As long as you keep your edges sharp, plain edges are better for other kitchen purposes. A well sharpened plain edge knife should slice a ripe tomato cleanly and easily. Serrations are popular in lower priced knives because they will cut better when dull than a plain edge blade. We recommend plain edge blades for people who can and will keep their edges sharp. They provide more accurate and precise cuts as well as being far easier to sharpen.
Some knives have what is known as a granton edge.
You may have seen the large Kullenschliff slicers used to cut prime rib at a buffet. These knives have hollow oval areas ground into the side of the blades. They are used by professional chefs for slicing meat and fish as well as for other purposes. Granton edges are maintained just like plain edges and represent a great alternative to serrations because they are easy to maintain. This matrix provides some construction comparisons between the lines of knives we sell.