Serrations vs. plain edge?

[Jimmybacon43]

So for a long time I subscribed to the nutnfancy philosophy that serrations were bad because they're hard to sharpen or whatever.

Recently I was cutting open some packages, some of which included items that were bound by zip ties to the card board. For the life of me I couldn't get a plain edge through that zip tie, so I got one of my partially serrated blades (that I only had because it was on sale and they didn't have the plain edge version) and I snapped the zip ties like nothing.

I was intrigued, so I got some rope, and cut that up a little bit, found that serrations were like WAYYYYY better for that too. Now I'm thinking that all of my EDC knives, as in knives I'm actually gonna carry need to have serrations on 'em. For example, what if someone robbed a store you were in and they zip tied you? You could pull your serrated edge knife out and snap the tie easily, while if you were sawing away at it with a plain edge blade you'd be in a tough spot. (assuming the bad guys didn't search you, that is). I know that example is way out there, and unlikely to ever occur but it had me thinking. What if I needed to cut my or someone elses seatbelt off in a car wreck? I don't think a plain edge blade could do that as effectively as a serrated knife.

What do you guys think? Serrations yay or nay? Partial serrations, full plain edge, or full serrated, what's your preference?

[Sir Toast]

If the blade is sharp, it will cut. You don't see no serrations on no samurai sword, do ya boy?

[toby]

You couldn't give me serrations on a blade.

[sharxbyte]

So I may get crucified here, because for some reason people associate negative experiences with the company to a poor product) but the only serration I still use is that of Cutco, because the recessed edge cuts even when the points wear down, and they can be sharpened.

Otherwise, I always carry straight edges.

[Jimmybacon43]

So I may get crucified here, because for some reason people associate negative experiences with the company to a poor product) but the only serration I still use is that of Cutco, because the recessed edge cuts even when the points wear down, and they can be sharpened.

Otherwise, I always carry straight edges.

Those aren't technically serrations but I agree, they cut very well.

[sdkevin]

Serrations have been designed for a reason, much like the tanto blade.

Serrations will make quick work of fibrous materials, just as I would expect in my EDC.

[riftol]

I like a blade without serrations.

[RangemasterP226]

I've always liked the combo blades, all my EDCs are combos because the serrations are so damn helpful. But I've always heard blade aficionados prefer straight edge, oh well, I do what I want!

[CSACANNONEER]

Even a "smooth" blade has serrations. It is the micro serrations that make it cut like a saw. The bigger "serrated" blades just have big serrations filled with micro serrations. Yea, if the blade is not kept sharp, a blade with visual serrations will perform better for cutting many types of media.

My cheap CRKT EDC is a half and half but, that's because it was cheap and I don't keep it as sharp as I should. I prefer and also carry "smooth" blades but, reserved them for when they are required.

[echoThreeOneSix]

although i carry a plain edge, i have never really though about it before...

[Bud_Dub]

My edc is straight edge. Then again I never use that one to cut boxes etc. Good point on the serration use though.

[scarydog]

Serrations are for cutting bread.

[Jimmybacon43]

Serrations are for cutting bread.

Exactly, what if a couple serial rapists break into my home and bound my hands together with a loaf of bread? What am I supposed to do if I don't have a serrated edged blade?

[uxo2]

I prefer Plain.

After carrying Spydies,Kershaws,Benmchmades and Cold Steel.

Plain for the win.

But I am considering Veff serrations as a partial.

[Euphoria526]

Exactly, what if a couple serial rapists break into my home and bound my hands together with a loaf of bread? What am I supposed to do if I don't have a serrated edged blade?

A butter knife should do the trick against bread!