Why have serrations?

[nitram55]

I have seen loads of knives with serrations on the blade, can anybody tell me what purpose they serve.

Regards
Martin

 

[Ogri the trog]

Serrations
Heres a bit of info that I picked up from Spyderco's site. Serrations allow a curved edge and hence a longer cutting edge on the same length blade. Also the points of the serrations protect the curved part keeping it sharper for longer and the third snippet is that with the cutting angle constantly changing, fibrous material can be cut easier.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[tarmix101]

A very good friend on mine was deployed over in Iraq. He swore by serrations. I thought about it and keeping in mind what they need to cut it makes sense. Rope (sometimes wet), hard plastics, and even thin metals.

For me, I have no use for serrations. I really think it depends on your environment, and your main uses for the knife.

 

[bambodoggy]

I agree, use the right tool for the right job.

They aren't much use for wood work as it's harder to get a neat cut with them but they are very good for cutting rope etc.

I use my packpal for busjcraft but my climbing knife is serated as it cuts climbing rope so much faster.

Cheers,

Bam.

 

[Tony]

I know that some old timers used to just differentially sharpen their knives. Some of the edge would be done on a stone and stropped and some with a file which gave mini serrations, then they used the portion of the blade that was appropriate for the activity.

 

[bambodoggy]

I know that some old times used to just differentially sharpen their knives. Some of the edge would be done on a stone and stropped and some with a file which gave mini serrations, then they used the portion of the blade that was appropriate for the activity.

That makes sence Tony....a bit like a couple of spiderco locking folders I've got...straight at the tip and serated near the handle.

Best of both worlds or neither one thing nor the other? thoughts?

 

[Ogden]

A good reason for serration is the performance while diving.
Ever tried to cut anything under water without serration?

 

[Tony]

In the old west they used to often carry big knives and that was mainly it. with a blade that long you would have room for a nice sharp edge and a rough, filed edge and they'd both be usable. If I had a big knife I might be tempted to do this. On a small knife though I'm not so convinced, I've had a couple of knives that are half and half but neither really gives a good usable size. For me personally, if it's say a folding knife I'd go for a straight one, or a serrated one depending on the use, I'd forget the combo ones.

 

[sodajoe]

While we are on the topic, why are there blades that have notches along the back of the knife i.e. Rambo-style baldes?

The reason I ask is I remember watching Ernest Borgnine's character in All Quiet On The Western Front pointing out to a new recruit that he should remove the notches from his bayonet because it would be difficult to pull out after sticking it in someone. Sorry to get a bit gruesome So presumably that rules out a military use.

Your musings please.

 

[tarmix101]

While we are on the topic, why are there blades that have notches along the back of the knife i.e. Rambo-style baldes?

The reason I ask is I remember watching Ernest Borgnine's character in All Quiet On The Western Front pointing out to a new recruit that he should remove the notches from his bayonet because it would be difficult to pull out after sticking it in someone. Sorry to get a bit gruesome So presumably that rules out a military use.

Your musings please.

While I have absolutely no use for any of that "custom survival" gadgetry added to some military and WSK type knives, I have been told/read that the serrations can act as wire cutter, and to some extent a saw. The only use I can see for them is cutting your hand and snagging on your clothes Edited to add: I added the little animation because it makes me laugh until I tear up a little. I'm such a juvenile

 

[sodajoe]

Have some more then...

 

[pteron]

I sail a lot and find that serrations make cutting modern artificial ropes much easier.

 

[bloodline]

I have a Spyderco Harpie which is great for cutting wet rope its one handed opening and curve makes it great for canoeing or boating and its serrations make short work of any rope. I also have a SOG Tigershark which has a couple of inches of serrations that come in very handy

 

[Martyn]

I have seen loads of knives with serrations on the blade, can anybody tell me what purpose they serve.

Regards
Martin

As others have said, serrations are very good for cutting rope and fibrous material. I have no use for them though and for me they spoil a good knife. Unless you need to cut a lot of rope on a regular basis, I can see no reason to ruin a good edge with them.

 

[Mantic]

As an example, take a look at the Spyderco Harpy and Military penknives. Both have extensive serrations and include at least a single belly curve.

Both are intended as 'combat' blades (serrations are excellent at cutting through cloth and soft tissue). Neither is a stabbing blade, but rather are slashing blades.

Serrations have their place but are mostly redundant in bushcraft.

 

[hilltop]

As an example, take a look at the Spyderco Harpy and Military penknives. Both have extensive serrations and include at least a single belly curve.

Both are intended as 'combat' blades (serrations are excellent at cutting through cloth and soft tissue). Neither is a stabbing blade, but rather are slashing blades.

Serrations have their place but are mostly redundant in bushcraft.

i have a pal in the U.S marines, i have begged him to send me a ka-bar , finally after 2 years of pleading and threats he did,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, it has serrations and i was very dissapointed, but, i find they are great for cutting stuff the edge struggles with, and for scrapeing they are great, and as for cutting bone wow so i think i got lucky.

 

[Mantic]

The Ka-Bar is a great knife, which I have used on many occasions. I owned one for a while but sold it when funds were low. A shame but it's not the best tool for bushcraft as you have no doubt realised. Still, an excellent and historical piece for your collection

 

[hilltop]

The Ka-Bar is a great knife, which I have used on many occasions. I owned one for a while but sold it when funds were low. A shame but it's not the best tool for bushcraft as you have no doubt realised. Still, an excellent and historical piece for your collection

true its not made for bush craft, but it works, i am sure there are better but being from sheffield, the ancestral home of knives i can appreciate a well made well tooled knife, and its a real work horse, i have had a lot worse,