in the arse to keep sharp enough to be of any use

Thanks for the link. That answers my question. I always keep my knives sharp enough to cut what ever I need to.

I like to have a serrated blade to cut synthetic fibers. Synthetics jsut seem to do a better job cutting synthetic fiber. A straight blade does not work as well.

However, I also like a decent-sized fixed blade with a straight edge. If I cannot have both, the fixed is my choice.

I sharpen the few serrated edges I have on the Sharpmaker. It works just fine and only takes a few seconds. I generally prefer a non-serrated plain-edge knife, both in folders (especially) and in fixed blades.

In my opinion, serrated blades are great for things like rope, seat belts, fan belts, and those damned clamshell plastic things that they like to seal stuff in these days. But, for rope and such, I like a long section of serration, not an inch or so. I have never had a combo blade, but have a hard time imagining slicing thru a 3/4" manila rope with a short section of serration. They are also hard to sharpen without specialized tools...

I like straight blades, I have not found serrated blades any more useful then a regular blade. If you were a fireman or police officer and ever had to cut a person out of a car the serrated blade would be a better choice.

I have the stone on my Lansky sharpener that’s made to sharpen them (V-shaped) because I have purchased a few serrated blade knifes in the past. But they just sit unused. I bought into the idea that you need them, but 15-years later I have never ran into a situation that a straight knife didn’t fill that the serrated one would.


From a survival point of view a straight blade knife is a better choice because it’s easier to sharpen in the field with nothing more then a small pack able sharpening stone. Heck you could sharpen it with a stone you found someplace if needed. Or a piece of emery cloth or sandpaper.

I am not a fan of serrated blades for one reason, I am one of the 10% of the population in their right mind (left-handed). The blades are sharpened for use by righties.

Let the ribbing begin.

www.ragweedforge.com Ragnar stocks a partially serrated Mora with an orange handle at the request of emergency personel.I would suggest picking one up along with a regular blade Mora. the knives are inexpensive schoolmasters in many cutlery sciences like sharpening, safety and personal responsibility. Teach yourself the answer by using both alongside each other for different tasks.