What are the disadvantages of serrated blades?

Author: Dr. Hermann Mayert  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

The downside to the serrated blade is that they can easily cause fraying, especially with ropes and fabrics. In addition, when the blade dulls, it's much more difficult to sharpen and requires specialty sharpening equipment. A serrated blade does not cut as cleanly as a plain edge knife.

Is it better to have serrated or straight blade?

Serrations make a blade much harder to sharpen with little to no advantage in cutting performance compared to a straight edge, outside of a few niche applications. A dull serrated blade is more effective than a dull straight blade, but a sharp straight blade is at least as effective as a sharp serrated blade.

When not to use a serrated knife?

A sharp serrated knife will also prevent you from squishing and damaging delicate foods. Serrated knives are excellent for making long, straight knife cuts through larger items, but they aren't ideal for slicing small foods, peeling fruits or mincing ingredients.

What is the benefit of a serrated blade?

These knives excel at cutting through tough or crusty surfaces. Whether you're slicing bread, tomatoes, or citrus fruits, the serrations grip the surface, allowing for clean cuts without squishing or tearing. Knives with serrated blades tend to require less maintenance compared to plain edge knives.

Do professional chefs use serrated knives?

Serrated knives are versatile tools that excel in a variety of kitchen tasks, from slicing bread to cutting through tough-skinned produce. Their unique design allows for efficient cutting with minimal pressure, making them indispensable for both home cooks and professional chefs.

Serrated Blades 101 - SCHRADE Quick Tips Video

Why are military knives serrated?

A serrated knife edge often looks more menacing and threatening than a plain edge. If you're looking to intimidate on the battlefield or in the wilderness, a serrated knife could serve this purpose.

Do you sharpen a serrated blade?

Yes, you can (and should!) sharpen your serrated knife if you notice a decline in its cutting precision. Since serrated blades have points and valleys, the key to sharpening them is reaching the valleys, since they make up the majority of the blade's edge.

Is fine edge better than serrated?

Serrated edges just have more ability to tear at an object effectively. Plain Edge blades are precise and generally used in a more “traditional” tool sense. Plain edges are the standard for woodworking, shaving and other primary cutting tasks.

Is serrated good tcm?

The damage inflicted by this perk also ignores the damage reduction from Ana's ability and No Sell. It also bypasses the heal of What Doesn't Kill You and is not going to get healed back up by it, making it a great choice to pressure more defensive victim builds.

Are serrated knives illegal?

Some few ordinances specifically outlaw serrated edges. In other cases, that serves as a means by which an officer may determine that your knife is a weapon, not a tool, even when not in the law. It doesn't matter that this is irrational or not specifically illegal; that's just our real-world experience.

Should I use a serrated knife for steak?

It's important to note that those who like a juicy steak and want to keep all the flavorful juices intact when using a knife should consider using non serrated steak knives. Non serrated knives do a much better job helping you make a nice juicy steak.

What is the purpose of a santoku knife?

The Santoku knife is particularly useful for cutting and chopping vegetables, fruit and meat, and can also be used to slice fish. Its Japanese name refers to its "three virtues" or main uses: cutting, slicing and chopping.

When should you use a serrated knife?

Serrated knives are mostly used to cut products with a hard outside and a softer inside. A baguette is probably the first thing you think of right now. But also other types of bread, cakes and pies can best be cut with a serrated knife.

Which is better, Tanto or Drop Point?

The tanto excels in heavy-duty scenarios but isn't as versatile, while the drop point is versatile and practical but lacks the tanto's piercing power. If you need a knife for rugged, strength-based tasks, go with the tanto; for general use, hunting, or outdoor activities, the drop point is your best bet.

What is the sharpest cutting edge?

The essence of the sharpest materials

In many ways obsidian, or as they often say volcanic glass, is made of silicon. According to some reports, the thinnest blade was created from obsidian flakes 3 nanometres thick, equal to 0.003 microns. Such a thin and sharp blade is beyond imagination.

What knives hold their edge the best?

Carbon steel, common in Japanese-style knives, contains more carbon and is harder than stainless steel, which means it can be sharpened to a finer edge and will hold that edge longer.

What is a serrated edge knife best used for?

The unique geometry of serrated knives makes them particularly effective for tasks such as cutting bread, slicing tomatoes, or sawing through tough materials like rope or cardboard, where a straight-edged blade might struggle or require more force.

How often should I sharpen knives?

A kitchen knife should be sharpened every 1-2 months. Hone every week if you prefer a razor-sharp edge. For your professional chef's knife, you should have your knives professionally sharpened every 1-2 years. However, you might also still choose to sharpen them yourself every 2-3 months.

How do you sharpen a serrated knife without a sharpener?

You can sharpen a serrated knife at home using a ceramic rod or fine-grit sandpaper. The key is to focus on each individual serration and maintain the original bevel angle.

Why is there a hole in a military knife?

These holes, or scallops, are usually located near the blade's spine and are designed to reduce weight and improve the knife's balance.

How do you wash a knife properly?

Wash your knife with dish soap and hot water after each use. Rinse with clear water. Air-dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. Handle kitchen knives carefully by their handles; don't pile them into the sink or dishpan, but wash them one by one and rack them with handles up.

Are serrated blades banned in war?

Contrary to the myth, triangle blades such as these are not banned by the Hague or Geneva Conventions. An additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 bans the use of “bayonets with a serrated edge,” but does not mention knives or triangle blades.

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