Serrated vs Plain edge Survival Knife

To answer the question that which kind of blade is the best for survival techniques and related chores is really a tricky one. Though there is a huge difference between the functions each is best at, still no one can tell you which would be the best option unless he knows the purpose for which you are using this particular survival gear.

This complicated question will automatically be solved by the very user when he will look at his core purpose of using the blade. The serrated knife vs. straight edge knife debate would finish with your defining goal approach. You actually need to think about what you are going to do with your knife; you can shave, slice, slash, saw, hack, chop and dice.

Uses of Knives

The major uses of a knife are divided into two wide classes.

• Push cuts:

When the cutting is done by pushing the blades’ edge through the thing is called push cutting, as one does in shaving or peeling an apple.

• Slicing cuts:

The cutting which is done by dragging the edge across the thing that needs to be cut. As one slices the tomato and a piece of meat he drags the edge of the blade through the tomato or meat. Slicing and sawing are examples of slicing cuts.

This post will work as a guide to help you find out the blade type that suits your purpose the best. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of each type.

Plain edge Knife

Plain edge blades are considered the best for outdoor and tactical operations. This traditional kind of blade has been famous among the expert survivalists since ages. They have a strong and steady pressure providing precision, greater accuracy and a balanced control in a variety of environments. It works the best in push cutting, where the edge needs to be polished which is perfectly done by moving to higher and higher grit stones. The sharpening is easy and quick.

Serrated Edge Knife

Serration at the edge offers you best pull cuts as it enables the blade to grab the material. It easily gets into the toughest and hardest of the materials to get your job done faster. This serration is also of two types; fully serrated edge and partially serrated edge. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

1. Fully Serrated Edge

Fully serrated edge can get through heavy duty and more fibrous materials in no time with super speed and exceptional skill. The serrated blade has more pressure on fewer points that allow the blade to tear and cut the objects faster and easier. They are extremely good at slicing even the dull serrated blades offer super and fine slicing. The serrated edge stays sharper for a longer time.

2. Partially Serrated Edge (Combo Edge):

This one is the combination of above two types. This option is equally effective for push cuts and slicing both, as it possesses the qualities of both the types. Some people find the placement of serration wrong, as it mostly doesn’t suit their requirements. Some feel that the length of the serrated part is too short and for others the plain edge is not good enough to be used properly.

The selection actually depends on the nature of job you are going to do with it. Personal preferences and your comfort are the key factors to get you the best type of blade. An experienced and skilful knife user may find the plain edge better as he can create micro serrations by himself according to his needs. Otherwise you may finalize your gear by defining the major of your use and purpose. For more information on survival knives, check here.