Serrations do have their place. However for the most part I wouldn't buy a knife with serrations for EDC or survival use. The posts above outline many reasons not to do it.

However for rescue work serrations make a lot of sense. The knife then becomes a dedicated tool and should not be used to open up boxes or to carve fuzzy sticks but is used to cut rope, seat belts, clothing etc. If you think you will need a knife on regular basis for these purposes buy a dedicated fully serrated knife.

BTW, I've never understood a partial serrated knife. One a small 4" folder it just doesn't provide enough area to be useful and then the plain edge is compromised for detailed tasks.

Adam