What's the use of a serrated knife versus one that has a smooth blade?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a kershaw leek knife and wanted to understand the pros/cons of the serrated vs. plain blade.

Answer 1

Serrated causes more resistance but is useful in cutting through tougher / harder things. Smooth blades are easy to sharpen though and are often good for quick, smooth slicing. Cooks for instance use smooth blades for veggie cutting fast. Steaks are usually cut with serrated.

Answer 2

Cut a smart-*** with a serrated blade, and he will have plenty more time to think about whatever cute move he made than if you cut someone with a smooth blade.

Answer 3

basicly the serrated blade saws while the straight one
slices. a couple of examples; the serrated blade will be
better for bread or angelfood cake. that is because
the straight edge will mash instead of cutting through.
if i am ever operated on i want the surgeon to use a
straight edge.

Answer 4

depends on what you plan on cutting. a smooth blade is a lot easier to keep sharp.