Compare Pacific Salt SE and PE utility

[mechnik]

Greetings,
Has anyone been using both SE and PE Pacific? How do they compare for you?
I acquired a Pacific PE couple weeks ago and it immediately became my favorite for general use and constant companion.
One day I cut some vines in the yard with it. It was a bit of a struggle and when I tried an old SE G-2 Rescue it blitzed through them.
Since I really like my Pacific I ordered another with SE. Now I understand what 'scary sharp' means. This might be weird but I feel differently about these blades. PE seems very user friendly and I love it. SE is fierce, it commands fear and respect.
I find SE much more capable all around. Even for slicing tasks where PE supposed to be at advantage.
SE seems much sharper.
Maybe it's just that SE is brand new and I need to become more proficient at using Sharpmaker with the PE?
Does 40 degree edge work well for it?
Regards.

[5150]

Well mechnik, Spyderco has the best serrations i've ever used and are world renowned for them too. I am debating which edge type to get on my Salt folder and i'm gonna have a heck of a time not picking spyderedge :spyder: !
I'll let the other dudes answer your sharpening questions. :)
Cheers!

[mechnik]

i'm gonna have a heck of a time not picking spyderedge :spyder: !

It is really outstanding.

[cgjones]

I have SE and PE Pacific Salts. I EDC a PE model. Even though SE H1 has advantages over PE H1 in terms of edge longevity, I prefer the plain edge for daily use.

If the SE edge works for you, go with it.

[mechnik]

I have SE and PE Pacific Salts. I EDC a PE model. Even though SE H1 has advantages over PE H1 in terms of edge longevity, I prefer the plain edge for daily use.

If the SE edge works for you, go with it.

Thank you.
I don't know what to do.
I would keep both if only I could get the PE to cut somewhat like the SE.
Even after sharpening the PE, the SE cuts much better. I would guess 30% better on cardboard, a huge difference.
I wonder if I am not using Sharpmaker to its advantage and need to do something differently.
I am new to sharpening but did serviceable job with blades in other steels.
As much as I enjoy the PE I may not keep it if it's a far second. I think I will experiment with sharpening it better, it is a wonderful knife.

[CanisMajor]

SE is definitely going to stay sharper longer. I've touched up my SE blades using the 40 degree setting on the Sharpmaker and using just the corners of the white stones. Seems to work really well.

Canis

[Blerv]

Serrated not for every task or every person but DEFINITELY has a place in the world of knifes :) . For edge-holding it's insane.

Recently Sal said that PE H1 holds an edge similar to AUS8 in their testing. Serrated H1 holds it longer than any serrated steel they have tested.

[mrsteel]

The 40 degree should be working alright on the PE but if you are personally experiencing problems try something different.

[PocketZen]

It is my understanding the any SE have the advantage tearing through material even when they are dull. A PE does not have that ability.

[Blerv]

It is my understanding the any SE have the advantage tearing through material even when they are dull. A PE does not have that ability.

Very true :) . Same logic for those old butter knives in the kitchen. You can eat a steak with them...it's just more frustrating.

[ChapmanPreferred]

I do prefer SE in H1 for most of my purposes, but I do have both a SE and PE Pacific. What an excellent set of knives to pair together. :)

[Franciscomv]

I've given SE a fair chance (bought a Tasman and a Spyderhawk, both serrated) and it has proven useful in some limited situations. Especially when I need to tear through something. However, 9 times out of 10 while I'm using it I wish my Tasman was plain edge.

I prefer the neat and precise cutting a plain edge knife delivers.

It has a lot to do with what you expect to cut most often.

[Zendemic]

I've given SE a fair chance (bought a Tasman and a Spyderhawk, both serrated) and it has proven useful in some limited situations. Especially when I need to tear through something. However, 9 times out of 10 while I'm using it I wish my Tasman was plain edge.

I prefer the neat and precise cutting a plain edge knife delivers...

I've just got the Tasman in PE for general EDC purposes, and it's absolutely amazing for general, not so heavy duty tasks. I've thought about carying it for when I volunteer at the local rescue squad, and that's when I wish I would have gotten the SE Version. Maybe if i ever have the spare cash, i'll get one and end up carrying both at the same time so i don't have to choose :p ...

[SolidState]

This might be weird but I feel differently about these blades. PE seems very user friendly and I love it. SE is fierce, it commands fear and respect.

I find that my SE Aqua salt, and moreso my SE Delica 4 and my SE dragonfly look like toothy velociraptor mouths that inspire primal fear inside of me. I think it is that the spyderholes are larger on the delica and dragonfly that make them so viceral looking, like predator skulls I don't want to mess with. My SE aqua holds an edge like no other, and 40 degrees on the sharpmaker keeps it that way. i do the three passes on the back and one on the front treatment on the corners of the rods.

[mechnik]

I find that my SE Aqua salt, and moreso my SE Delica 4 and my SE dragonfly look like toothy velociraptor mouths that inspire primal fear inside of me. I think it is that the spyderholes are larger on the delica and dragonfly that make them so viceral looking, like predator skulls I don't want to mess with. My SE aqua holds an edge like no other, and 40 degrees on the sharpmaker keeps it that way. i do the three passes on the back and one on the front treatment on the corners of the rods.

Works for me.
My 1st gen SE Delica does look like a hungry miniature dinosaur head. Its hollow grind adds a little to that effect.
I've been doing 3-4 to 1 passes on the sharpmaker. Need to experiment with that, do you recommend holding to blade horizontally? It seems to go down the stone with less rattle if I tip it down a bit.
Do you use both medium and fine or just fine stones?

[SolidState]

I generally tilt it kind of tip-in and push into the stones instead of pulling on two, and then I do the third pulling it toward me. I finish on the other side pulling it toward me. I usually just do the medium stones at 40 degrees. I haven't had to re-profile anything yet.

[Jazz]

I'm a PE man, but when it comes to cutting cardboard and opening boxes, etc., my SE Salt 1 rules. It has mostly taken over my SE Tasman's job at work (I did use the Tasman today :D ). For all around use, I'd go with PE.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[Bill1170]

I was fascinated to read recently on this very forum that SE H1 is very much harder at the edge than PE H1, like 6 points on the Rockwell C scale. That is an incredible difference! Couple that with the inherent protection from wear afforded to the curves on a SE blade and it seems clear that edgeholding of serrated H1 will be worlds better than plain edged H1.

That said, I still prefer PE for most of my cutting. Both my H1 Salts are SE. Other steels are better for my PE needs, but then again I am not living/working on the ocean. If I were working a saltwater boat job, all my work blades would be H1, it is that good.