Serrated knives are ideal for projects requiring sawing and tearing. Moreover, the jagged edge of a serrated knife provides more cutting surface area, so serrated blades often retain sharpness longer than other knives. On the other hand, serrated camping knives are nearly impossible to sharpen on the go; they usually require the expertise of a professional knife sharpener. The advantages and disadvantages of serrated knives determine when they come in handy and when they're awkward, as outlined below.
When Serrated Knives are Unwieldy
When you need a very sharp blade. A perfect edge is necessary in some situations; for instance, hunters require extremely sharp blades when cleaning game. Serrated knives retain some sharpness longer than smooth-edge blades, but because they are harder to sharpen, they're usually duller than their counterparts.
Food preparation. Traditional blades work best for chopping up vegetables and other food preparation tasks.
For tasks requiring precision. As a surgeon could tell you, a serrated edge is less precise than a smooth edge, primarily because a smooth blade can be brought to a much sharper edge. For example, if you're in the market for camping knives that can easily slice through a deer's underbelly while avoiding the guts inside, a serrated edge is not a good choice. This game preparation procedure certainly calls for a smooth blade.
When Serrated Knives are Useful
Cutting through large amounts of fibrous material. Serrated knives are wonderful for slashing your way through carpets, cardboard and other fibrous materials.
Cutting through flesh and bone. In life-or-death situations, serrated knives can cut through bone and flesh. As portrayed in the movie 127 Hours, auto-amputations are rarely required of backcountry adventurers. That film relates the true story of Aron Lee Ralston, whose right arm became trapped under an 800-pound bolder that had fallen as he climbed it. Ralston cut off his own arm using a two-inch dull knife, the kind you would get "if you bought a $15 flashlight and got a free multi-use tool," he said. A serrated hunting knife blade would have made this task much easier.
Don't worry; very few hikers will have to use serrated knives in this way. Still, it isn't uncommon for outdoor enthusiasts to cut through animal bone and flesh. For slicing up large quantities of animal flesh, serrated camping knives are superior to flat-blade knives.
Quickly slicing through clothing, rope, nylon and other synthetic materials. Serrated knives are preferable for cutting through seatbelts, as firefighters and cops know well. Rock climbers also favor serrated camping knives when cutting through climbing harnesses and rope. If you become stuck in a harness, a serrated hunting knife can free you much faster than a smooth-edge blade.
Trimming firewood and slicing through vines. Any activity that requires a sawing action will be easier with a serrated knife. If you anticipate slashing through the undergrowth, bring along a serrated knife.
As a backup blade. Since serrated knives are functional even when extremely dull, they serve as good spare camping knives.
As you can see, there are certain times when a serrated knife comes in handy and others when a serrated blade is clumsy. If you only want to carry one knife, a combo blade may be the best option; it will provide both a serrated and a flat edge.
Automatic blog by iAutoblog
No comments:
Post a Comment