Actinolite wrote: ↑Sun Mar 30, 2025 2:10 pm
When this thread first posted, I didn't have any serrated pocket knives--kitchen serrated don't count. Since then, I've purchased four. I've found some real advantages to serrated edges in select circumstances, but I haven't found them compelling for EDC. Not yet, anyway, because I haven't really used any for EDC. But I'm about to find out.
• My first was a Dragonfly 2 Salt SE. I usually keep it in my truck, where it is useful for cutting rope, etc, while not rusting. I didn't like using it as much as using my DF2 Wharncliffe k390, so I ended up not carrying it, but my truck is a good place for it.
• My second was a larger Salt 2 SE, a Wharncliffe version of the Delica. I occasionally carry it to the shore in case a rust-free knife would be useful in salt water. But the knife is awkward to carry in pocket because of its width. Usually, I keep it in my shop.
•My third was a Byrd Hawkbill. This is even more awkward to carry than the Salt 2, but it's very useful in the yard. It's easier to carry than shears for little jobs, but clearly shears are better for serious trimming/pruning jobs. Still, when in the yard, I have it with me.
• Finally, my latest is a Lil' Native SE. It's a standard shape blade, S30V. It carries exactly like the Lil' Native I've been carrying daily for months (which is currently my favorite 5th pocket/EDC). Will the serrated edges be more useful -- or as useful -- than plain edge?
I'll post my observations in a few months.
Nothing wrong with finding PE better for EDC.
Each edge type has their pros and cons. The pros only come into play with certain materials etc.
Serrated edges are fantastic for cutting synthetic ropes. If I had did that all day I'd probably go back to EDCing one.
For my uses I found serrated edges advantages over plain edges could be boiled down to two points:
* they come with thinner geometry from the factory
* materials slip off them less during slicing cuts
The first is a moot point since I thin out every new knife I buy, so the geometry between my plain edged V grind knives and chisel ground serrated knives is close enough it doesn't matter.
The secone point can also be made moot by using a coarser edge finish on plain edged knives.
So all I am personally left with when I carry a serrated knife as an EDC are the cons.
- Less options when it comes to sharpening.
- Incredibly time consuming to reprofile on a sharpmaker rod corner VS plain edged knives I can be dome with in two minutes on my belt sander.
- Easier to rip and tear when cutting. This is my main reason I went back to PE. Working in the food industry I can't stop and pick out bits of plastic wrap and packaging every time I slice open a bag of produce or vac-sealed steak.
- Snags more during cuts. Even freshly sharpened SE knives can be pretty snaggy depending on the material and serration aggressiveness.
So if PE works better for you, you're not alone. I tried carrying nothing but SE for a year or two and in the end found PE works best for me.
May you find peace in this life and the next.
