What is a serrated knife used for?

A serrated knife is a type of knife that features a blade with a series of saw-like or toothed edges. The serrations on the blade are designed to make it easier to cut through tough or crusty surfaces, such as bread, tomatoes, or tough-skinned fruits like pineapple or citrus.

The serrated edges of the knife grip the surface of the food, helping to slice through it with minimal pressure and without crushing it. This makes serrated knives particularly useful for cutting bread without squashing the soft interior, or slicing through the tough skin of a tomato without squishing the juicy flesh.

Serrated knives are commonly used in the kitchen for tasks such as slicing bread, tomatoes, cakes, and pastries, as well as cutting through tougher meats such as roast beef or pork. They are also used in the hunting and outdoor industries for tasks such as cutting through ropes, branches, and other tough materials.

It is important to note that serrated knives require special sharpening techniques due to their unique blade design, and should ideally be sharpened by a professional knife sharpener to maintain their effectiveness.