serrated edges

[imajalapeno]

So I'm ordering some steel, and I'm doing a fixed blade knife...does anyone knor how to do serrated edges??

[Ray Rogers]

Use round files, usually in two different sizes. The question is: should you make a serrated edge? Look around at all the knives you see in the cutlery magazines - see many serrated edges? No, not many. We make knives here. If you want to make a saw, that's another forum.

Serrated edges are good for cutting slick hard stuff like nylon rope. Beyond that, they don't do much that a good edge wouldn't do better. Make a serration if you want to, most of us try one sooner or later, but don't be surprised if you find out you use the non-serrated part of your blade much more.

As a beginner, I know you must be fascinated by all the 'cool stuff' that you have ever seen used on a knife and want to make a knife that has ALL of it in one place. Looking back, I'm embarrassed to say I tried the same stuff. But, knives have been around for thousands of years and there's nothing really new. Serrations were known long ago but rarely used. Tanto points were around too, limited use. Gut hooks, ditto. Saw blades could have been put on those old knives if it seemed necessary but they weren't. My point is, learn to build a knife first. After that, if you still think you need some of this other stuff then go for it. Most likely, you'll fiddle with it to try it once and then leave it behind like your first grade girl friend ...

[Cthulhu]

You said it way better than I would have, Ray.

For the record, I LOVE file work, and loathe serrations.

[imajalapeno]

Thank you ray, I know I'm probably asking way to many dumb questions.. But I just want my first knife to be perfect( even though i know it won't be) but thank you for all the help and I'll probably have pics of my 1st knife in the next month or so, and I'm gunna try to keep it simple, with no serrated edges and what not. Anyways thanks again

[imajalapeno]

Oops, hehe I lied, one more question.. Should I do a wood handle?? I kinda wanna try a simple paracord one..... I'm just not sure if t would last or not give good enough grip?!

[Ray Rogers]

Paracord handles hold up fairly well but not as well as wood. You wouldn't usually put paracord on a handle of a knife that would get used a lot for really hard work. Of course, a lot depends on exactly how you put the cord on - some methods would hold up better than others. Generally though, for a first knife, I'd suggest wood or Micarta. Micarta has the advantage of being tough and not requiring any extra finishing the way wood will. Or, you could use Dymondwood - it's cheap, easy to work, and requires no finishing and looks (more or less) like wood ...

[Crex]

Well spoken Ray.
I can only say that some of the most beautiful and attractive knives I've ever seen, handled and used, were very simple. Most makers find it harder to make a clean simple knife over a "gimped-up" one becuase flaws show up more readily. However, master the simple/clean discipline and your future knives will be all that much better quality. Heattreatment, geometry, ergonomics and lines will make the difference between a knife and a real good knife.
Secondly, you need to have a more detailed idea of what you envision and want to make as a knife before starting....even with the questions you are asking now (they are not dumb). When you are more specific we can be more specific. A good understanding of what tools you have available and what you are capable of doing with them. You will develope more skills as you procede, but you have to recognize your limitations up front and be realistic about them.
Just remember, none of us got to the point we are at making knives overnight. We know we don't make "perfect" knives, but that is our goal. Practice is very important, but does not make perfect, only perfect practice will.