Plain or serrated

[Endorphin Rush]

I've searched this forum for any threads that might have provided any answers to this question already, and although I've found threads that came close, none went so far as to express any opinions in regards to my specific question.

So...what is the best choice, or combination thereof, for engaging human threats???

I ask this secondary to a conversation with a co-worker. He is a long time student of Tang Soo Do and had been involved in training relative to knife fighting within the past year. He was passing-on information he received in reference to the blade configuration which is best for use in human confrontations and stated that the edge best suited for this purpose is a fully serrated edge.

You guys have any experience or opinions on which would be best??? To clarify, this knife would not be used as a combination seatbelt/box cutter, screw driver, pry bar, hammer, etc. This is a "one purpose only" knife.

If you wouldn't mind, please provide any reasoning.

Feel free to add any additional knife qualities in regards to this specific intended purpose.

Thanks

ER

[swatsurgeon]

In the world of trauma surgery....it doesn't matter....longer reaches deeper i.e., more vital structures can potentially be injured but as far as serrated vs plain edge for hurting the human body, there is no great difference that I have ever seen up close and personal in the operating room....ever wonder why a samurai sword has no serrations?

[Bill Harsey]

Personally I prefer non-serrated .45 ACP.

Swatsurgeon, Thanks for your observation. The japanese sword was extremely well designed for cutting edge geometry and used both mass and velocity to aid in deep cuts which included defeating steel armor.

I'll check back in here after work hours with more.

[Roguish Lawyer]

I think the question is better if you don't limit it to combat.

What are the pros and cons of serrating an edge?

[Guy]

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

I think the question is better if you don't limit it to combat.

What are the pros and cons of serrating an edge?

You just need to "saw" thru...amputations come to mind.

[Endorphin Rush]

swatsurgeon...point well taken in regards to the samurai sword being very effective despite it's being non-serrated.

Mr. Harsey...I, too, prefer the non-serrated .45 ACP.

Let me provide some additional detail...I liken the reason given, by my co-worker, for the preference towards serrations to some examples posted in another thread. I believe someone stated that upon attempting to cut through the more dense structures (cartilage/ligaments of an animal), the serrated blade seemed to open them up like they had zippers. Another reason provided by my co-worker was that serrated blades would be less likely to become stuck in bone as would a non-serrated blade. Or atleast might become unstuck easier with serrations due to the nature of the edge.

I tend to adhere to the axiom that "thrusting" is better that "slashing" in seeking to quickly stop a human threat, for the same reasons that swatsurgeon provided. But I'm uncertain as to the disadvantage one blade would have over the other should one strike bone/ligament/cartilage, ie. a thrust to the thoracic region with it's many costal impediments, or the sternum, or a thrust to the neck with it's anatomy to include the cartilaginous trachea or even the spine, should my blade reach that deep.

While I would never take a knife to any fight as my primary weapon, Murphy has been known to prevail at times just when the stinky brown stuff is hitting the fan and, well, I like to plan ahead for success.

Keep the responses coming...

Thanks

ER

[Bill Harsey]

Endorphin Rush,
Here is my nearly completely unbiased theory on why serrated edges both are rightfully popular and cut pretty well.

First, they cut stuff, no question.

We are now a couple generations "removed from the farm" if you will. Kids aren't taught to sharpen by their parents (notice no gender bias, my Grandma would kick my a*s, and since she's not around anymore, some other XX gender classifieds around here would probably volunteer to do it for her).

This is important because serrations take longer to dull all the edge, that is abuse may flat spot the points but the gullets will still cut. With enough force you can find a sharp part of a serration. Trying to saw aircraft cable will screw up most of a serration but is a test used here to see if our chisel tooth serration works. It does. My point here is that folks who don't sharpen their own knives get a lot of good use out of serrations.

The reason a "fresh from the factory" serration cuts so well is that the included angle of the edge is very acute. This is really good for cutting things like web gear, nylon strapping or seat belts. It is also a fragile edge for hard use jobs.

For work on game I find the serration to be very difficult to use. I cannot control my cut and they are a bit harder to field re-sharpen. I really prefer a straight edge for all my knife work.

There is certainly a valid reason for serrated edges, we provide a small serrated area at the base of each Yarborough knife for cutting difficult materials.

For most pure tactical knives, most owners i know prefer a straight edge.

[swatsurgeon]

Bone is a different issue. In a hand knife, as opposed to a sword length, the need to cut bone is close to zero. A hard chop with the Yarborough would cut any bone including a femor with 1-3 good hits....(I'll try that and let you know) but a spyderco, benchmade or Harsey T-2 (love that designation!!!) would have a hell of a time cutting through most bones. What is the intended purpose...if it is bone cutting then bring an axe or something close to the Yarborough or bigger, but keep in mind the practical aspects of this tool.. Bring the right tool, used in the correct way will have you performing every task asked of it. Bring the wrong tool, used in the wrong way and you're left with a mess. Just my 2 cents.

[SP5IC]

I went through the vetting to qualify for one. I think I was # 284, but you had to take his aurhorization to the SF Bookstore to buy one @ $275. I passed. Well, I had kids in college & stuff.