What is the main use for a serated knife?

The main use for a serrated knife is to cut food with a hard exterior and soft interior, such as:

* Bread: The serrated edge grips the crust and slices cleanly through the soft inside without crushing or tearing.

* Tomatoes: The serrations prevent the skin from slipping and allows for smooth, even slices.

* Fruit with skins: Think of things like watermelon, cantaloupe, or oranges. The serrated edge helps cut through the skin without crushing the fruit.

* Cooked meat: While a chef's knife is often used for raw meat, a serrated knife can be helpful for slicing cooked roasts or poultry without shredding the meat.

Essentially, the serrated edge acts like tiny saws, gripping the tough exterior and slicing through the softer inside without crushing.