I have a number of plain blade knives, mostly Fallknivens and even a few plain blades with laminated powdered steel cutting edges. In one or two days of intensive outdoor use, I usually have to sharpen the plain blade or else. I don't like having to tote around and keep track of a sharpener whenever I carry plain blades in the field, either on day projects or on expeditions.

However, I also have several inexpensive serrated blade knives that have had an enormous amount of use over the years. These serrated blade knives have never been sharpened (not a single time), yet they still work perfectly well. I even run them through the dishwasher and we use them on gristle steak night and with pleasure.

Unless you like the sharpening thing (some of my company's board members indicate they find the plain blade knife sharpening ritual therapeutic), for general outdoor use and especially if you end up having an emergency or survival situation along the way, choose the partially serrated one.

I have a small Gerber that has a serrated blade (about 2.5"). It's OK for light work around the house but when I go hunting or backpacking that knife stays at home.

I find the serrated section tougher to sharpen.

My traditional blade works great and is simpler to use and keep sharp.

I prefer a straight edge, but with a knife like this Kershaw Roughneck I don't need to choose.

http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=156&brand=kershaw

Looks great! Is the same configuration available in a shorter length (4" blade or so)?

Hikermor, if that question is for me, the answer is I don't know. Regarding serrations on the spine, there's another advantage that I enjoy. The serrations on the spine serve as a scraper for a ferro rod. If my only fire starting gear includes a ferro rod and a knife with serrations on the spine, I still don't have to mess up my main edge. Further, the serrations on the Kershaw Roughneck can generate a thick shower of sparks, way more sparks than any dedicated scraper I have. The comparison is not even fair. The same is probably true for other serrated knives.