Decline of serrations

[Jago]

Hello everyone!

In my personal perception, it seems serrated knives are getting significantly fewer nowadays, so i asked myself if anybody has actual data about sales numbers from a company perspective that would indicate a decline in popularity.

As a technician, serrated knives have been valuable tools for me (i have gone through somewhere between 10 and 20 Enduras, amongst other knives, while working for a mining company) and i think i remember way more "teeth" in shops some years ago.
Or maybe its just my memory that actually starts to decline...

Thank you for your time,
Jago

PS: Sorry for the bad English, its not really my first Language.

[TazKristi]

Hi, Jago:
Welcome to our forum. Your English is just fine! We hope you enjoy your time with us.

Kristi

[Evil D]

Heck I have to give credit to Spyderco, I think they've put out more serrated options in the last few years than we saw in the prior 10 years. We went about a decade without a serrated Military. There are still some that I'm hoping to see like a SE Military 2 Salt, but there are some excellent options today.

[vivi]

I can't speak for others but I'm not buying any more SE knives.

Side by side with my PE knives they don't seem to do anything better, so I'm sticking to PE any chance I get.

Only exception I've made lately is the CE Catcherman sprint that wasn't offered in PE, and a bread knife I bought back in 2020.

[Jago]

Heck I have to give credit to Spyderco, I think they've put out more serrated options in the last few years than we saw in the prior 10 years. We went about a decade without a serrated Military. There are still some that I'm hoping to see like a SE Military 2 Salt, but there are some excellent options today.

You are right, Spyderco is amazing in that regard, thats part of the reason why i became a huge fan.
Back then the Endura was the first folder i got my hands on where the whole blade was serrated, that was amazing.
There is a reason why you buy the exact same thing again if you break or lose it, and i did that a lot.

Maybe i worded my question kind of stupid, i was talking about the market in general, i remember to see way more folders with part of the blade serrated in knife shops, now they have gotten quite a bit fewer with a higher percentage of cheap crap on top.

Not that much of an issue for me personally since i buy most of my knifes online by now, but still something i notice when i come by at a shop.

[Naperville]

I've been buying / collecting both plain edge and serrated edge Spyderco Native Chiefs.

I think SE are fine, but as usual I'm a steel snob and like MagnaCut or CruWear for SE, even K390 is fine.

[Evil D]

Heck I have to give credit to Spyderco, I think they've put out more serrated options in the last few years than we saw in the prior 10 years. We went about a decade without a serrated Military. There are still some that I'm hoping to see like a SE Military 2 Salt, but there are some excellent options today.

You are right, Spyderco is amazing in that regard, thats part of the reason why i became a huge fan.
Back then the Endura was the first folder i got my hands on where the whole blade was serrated, that was amazing.
There is a reason why you buy the exact same thing again if you break or lose it, and i did that a lot.

Maybe i worded my question kind of stupid, i was talking about the market in general, i remember to see way more folders with part of the blade serrated in knife shops, now they have gotten quite a bit fewer with a higher percentage of cheap crap on top.

Not that much of an issue for me personally since i buy most of my knifes online by now, but still something i notice when i come by at a shop.

I think we're both right, just depends on what timeline you compare today to. I think there's less than there were in the '90s, I just mean they seem to be trying to produce more than in recent years.

[Wowbagger]

I can't speak for others but I'm not buying any more SE knives.

Side by side with my PE knives they don't seem to do anything better, so I'm sticking to PE any chance I get.

Only exception I've made lately is the CE Catcherman sprint that wasn't offered in PE, and a bread knife I bought back in 2020.

Yep.
First I agree that Spyderco is going to town on the Spyder Edges lately.
People love them.

I followed your adventures with Serrated years ago in "that other forum" .
For Me and my use I agree with your latest views .
One exception is my ManBug Rescue Blade H2 knife . I have a specific use at work for it and it really gets in there and cuts heavy tape in tight places with those few "front teeth" . He is BA at that ! ! !

[sal]

Hi Jago,

Welcome to our forum.

We introduced serrations on our "Mariner" model in 1982. Over the next 15 years or so, many other companies began to introduce serrations, but not all serrations are created equal. Company's that had Serrations that didn't perform, or had sharpening issues, were starting to drop off. We've kept up; making, studying, refining and sharpening them so, yes, the numbers have reduced slightly, but they're still strong for us.

We've also had help from folks like David (Evil D) that understands their function and how to sharpen them, so we've had help in the "Edge-u-cation" Unfortunately, there is a learning curve to the "care nd feeding of serrations". Rather than thinking of them as a variation or modified plain edge, like two cars of the same brand, I try to think of them as a different breed, like cars and tractors.

While Vivi and I have similar tastes in design, and I have much respect for his knowledge and experience, we are not in agreement on teeth. But I always try to respect the opinions of all.

sal

[Jago]

Hi Jago,

Welcome to our forum.

We introduced serrations on our "Mariner" model in 1982. Over the next 15 years or so, many other companies began to introduce serrations, but not all serrations are created equal. Company's that had Serrations that didn't perform, or had sharpening issues, were starting to drop off. We've kept up; making, studying, refining and sharpening them so, yes, the numbers have reduced slightly, but they're still strong for us.

We've also had help from folks like David (Evil D) that understands their function and how to sharpen them, so we've had help in the "Edge-u-cation" Unfortunately, there is a learning curve to the "care nd feeding of serrations". Rather than thinking of them as a variation or modified plain edge, like two cars of the same brand, I try to think of them as a different breed, like cars and tractors.

While Vivi and I have similar tastes in design, and I have much respect for his knowledge and experience, we are not in agreement on teeth. But I always try to respect the opinions of all.

sal

Thank you, sir!

I wholeheartedly agree that a serrated edge is its own breed.

For me, they started as a tool to cut stuff with a knife that would otherwise require an angle grinder or other things that do not necessarily make the process any more safe or enjoyable.
Damaged sand crusted conveyor belts that are bulked up and stuck into stuff, heavy wire mesh reinforced tubing and rubber, etc. can not be cut in a reasonable way with a plain edge knife, we tried that more than once.

But even they get damaged and blunted from that and so i got pretty good at sharpening them over the years.
As a side effect i also startet to use serrations even off work, simply got used to the way they cut.



But that does not mean i can't also enjoy a nice PE knife, as i see them as just that, different, not better or worse.
My favourite folder is actually plain edged, a Caly 3.5 with the nice laminated ZDP-189.
(And maybe i also own a boatload of other Spydercos, those toothy Enduras of years past somehow got me hooked on the brand over time... )

[Evil D]

Hi Jago,

Welcome to our forum.

We introduced serrations on our "Mariner" model in 1982. Over the next 15 years or so, many other companies began to introduce serrations, but not all serrations are created equal. Company's that had Serrations that didn't perform, or had sharpening issues, were starting to drop off. We've kept up; making, studying, refining and sharpening them so, yes, the numbers have reduced slightly, but they're still strong for us.

We've also had help from folks like David (Evil D) that understands their function and how to sharpen them, so we've had help in the "Edge-u-cation" Unfortunately, there is a learning curve to the "care nd feeding of serrations". Rather than thinking of them as a variation or modified plain edge, like two cars of the same brand, I try to think of them as a different breed, like cars and tractors.

While Vivi and I have similar tastes in design, and I have much respect for his knowledge and experience, we are not in agreement on teeth. But I always try to respect the opinions of all.

sal

I think your comment about other brand's serrations is spot on, some of them are really bad and unfortunately these brands are well known and sell a lot of knives, and I think they create a lot of the bad opinions we hear about serrations, or at least I think most people would agree that Spyderco's serrations perform significantly better. Add that to all the sharpening urban legends and that's where the market is today.

[Actinolite]

A friend had a serrated pocket knife 20 years ago or so. When I used it, I did not like it and planned to never buy a serrated pocket or fixed blade knife. Sure, bread knives and a couple other kitchen knives are great serrated, but...

That was then. After reading posts by Evil D, I gave a couple Spyderco SE knives a serious try. I now own several. My everyday 5th pocket knife is a Chaparral SE. My most impressive medium duty folder is a LeafJumper K390 SE. I plan to keep buying and using SE Spyderco knives.

[8th_Note]

Hi Jago,

Welcome to our forum.

We introduced serrations on our "Mariner" model in 1982. Over the next 15 years or so, many other companies began to introduce serrations, but not all serrations are created equal. Company's that had Serrations that didn't perform, or had sharpening issues, were starting to drop off. We've kept up; making, studying, refining and sharpening them so, yes, the numbers have reduced slightly, but they're still strong for us.

We've also had help from folks like David (Evil D) that understands their function and how to sharpen them, so we've had help in the "Edge-u-cation" Unfortunately, there is a learning curve to the "care nd feeding of serrations". Rather than thinking of them as a variation or modified plain edge, like two cars of the same brand, I try to think of them as a different breed, like cars and tractors.

While Vivi and I have similar tastes in design, and I have much respect for his knowledge and experience, we are not in agreement on teeth. But I always try to respect the opinions of all.

sal

@Evil D's thread on serrations really changed my perspective. I got a SE Caribbean too and followed his sharpening technique and it opened a whole new world for me. I think for most it really is an education issue.

[Michal O]

Although I mostly buy PE Spyderco knives, I primarily carry the Police 4 SE (K390) right now. I plan to get one or two of smaller SE models in future, as the P4 is quite a large knife. It carries fine, but it’s the most aggressive-looking blade in my collection for people outside the hobby. I'm interested in the Lil' Temperance 3 SE, but it feels overpriced for VG-10 steel, especially in EU. The Bodacious PE I received today is definitely a keeper, and I'll buy the SE version if I find a good deal on sale in Europe. Unfortunately, Polish dealers rarely stock SE Spyderco models (outside of the Civilian and Harpy families) because they avoid ordering slow-moving items. Mentioned P4 was rare exception.
I think some of my Spyderco knives I would like better in SE. Massad Ayoob for example, Amalgam, Rhino.

[Jago]

Although I mostly buy PE Spyderco knives, I primarily carry the Police 4 SE (K390) right now. I plan to get one or two of smaller SE models in future, as the P4 is quite a large knife. It carries fine, but it’s the most aggressive-looking blade in my collection for people outside the hobby. I'm interested in the Lil' Temperance 3 SE, but it feels overpriced for VG-10 steel, especially in EU. The Bodacious PE I received today is definitely a keeper, and I'll buy the SE version if I find a good deal on sale in Europe. Unfortunately, Polish dealers rarely stock SE Spyderco models (outside of the Civilian and Harpy families) because they avoid ordering slow-moving items. Mentioned P4 was rare exception.
I think some of my Spyderco knives I would like better in SE. Massad Ayoob for example, Amalgam, Rhino.

The SE Police 4 in K390 is great, i have that one too, sadly they seem to have been discontinued.
For work i switched from the SE Endura's to SE Stretch 2 XL's by now, feels better with gloves and is sometimes even aviable at a reasonable price.

EU pricing is generally on the spicy end of the spectrum, seeing the deals aviable in the US on a regular basis makes my eyes water a little bit.

[JARHEAD]

Although I mostly buy PE Spyderco knives, I primarily carry the Police 4 SE (K390) right now. I plan to get one or two of smaller SE models in future, as the P4 is quite a large knife. It carries fine, but it’s the most aggressive-looking blade in my collection for people outside the hobby. I'm interested in the Lil' Temperance 3 SE, but it feels overpriced for VG-10 steel, especially in EU. The Bodacious PE I received today is definitely a keeper, and I'll buy the SE version if I find a good deal on sale in Europe. Unfortunately, Polish dealers rarely stock SE Spyderco models (outside of the Civilian and Harpy families) because they avoid ordering slow-moving items. Mentioned P4 was rare exception.
I think some of my Spyderco knives I would like better in SE. Massad Ayoob for example, Amalgam, Rhino.

The Native Chief is nice too!

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Well, I love good serrations. Sal, I have tried alot of serrated edges and the Spyderco Triple Point serrations work best for me.

Spyder Edge Forever.

[Michal O]

Was thinking about it but it's large knife like P4 and back locks are still hit or miss with fit and finish. I've picked spy27 Police 4 but I'll probably return it because it has bigger blade play than my two other P4. My current edc SE P4 has almost no play after using it and clicking for months.

[vivi]

Hi Jago,

Welcome to our forum.

We introduced serrations on our "Mariner" model in 1982. Over the next 15 years or so, many other companies began to introduce serrations, but not all serrations are created equal. Company's that had Serrations that didn't perform, or had sharpening issues, were starting to drop off. We've kept up; making, studying, refining and sharpening them so, yes, the numbers have reduced slightly, but they're still strong for us.

We've also had help from folks like David (Evil D) that understands their function and how to sharpen them, so we've had help in the "Edge-u-cation" Unfortunately, there is a learning curve to the "care nd feeding of serrations". Rather than thinking of them as a variation or modified plain edge, like two cars of the same brand, I try to think of them as a different breed, like cars and tractors.

While Vivi and I have similar tastes in design, and I have much respect for his knowledge and experience, we are not in agreement on teeth. But I always try to respect the opinions of all.

sal

Sal,

I have a tremendous amount of respect for you as well, and even if I came to prefer PE, I can appreciate the thought put into Spyderco serrations.

They're more aggressive than Victorinox, much more durable and easy to sharpen compared to Cold Steels, and their overall geometry is very efficient for folks not inclined to reprofile their PE knives to thinner angles.

I'm glad I tried them out, and particularly glad you helped me learn how easy they are to sharpen. I touch up the bread knives at every kitchen I work at with one of my sharpmakers, and I've had many different chefs marvel at the process, not realizing they could even be sharpened.

[Wowbagger]

" . . . not all serrations are created equal. Company's . . . had Serrations that didn't perform . . . "

Ha Ha , that's for sure .
One of the funnier things I've seen , way back in the day , was a coworker [in an engine machine shop] cutting up a few large corrugated boxes with a other brand serrated folder .
It took so long I began to get curious what he was "trying" to do and kind of watched from the wings . . .
took for ever as he sawed away at them and there were little scraps / ribbons of cardboard all over the place when it was all over.

I was into knives in a Buck 110 sort of way back then and even at that point I swore to ignore serrated knives as being not my thing .

I have quite a few Spydercos now in serrated Spyderedge .
Not usually a pocket "EDC" but rather placed at work stations for specific chores.