Straight, serrated, or combo

[HanShotFirst]

For pocket knives, or lock back folders, which do you prefer? Straight, serrated, or combo blade.

Me personally, I use a pocket knife several times a day, pretty much every day of the week. I greatly prefer a straight edge over serrations. Not only do I like the way a straight edge cuts, but they are WAY easier to sharpen. And if you use a knife frequently, you have to sharpen them frequently.

Now honestly I rarely carry a lockback folder even though I have a few. My daily carry, and I couldn't live without it, is a Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman.

 

[jshillin]

I like the combo on my Leek. I have a straight edge also, but like the option to use the serrated on the combo when I need it.

 

[Finky198]

I have 2 combo edged folders for my EDC both Benchmades. I switch between my larger work knife and a nice smaller assisted opener when I'm home or out (currently wearing it). Their both interchangeable and very similar so I don't notice a difference in their feel or operation. My special and camping knives are all straight edges...

I deal with a lot of rope so the combo edge is a given for me on all my daily use knives.


For sharpening

I have a spyderco sharp maker works well took some getting use to but I'm happy with it.

For a the daily touch up the bench made tool came with a little stone and hone in a plastic holder 3-5 swipes on each and I'm back to a great edge for daily use... it's takes a few seconds

 

[cashishift]

Straight for me... have 2 Leek's... trying to talk myself into a Benchmade.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like unserrated and straight wharncliffe or sheeps foot blades.

Here's my EDC.

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

I prefer straight blades personally. I have a Benchmade and a few Case knifes and others.

 

[redvalkyrie]

My first big boy knife came when I was 16 and it was a four inch Cold Steel Voyager with a tanto point and full serrations. Great knife--tough as the advertising suggests. However, impossible to sharpen.

Since I like sharpening my own knives (I am quite good at it--and a little proud), I have stuck to plain edges. I go all the way down to 6000 grit wet stone and then take them to the polishing wheel (yes, it makes a difference in cutting performance). Then I shave my legs. If the blade flicks hair like a straight razor, it passes.

I have a fondness for VG10. Any VG10 blade from Japan is going to be wicked sharp. I have two Chris Reeves and they can't compare to the VG10. The Chris Reeves do win in the "What knife do I grab when the Zombies attack."

 

[Finky198]

Straight for me... have 2 Leek's... trying to talk myself into a Benchmade.

Just do it already. What are you looking at

 

[jimmy-ray]

man leeks are the bomb

i got this recently for like 17 bucks somehow, dont remember how, i love it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007W1QCIY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

after using it a bit i promised myself i wouldnt mess it up by taking off wheel weights with the tip or hammering the back of it though something. i only use to to open annoying parts packaging, mostly plastic. but when i need it for heavier stuff it never fails. i just pierce the plastic with the tip and glide it open. things awesome and stout for a folder.

i did mess up the tip though by using it to remove some battery bolts on the side of the road. it still cuts fine but not as well as it used to, im gonna order another one or look into the volt 2

my leek still cuts fine after a few years, never sharpened it, totally abused it. i just like the bigger volt

 

[ecotec]

I have a straight blade Benchmade. I prefer straight blades because sharpening a serrated blade is more of s pain in the ***.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

I prefer straight blades I like my spyderco delica I've had over a year I sharpen it with a 1000 grit water stone


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cashishift]

Just do it already. What are you looking at

I want one that opens like my Kershaw, or similarly. Also don't want one that is much bigger than what I have.

So apparently thats a "auto" in Benchmade's world.

The one I thought I wanted, doesnt open that way.

Looking at this one currently, a bit disappointed that the handles are plastic but it seems to fit the bill.

http://www.benchmade.com/new/casbah-family.html

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have a fondness for VG10. Any VG10 blade from Japan is going to be wicked sharp. I have two Chris Reeves and they can't compare to the VG10. The Chris Reeves do win in the "What knife do I grab when the Zombies attack."

VG10 is my favorite blade material also. S30V is all the rage, and it's damn good, but you can often get a VG10 for less which is every bit as good, if not better (depending on heat treating) than S30V. I have a Spyderco D'Allara with a VG10 combo blade, and oh how I wish it was a straight edge. But it was a gift from my best friend, so I'll never get rid of that knife.

 

[mudflap]

Straight blades for me..I just use the little sharpeners you can get at gander ntn...keeps them pretty sharp.. My current EDC is a BUCK folding lockback with a pocket clip. Its made in USA, and has taken a beating..still a good knife..

 

[Finky198]

I want one that opens like my Kershaw, or similarly. Also don't want one that is much bigger than what I have.

So apparently thats a "auto" in Benchmade's world.

The one I thought I wanted, doesnt open that way.

Looking at this one currently, a bit disappointed that the handles are plastic but it seems to fit the bill.

http://www.benchmade.com/new/casbah-family.html

I have a 585 mini barrage assisted open with the plastic handles. I have no complaints about the handles plenty of grip to them. I've had that knife for 8 years now very little wear on the scales...

 

[exmaxima1]

All of my knives are plain edge. I got rid of any serrated or combos years ago.

EDC is Spyderco Stretch ZDP-189. Weekends are Zero Tolerance or Benchmade when I don't mind carrying a bit more weight.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Like straight edge for ease of sharpening. Carry umpteen different knives,
From Benchmade to S.O.G., but my usual setup is Leatherman Surge, on my belt, with a SwissChamp in my pocket.

 

[ajchien]

Plain edge for edc and camping for me, serrated for scuba/snorkel/water.

I think they're equivalent in sharpening.

 

[ssdave]

3 blade stockman USA Uncle Henry in my pocket all the time. Then, each coat has a one hand Kershaw in it, or a one hand Buck. Mix of straight and half serrated blades, i don't have a real preference, but the serrated is good for cutting seat belts, rope, or plastic.

Really, the question is what do you use if for? That will dictate what blade is best.

 

[HanShotFirst]

... but the serrated is good for cutting seat belts, rope, or plastic.

Really, the question is what do you use if for? That will dictate what blade is best.

You're right about that. As much as serrated blades just plain annoy me, I also know you want the right tool for the job. So all the years I was a Paramedic, I carried a Spyderco Rescue...perfect knife for the job.

 

[anndel]

EDC = Spderco Endura or Spyderco Caly3 or Kershaw Ken Onion Leek or Milwaukee Fastback II depends on what or who I want to cut up in the office.

 

[HanShotFirst]

EDC = Spderco Endura or Spyderco Caly3 or Kershaw Ken Onion Leek or Milwaukee Fastback II depends on what or who I want to cut up in the office.

You have good taste in knives. I'm a big Spyderco fan...but I'm really not a "knife guy"; so that means I only own two Spyderco's. My old rescue and a D'Allara with VG10 blade. I had a Ken Onion Kershaw but I gave it to my son. I think Ken Onion Kershaw's probably sell more Kershaws than anything ever before. He has some rather brilliant designs.

But I really only rarely carry a lockback folder. I know a lot of guys who carry a lockback folder for defense, but I prefer a CZ P-07 for defense. So for me, a pocket knife is 110% a tool for every day use. And for every day use, nothing beats the versatility of a Swiss Army Knife.

And the funny thing is, when I do carry a lockback folder, more often than not, it's a Victorinox Swiss Army "One Handed Trekker NS", which is the non-serrated version.

I just can't seem to live without the screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. I seem to use one or all of those items, along with the blade pretty much every day.

 

[anndel]

You have good taste in knives. I'm a big Spyderco fan...but I'm really not a "knife guy"; so that means I only own two Spyderco's. My old rescue and a D'Allara with VG10 blade. I had a Ken Onion Kershaw but I gave it to my son. I think Ken Onion Kershaw's probably sell more Kershaws than anything ever before. He has some rather brilliant designs.

But I really only rarely carry a lockback folder. I know a lot of guys who carry a lockback folder for defense, but I prefer a CZ P-07 for defense. So for me, a pocket knife is 110% a tool for every day use. And for every day use, nothing beats the versatility of a Swiss Army Knife.

And the funny thing is, when I do carry a lockback folder, more often than not, it's a Victorinox Swiss Army "One Handed Trekker NS", which is the non-serrated version.

I just can't seem to live without the screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. I seem to use one or all of those items, along with the blade pretty much every day.

You have excellent taste in knives. I usually carry my knife in my right pocket and a Victorinox Champ in my left pocket. Both comes in real handy when in the office and in the field.

 

[BioNerd]

My first big boy knife came when I was 16 and it was a four inch Cold Steel Voyager with a tanto point and full serrations. Great knife--tough as the advertising suggests. However, impossible to sharpen.

Since I like sharpening my own knives (I am quite good at it--and a little proud), I have stuck to plain edges. I go all the way down to 6000 grit wet stone and then take them to the polishing wheel (yes, it makes a difference in cutting performance). Then I shave my legs. If the blade flicks hair like a straight razor, it passes.

I have a fondness for VG10. Any VG10 blade from Japan is going to be wicked sharp. I have two Chris Reeves and they can't compare to the VG10. The Chris Reeves do win in the "What knife do I grab when the Zombies attack."

Pics of your shaved legs or didn't happen! [emoji23][emoji12]

 

[mbshop]

I have carried folders of all sorts basically my whole life. Some are serrated but don't find them particularly usefull. Many differant brands and types. Gave all my good knives to my son. Now I just carry cheap 5 buck wal mart knives. Use them everyday and they just keep on tickin. Got other stuff for when the shtf.

 

[Cope]

Straight blade. I have a couple of special purpose knives that are combo.

 

[redvalkyrie]

VG10 is my favorite blade material also. S30V is all the rage, and it's damn good, but you can often get a VG10 for less which is every bit as good, if not better (depending on heat treating) than S30V. I have a Spyderco D'Allara with a VG10 combo blade, and oh how I wish it was a straight edge. But it was a gift from my best friend, so I'll never get rid of that knife.

Whatever they're doing to their VG10 in Seki is a miracle. Every knife I've owned with VG10 from Seki is scalpel sharp. It's one of those deals where you can actually cut yourself and not know it until you see the blood. Spydercos and Mcustas withthe Seki VG10 are my favorite knives. The world can have its S90, S35VN and whatever. Just leave me the VG10.

I was told that, read, and saw on a documentary that Japan actually has a law against exporting me of its steels. As a tourist you can't even buy it and sneak it home.

 

[dr_clyde]

I like straight blade best. Serrated definitely has its place, mostly ropes and lines, but the disadvantages outweight the benefits IMO. Obviously, if you are a diver or work in fire/rescue your needs will be different than Joe Sixpack, who opens a lot of boxes and occasionally cuts a rope.

For years I carried an all stainless Kershaw 1620FL. I liked it, but the double curve in the blade made it less than easy to sharpen with the tools I had at the time. I carry a CRKT M16-01S right now. Its cheap and I don't feel bad abusing it. I bought it from Snapon, and my driver warranties it with 200 LB gorilla type activities.

I really like the knives from Benchmade and Spyderco, but I know if I carry it, it will be abused. I am constantly scraping, poking, prying and cutting things that I shouldn't. I would feel really bad if I spent $200 on a knife and then scraped **** off a tank or something.

 

[davethorik]

I have a spyderco endura plain blade i use as a non-work carry knife. I really like it.

For work, my carry knife is a cheapo Sheffield locking utility knife. I don't carry a nicer knife because I'm too rough on them.

I have an older CRKT knife with combo blade, and never really use it.

Also have the large Buck folder with wood/brass handles and leather sheath but it is too heavy to carry so it doesn't get much use. I mostly use it for preparing food when camping.

 

[gte718p]

I love fully serrated. For what I need a knife for most often (line, canvas, webbing), it makes a lot of sense. They are great when new and sharp, however they are a pain to sharpen. I have never been able to get a great edge on one. As a result I generally car straight blades with a very good edge.

My EDC is Benchmade Mel Pardue Tanto tip. It has served me well for almost 14 years.

 

[KM223]

Plain edge for me. My newest addition and EDC.

 

[kball]

I prefer straight blades also. But, I don't carry this one, ever! Picked it up in 93 or 94 at a knife show from the maker, Steve Likarich.

 

[928'er]

I hate, Hate, HATE serrated blades.

If I wanted a half-assed saw, I'd buy a half-assed saw....