[SparxSP]

Call me naive, but what exactly is the intended use of serrated blades, and/or combo blades such as (some of the) Salsas? I have one in the "normal" blade configuration, and for whatever reason, I absolutely love the knife. I've considered buying some of the other available colors (do NOT call me a woman...lol), but just don't know what I'd do with the combo blade versions. Can anyone help me (us) out here?
Thanks in advance for your time, Sparks

[JShirley]

Theoretically, combos give the best of both worlds. You can use the front, unserrated portion for smooth slices and detail work, and the serrated rear of the blade to bite through rough materials like rope.

I'm a big fan of the Salsa. I think it's an outstanding value- unfortunately, my plain black Salsa was lost some months ago. :(

John

[SparxSP]

Thanks for the info, John. Funny that Google pulled up a post which was so old; Sorry that I didn't notice.
Guess I should have also asked the first time: How on earth do you sharpen the serrated portion of the blade? I noticed that Mr. Mattingly remarked that he was unable to get them as sharp as he desired.

[JShirley]

Spyderco Sharpmaker does a good job on even serrated blades (which is good, since Spyderco was one of the first popular companies to put them on the cutting side of the knife!). Sharpmakers aren't cheap, but they're about as close to idiot-proof as you can come. :)

John

[Dismantler]

I am not a fan of the half and half blades. I want it all plain or all serrated. I have a CRKT MT. SHASTA that has a half and half blade. Trouble is, the blade is only 2 inches long (cutting edge), and so a 1" serration and a 1" smooth edge is really more of a handicap. I know that this is a bit different with a larger blade, but I do still do not think that they are practical. (I have some that I got cheap from our state surplus store.)

[dairycreek]

Although now retired I am a farmer. For me, a knife is a daily tool. Cutting rope, the ties on bales, and other stuff like that all goes a lot better with the serrated blade.