To get down to brass tacks, can someone tell me whether or not a serrated edge/plain/combo is better or worse for EDC and survival sits? (I would prefer an answer that has as little opinion as possible)

Could someone either give me some advice or point me to a thread that discusses this?

Keep in mind, I am a Marine so I dont have to worry about PC workplace knives, etc and I go to the field ALL THE TIME, so this knife will serve quite a few different billets.

Currently, I carry a Spyderco Rescue and I want to switch to a Spyderco Endura so I have a drop point knife blade. I am open to other knife suggestions, but knives like the Sebenza are way too much for poor me. <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Background info:

After combing this forum, as well as knifeforums, I have yet to find a non opinionated answer to my question about knife edges. I recently added my Sypderco Rescue (full serrated) back into my EDC. I loved the knife and I stopped carrying it due my receiving a Swisstool. But after reading this and other forums, I have started carrying it again so I have a knife I can get to more easily than my Swisstool. I want to replace it and leave the Rescue in my truck in my emergency kit there, and I want to stay with Spyderco as I am a huge fan of their knives and they are more affordable for me right now. My only problem is that I can decide which edge to go with. I know most of the pros and cons to each edge and I really like the combo edge of the Spyderco Endura. The issue is that I continually find postings about the waste of a knife with a combo edge (or serrated edge for that matter). Is this opinion or is it a matter of fact? I used my Rescue for years in the field and I did all sorts of work with it and I never had want for a plain edge.

I wish there was some manner of blackening that would show where each knife actually does the majority of it's work. Any knife, regardless of size will have a 'sweet spot' determined by design, user grip and application. If you are making feathered kindling for instance; the curve or belly is the proper edge plane. Split the secondary billets for your fire and it's the straight edge. If you like and use serrated edges, just get a combo that doesn't compromise any standard edge uses in the field. My Spyderco rescue is a crucial piece of riding gear. There is nothing like untangling a wreck with a thrashing horse ( and oftentimes rider) with a pointed knife that wants to puncture flesh or slide off slick leather rigging. No way I'm reaching for the Mora stashed in my boot for general use.

Myself, I prefer a straight edge, A serrated edge cuts many things well, but it is also a bear to sharpen, that is why I prefer a plain edge for a knife. My tool knife is a Grohmann #3 with the plain edge and a VIctorinox "Farmer" pocket knife. I also carry a Swiss Tool depending on what I am doing, there is a serrated edge on one of the blades. Mostly a matter of taste I guess. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Chris, given the same type of work (e.g. the same sweet spot) I identify the sweet spot by coloring the bevel with a black magic marker. It will eventually wear off, typically starting in the area of greater use.
An idea I got from the folks who sell my sharpening system.

You will find my discussion of blade edge at http://www.equipped.org/devices6.htm#SerrationsorSmoothEdge?
Bottom line is that a plain edge is more versatile and if you can have only one for all utility and survival use, that would be it. The serrated edge can be better at cutting nylon and such, so is preferred by rescue workers and most rescue knives have a serrated edge for this reasons, as they are cutting nylon seat belts and lines. You just need to decide what your primary objective is. The SwissTool has a serrated sheepsfoot blade if needed, so unless your primary need is rescue, I'd suggest the plain edge.

Intresting but I also use a Swedish Mora for general purpose. You would not even want to think about the color of the blade after years work of cooking and fire exposure. I think mine is an erriksson blade.

Burak

Just FYI if you get an Endura that is "tip up" you can rig up a zip tie thing on the finger hole that you use to open the knife.
Therefore when you pull out your knife, if you drag it on the back edge of your pocket, it will self open!

A concern would be blade maintenance : Is a serrated edge easier to sharpen ?

Everyone else has already talked about the pros and cons of serrated and plain edge blades. 4plait hit on a very good point when my knife gets dull I can pull out my pocket stone and get it back up to speed in seconds, a serrated edge on the other hand takes much longer to sharpen if you can sharpen it at all. Try to whittle a peg, skin a coyote, or peel an apple with a serrated edge.

Well I dont know if I posted this or not, but I decided on and purchased a Spyderco Military PE. I like it, its big, but I dont notice it in my pocket. It is so thin and light weight. Plus I can take it apart to clean it out, etc. Thanks for all the advice, I appreciate it.

Garrett