serrated edges

[whittlenut]

I'd like for somebody to tell me what you can cut with a serrated edge that you can't cut as easy or easier with a straight edge.

My thoughts are that serrated edges on anything but a steak knife is simply a fad. Serrated edges were created on steak knives for people who don't have time to sharpen knives, ( like restaurants), or people who get bored doing it.

I find it hard to believe that there was, or is, a real demand or need for serrated blades on hunting or work knives. Is this really a fad, or am I unaware of a really good reason to have serrated edges on a hunting or work knife? |

Let's hear from the rest of you.

[sunburst]

The only thing I can think of where to use a serrated edge is when I am skinning a deer or hog up towards the hind quarters. There are times when a good saw blade has come in handy, especially if I am saving the ribs seperately. The serrated edge would help but it would be like chopping down a tree with a pocket knife. It is possible but highly unlikely you would want to do that.


Sunburst

[jabberwocky]

I may have a partial answer. I've read quite a few articles, and some
literature from Spyderco (they offer a multitude of serrated blade options
on their knives) stating that the recent "popularity" of these serrated
edges stems from the fact that they are more effective at cutting rope,
lines, seat belts, etc. I guess they're very popular with law enforcement
personnel from what I hear. As a matter of fact, several of Spyderco's
curved blade, serrated designs (Harpy, for ex.) originated from the fishing/marine industries...for cutting lines, severing ropes, netting, etc.
Supposedly, the curved blade holds what's being cut, keeping it from
slipping off the tip of the blade.

[Gr8Scout]

Just my opinion... It's a fad gone way overboard. Luckily, many companies will make the same model knife both fine edge and serrated.

I find serrated blades great for slicing bread!

Phil

[9ball]

I keep one in each auto within reach and carry one also when/where I need to cut rope also.
They can cut seat belts with ease, just in case

[nmikash]

If you listen to my father, serrated blades are just a gimmick. I do think that they have their place though. Nothing beats them for sawing through rope or strapping. I prefer them for any heavy duty cutting. They also cut well even if they're a bit dull. I tend to be compulsive about keeping all my straight edge knives shaving sharp so its nice to have a few I don't have to sharpen every time I use them.

[ivanskee68]

I started selling knives for Cutco when I was a teenager back in the mid-late '50's.
The company was owned by Alcoa at that time. When it comes to sharpness, there isn't any knife out there that can compete with Cutco.
Cutco makes a knife called Bullwhip and it's made two ways, the straight edge and Dbl'D edge with the serrated edge. They are guaranteed for life against manufacturing flaws. If you misuse the knife and break the blade, as an example, if you send them the knife they will send you a brand new knife at half price. I have carried my Bullwhip for at least 6 years and have cut nearly anything imaginable and it is now starting to show signs of dulling. All I have to do is send them the knife and $5.00, they will sharpen it and send it back to me.
This is for what it's worth.

Best regards, Ivan

[wt3l]

Whittlenut,
Ya ever try to cut into a piping hot loaf of your favorite bread fresh from the oven with anything that doesn't have serated edges? later, wt3l

[whittlenut]

Thanks for your comments guys.

wt3l,
I think you're right about the hot loaf of bread. I agree. ( It just seems that the supply of serrated blades available in the consumer market is way overkill compared to the number of loaves of bread coming out of America's ovens each morning.)

Keeping a serrated knife in each vehicle is a good idea too. I think I'll do that. Thanks for the idea!

Thanks for all comments! I kinda like to know where my opinions stand sometimes compared to other knifenuts.

[Don Luis]

I don't like serrated edges, I cut a lot of cord but I need a fine finished cut so I use a sharp smooth edge, I don't like serrated edges for bread (I do sometimes bake my own) I think that a good sharp plain edge does a better job, though I must say that I do put a rough edge on the filleting Rapalla that I often use for bread.

Luis

[Hukk]

The only use I've found for serrated edge knives is when I'm steaking salmon. A sharp knife easily cuts the flesh, small bones, and goes through the joint. I cut them about 1 - 1 1/4 inch thick and if I hit bone on a larger salmon I use a serrated blade to saw through the bone. That's the only use I have for it. I prefer to fillet the whole salmon, but the wife sometimes likes steaks. She's the boss in the kitchen!

[wt3l]

Gentlemen!!!
Never, ever, argue with a woman while she's standing in the kitchen holding a knife!!!

On the bread cutting....I just always found it easier (for me) to cut the bread with a serrated edge. If I use anything else I tend to squish the bread. later, wt3l