Serrations

[Dano]

I don't want this to become a heated debate, it's just an observation and maybe something few have tried.

In regards to the one stick fire method (which I've used a variation of for some time) part of the process involves making scrapings for tinder.  I'm not one to drag a knife edge perpendicular to anything, leaving the use of the spine for scrapings.  Many knives don't have a sharp enough spine to make scrapings, which brings me to the topic of this thread.

Next time you're out, if you have a blade with serrations take it with you and try the serrations.  They make great scrapings, sometimes you can almost get a fine curly thread even.  Since it's along the lines of a chisel grind, you may have to switch it over to your other hand depending on your technique, but the serrations have great use in this application and saves your edge.

Give it a whirl and see what you think...maybe you'll not hate that knife you've had for so long, but don't use.  Some of the production folders we carry have a hidden function many overlook.

I put this here because it doesn't really fit in any one tool category, but if you want to move it please do so. 

[PetrifiedWood]

The knife I carry every day has serrations. I'd prefer that it didn't. But I have to admit, they have come in handy a time or two when cutting plastic straps off UPS deliveries. And to be completely honest, on the pocket knife they don't get in the way for what I use it for. It seems like dull serrations work a little better at cutting plastic straps than a dull plain edge.

I'll do my best to remember to try making some shavings with it next time I'm out by the fire pit.

I don't think I'll ever intentionally choose a serrated knife if a plain edge is readily available (my pocket knife wasn't available in plain edge where I bought it). But it would be nice to find a reason to like some of the serrated knives I have a little better.

[Wilderbeast]

I don't want this to become a heated debate, it's just an observation and maybe something few have tried.

In regards to the one stick fire method (which I've used a variation of for some time) part of the process involves making scrapings for tinder.  I'm not one to drag a knife edge perpendicular to anything, leaving the use of the spine for scrapings.  Many knives don't have a sharp enough spine to make scrapings, which brings me to the topic of this thread.

Next time you're out, if you have a blade with serrations take it with you and try the serrations.  They make great scrapings, sometimes you can almost get a fine curly thread even.  Since it's along the lines of a chisel grind, you may have to switch it over to your other hand depending on your technique, but the serrations have great use in this application and saves your edge.

Give it a whirl and see what you think...maybe you'll not hate that knife you've had for so long, but don't use.  Some of the production folders we carry have a hidden function many overlook.

I put this here because it doesn't really fit in any one tool category, but if you want to move it please do so.

I've had the same experience with serrations being useful for scrapings as well. 

[Dano]

The knife I carry every day has serrations. I'd prefer that it didn't. But I have to admit, they have come in handy a time or two when cutting plastic straps off UPS deliveries. And to be completely honest, on the pocket knife they don't get in the way for what I use it for. It seems like dull serrations work a little better at cutting plastic straps than a dull plain edge.

I'll do my best to remember to try making some shavings with it next time I'm out by the fire pit.

I don't think I'll ever intentionally choose a serrated knife if a plain edge is readily available (my pocket knife wasn't available in plain edge where I bought it). But it would be nice to find a reason to like some of the serrated knives I have a little better.

I agree, I'll go for a smooth edge first hands down.  But many of the folders today only come with serrations and most of us probably have at least one blade with them.  You can really go to town on your scrapings when holding them perpendicular to the wood.

[MATT CHAOS]

Thanks for the info.  I will have to try it!

[werewolf won]

On the water everyone of the crew carries serrated knives.  We deal with a line all day long.  Most all of us carry stainless knives too.  Just the salt in the spray and air will rust any exposed metal, I?ve had the steel ring on my keys rust in my pocket.

Hoot

[Gurthy]

Serrations are great for making quick work of rope, nylon straps, seat belts, etc. ... especially when time is critical 

I'll have to give one a try for shavings when I get out next!

[Toddler]

Agreed!  Serrations are great for that purpose!  I use the notching saw on my tracker for that purpose too, works great.  Toddler