This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.
A bread-cutting knife is a specialized kitchen knife that is designed for cutting bread. Bread knives typically have a long, serrated blade that can easily slice through bread without crushing it.
Some bread knives also have a pointed tip that can be used for scoring the bread before cutting it. While a bread knife can be used to cut other types of food, it is not ideal for slicing meat or vegetables.
For that reason, many home cooks keep a separate bread knife and vegetable knife in their kitchen. When shopping for a bread knife, look for one that is comfortable to hold and has a blade that is at least 8 inches in blade length. A bread knife should also be made from durable materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel.
Get your hands on the perfect bread knife for slicing through tough loaves with ease. From artisan bakers to aspiring sourdoughs, there are many types of blades out in the world and it can be hard finding one that matches what you need.
If you want a knife that's sleek, has an easy-to-use design, and provides many applications then consider purchasing one with all those features. You might find yourself tired after use if your hand isn't used too much so make sure it is lightweight or ergonomic in nature - not just bulky but also small enough for storage space consideration as well.
It is important to consider what kind of knife you'll need for your typical baking needs before investing in new tools. The type and size of a bread knife can vary depending on whether it's a large loaf you are going to be cutting or thin slices in small crusty loaves of delicate foods with ease without crushing them, so take some time to get acquainted.
The best-serrated bread knives will make easy work of the bread crust while cutting thicker slices of a rustic loaf and also be able to make clean slices through the tomato skin of ripe tomatoes and other soft fruits.
Things To Look For In A Bread Knife
- Serrations: If you’re looking for the best bread knives, it's important that they have fewer but deeper serrations with extra-pointy tips. Double edge (usually some big and small) will help cut through crusty loaves of the soft interior while rounded blade shapes make delicate products like challah easier to slice without tearing apart its fragile dough walls.
- Length: The ideal serrated knife is somewhere around 10 inches long- this length allows the user to make their way through a round loaf of crusty sourdough or full melon slice with one smooth cut. Most people want both sizes in their kitchens, shorter blades that are perfect when cutting a ripe tomato since they don't have as much surface area compared to other foodstuffs like peppers which need longer incision lines made by broader knives.
- Shape: You can find a variety of different blade shapes and styles, but most serrated knives have some type of curve to them. For the best performance, we recommend sticking with straight or curved blades to slice bread (curved may facilitate slicing motions while offering you extra knuckle clearance).
- Handle: The type of handle material will depend on how you want to use your bread knife. For those looking for more comfort when cutting, opt for wooden handles that are soft and smooth against the touch; however, if non-slip support is needed then plastic might be better suited as it offers less risk in holding onto slippery foods.
- Sharpening: You should sharpen your bread knife every 10-15 years or if it's been a while since you've done so, and the blade seems dull. To get back into shape for continued use of this most common kitchen tool.
The best-serrated knives can outperform the chef's knives in certain situations. Offset knives with shallow serrations can do the work of two knives. Softer loaves of bread to sourdough boule, a good bread knife can make slicing bread a completely different experience. The chef's knife is a wonderful knife but it can't compete with the best overall bread knife or other bread knives when it comes to the simple task of cutting bread.
Your favorite bread knife holds its edge for years, yes it may need to go to a professional knife sharpener to freshen up the edge once every decade but that's not much to ask for such a useful tool. You can sharpen other knives at home but bread knives' serrated edges require a more specialized skill to sharpen.
With all this in mind, we have taken the time to pick out the best-serrated bread knives available today for you to look at with all different types of loaves of bread in mind you will find the best bread knife for you to enjoy at your cutting board and it will quickly become one of your favorite knives.
Best Heavy Duty Bread Knife
Classic IKON 9" Double-Serrated Bread Knife
Precision forged full tang bread knife. The double serrated blade is perfect for anything with a tough crust. The 9-inch bread knife cuts clean slices of ripe tomatoes smoothly and it will make short work of bread loaves.
- High carbon, stainless steel blade.
- 3 riveted black synthetic handle
- Made in Solingen, Germany
Best Bread Knife For Precision
Miyabi Kaizen Bread Knife, Medium, Black with Red Accent
Miyabi continues to strive for perfection with the introduction of Miyabi Kaize, Japanese for improvement or change for the better.
This next generation of Miyabi MIYABI strives for perfection with Kaizen, Japanese for improvement or change for the better.
This line of knives combines the best hardening technology with the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The resilient core of VG10 super steel is protected by a stunning 64-layer flower Damascus pattern.
The CRYODUR blades feature exceptional sharpness and durability thanks to their innovative, ice-hardening treatment. Then, artisans hand hone the blades with the historic Honbazuke method.
This attention to detail translates into precision cutting for MIYABI Kaizen users. The blade is balanced by a refined D-shaped handle made of black linen Micarta.
With a wood-like texture, the comfortable handle won’t slip from your hand and acts as a moisture repellent. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan.
- VG10 super steel
- Authentic thin Japanese blade profile
- Hand-honed using the three-step Honbazuke process to a 9.5 to 12-degree edge
- CRYODUR blade, ice-hardened to Rockwell 60
- 65-layer flower Damascus design with katana edge
Best Overall Bread Knife
Shun Cutlery Classic Bread Knife 9”
Create the perfect slices of bread, cakes, and pastries with the Shun 9-inch Classic Bread Knife. Unlike other kitchen knives, the serrations on this bread knife are not jagged teeth that chew through bread.
They're wide, low-frequency, razor-sharp serrations that glide through tender and crusty bread alike with no ripping, squashing, or tearing.
The Classic Bread Knife Knife is constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-Max cutting core with 68 layers of stainless Damascus cladding for a strong, corrosion-resistant, stain-resistant, razor-sharp 16-degree edge that glides through food.
The D-shaped, ebony-finished Pakkawood handle is durable, beautiful, comfortable for both left- and right-handed users, and doesn't harbor bacteria.
In Japan, the blade is more than a tool – it's a tradition. Housed in Seki City, the heart of the Japanese cutlery industry, Shun Fine Cutlery is dedicated to maintaining this ancient tradition.
Each knife is handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty. We also leverage modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide Shun quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.
- SERRATED BREAD KNIFE: The Shun 9-inch Classic Bread Knife glides through bread with ease, slicing tender and crusty bread alike with no ripping, squashing, or tearing. It's also ideal for cakes and pastries.
- HIGHLY ENGINEERED SERRATIONS: This serrated knife doesn't have jagged teeth that chew through bread, but wide, razor-sharp, low-frequency serrations that gently slice with less tearing and crumbling.
- HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed with Shun's proprietary VG-MAX cutting core and clad in 68 layers of stainless Damascus, this bread knife is corrosion and stain resistant with a strong, razor-sharp edge.
- COMFORTABLE HANDLE: The D-shaped, ebony-finished (Pakkawood) wooden handle is durable, beautiful, doesn't harbor bacteria, and comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed users.
- TRADITIONAL, ARTISAN CUTLERY: Inspired by the traditions of ancient Japan, Shun knives are handcrafted by highly skilled artisans to produce blades of unparalleled quality and beauty.
DALSTRONG Serrated Bread Knife
The Dalstrong brand speaks for itself and cutting loaves of bread is no different than cutting roast beef with a good serrated knife. Serrated blades will cut soft bread or sourdough boules without a lot of downward pressure.
- A Dalstrong culinary revolution combining outstanding and award-winning craftsmanship, cutting-edge breakthrough technology, awe-inspiring design, and the absolute best materials available. Peak performance never looked so good to you or your wallet.
- Unrivaled Performance: Ruthlessly sharp scalpel-like edge is hand-finished to a mirror polish within a staggering 8-12°degree angle using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method. Nitrogen-cooled for enhanced harness, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Full tang for superb robustness and triple riveted for even more resilience.
- Dalstrong Power: An ultra sharp AUS-10V Japanese super steel cutting core at 62+ Rockwell hardness for extraordinary performance and incredible edge retention is painstakingly sandwiched between 67 layers of premium high-carbon stainless steel, ensuring exceptional strength, durability, and stain resistance. Perfectly balanced, the precisely tapered blade minimizes surface resistance for buttery smooth cut-through and enhanced non-stick properties.
- Engineered to Perfection: Geometrically angled serrations ensure effortlessly thin slicing with a single stroke, minimal crumb dispersion with bread, and sail through large fruits, cabbage, and boneless hams. G-10 handle of military grade strength for life-long durability. The ergonomic handle shape is engineered for superior hand control, agility, and comfort. A premium-quality polymer Dalstrong Perfect Fit saya (sheath) is included.
- Dalstrong Trust: 100% SATISFACTION OR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, try it risk-free. LIFETIME WARRANTY against defect. Renowned Dalstrong customer service. See why chef’s around the world trust and love, ‘The Dalstrong Difference’. Arrives as all Dalstrong customer-loved premium quality packaging. Suitable as a gift (Christmas, weddings, birthdays, fathers day, mothers day), for culinary students, home cooks, professional chefs, and more. Now you are slicing with POWER. Dalstrong POWER!
Tojiro Bread Slicer
TOJIRO SD Molybdenum Vanadium Steel Bread Slicer 270mm F-687 Blade made from wear and rust-resistant Molybdenum Vanadium steel.
The handle is made from reinforced laminated material, which is widely used by professionals. It is simple but offers you a clean cut without deforming bread like other knives.
- 10.6" blade and 16.1" overall length.
- Serrated Edge
- Molybdenum Vanadium Steel
- Reinforced Black Wood Handle
- 145 gr / 5.1 oz
Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4" Serrated Bread Knife with Fibrox Handle
If you are only going to have one serrated knife, then the 10 ¼" Fibrox Pro Curved Bread Knife is the way to go. The sharp points of the serrated edge pierce into hard crusty loaves or soft-skinned fruits and veggies to maintain a stronghold and offer better control throughout slicing.
The scallops between each point reduce friction, so each slice feels effortless. The scallops also prevent the knife from squashing bread slices or the tender interiors of fruits or vegetables.
The heft helps to make quick work of melon rinds and pineapples, while the razor-sharp blade is perfect for slicing delicate eggplants and peaches.
At 10 ¼", the long blade will saw through large loaves of bread or cake layers with ease, but still has the control needed for cutting smaller items like tomatoes and baguettes.
However, it's the curved blade that really sets this knife apart from other knives. The curved blade allows you to comfortably slice soft fruits and vegetables with a rocking motion, and it has plenty of knuckle clearance which is something a straight bread knife cannot offer.
Whether you prefer to cut wafer-thin slices or large hearty ones, the thin blade offers the precision needed for even slices every time.
- The serrated edge allows you to easily slice through everything from crispy bread and sandwiches, to melons and delicate fruits and vegetables without squashing tender interiors
- The curved blade allows you to comfortably slice with a rocking motion and offers plenty of knuckle clearance for ease of cutting
- "Recommended" by a leading gourmet consumer magazine that features unbiased ratings and reviews of cookware and kitchen equipment
- Expertly crafted in Switzerland since 1884; designed for professionals who use knives all day, every day; lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship
Best Flexible Bread Knife
Fujiro Slicer Cutter
This bread knife allows you to cut the bread beautifully without destroying the shape. The lightweight does require a sawing motion on crustier loaves.
A stainless blade has been adopted for the hardening process. It is rust resistant and has a long-lasting sharpness.
- Fujiro (F part number) is a brand for international and limited routes such as knife specialty stores
- Size (total length): 14.8 inches (37.5 cm)
- Weight: 2.8 lbs (0.110 kg)
- Body: Stainless steel; Handle: Natural wood
- Made in Japan
Best Value Bread Knife
Mercer Culinary Millennia
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: The knife is crafted with one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel for easy edge maintenance and long-lasting sharpness
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: Built to last ergonomic handle with textured finger points offers a non-slip grip with added comfort, durability, and safety
- BEST USE: The teeth on the wavy edge of the knife's blade easily slice through foods' crust or skin without tearing the soft inside. Ideal for slicing bread, angel food cake, meatloaf, fruits, and tomatoes
- EASY CARE: To maximize the performance and longevity of your Mercer knife, carefully wash cutlery by hand after each use with warm water and mild soap; rinse and dry completely with a soft towel. Do not place in dishwasher or submerge for long periods of time
- MERCER CULINARY MILLENNIA SERIES: Innovative features and unparalleled performance to meet the demands of today's professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts
Orblue Serrated Bread Knife
- ULTRA-SHARP, CUTS EFFORTLESSLY: The Orblue Serrated Bread Knife blade has an ultra-sharp serrated edge that grips and effortlessly slices the toughest loaves of bread, to provide a smooth, clean cut. The blade runs 8 inches long with a 5-inch handle. Included as an added safety measure on the knife’s sharp tip is a rubber safety guard.
- HIGH-QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Made with high-quality stainless steel and only 2.2 mm and 0.1 mm thick, the quality is durable enough to withstand everyday use on the toughest loaves of bread.
- SLEEK ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The knife was ergonomically designed with careful attention to detail, so you can slice comfortably and easily. The handle is made to perfectly fit any grip, making slicing harder loaves a breeze.
- ONE PIECE DESIGN: The entire knife is one continuous piece of stainless steel. There is no plastic, wood parts, or screws that tend to move and wear out over time, so you can be confident that your knife is built to last for years.
- NOT JUST FOR BREAD: This serrated knife is so sharp it easily grips and cuts through the cake, crusty bread, bagels, and pastries. Budget-friendly, it's the perfect gift for all the bakers in your life!
Best Budget Bread Knife
Mercer Culinary 11-Inch Slicer Wavy Edge
An exceptional combination of quality, design, materials, and craftsmanship for the value-minded kitchen. Its longer blade and rounded serrations allow this 11-inch bread knife to cut like an expensive knife while still being easy on your bank account.
- QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Knives are crafted with high-carbon Japanese steel for easy edge maintenance and a razor-sharp blade that lasts
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: Built to last ergonomic handles with textured finger points offer a non-slip grip with added comfort, durability, and safety
- BEST USE: The perfect knife for cutting even, thin slices. Ideal for slicing ham, pork loin, turkey breast, or prime rib
- EASY CARE: To maximize the performance and longevity of your Mercer knife, carefully wash cutlery by hand after each use with warm water and mild soap; rinse and dry completely with a soft towel. Do not place in dishwasher or submerge for long periods of time
- MERCER CULINARY ULTIMATE WHITE SERIES: An exceptional combination of quality, design, materials, and craftsmanship for the value-minded kitchen; perfect for professional use or the home cooking enthusiast
FAQs
Which type of knife is best for cutting bread?
Serrated knives are best for cutting bread, as they are able to cut through the crust without crushing it. A sharp chef's knife can also be used to cut bread, but it is important to avoid using a dull knife, as it will crush the bread instead of slicing it cleanly through it.
What is the bread knife called?
A bread knife is called a bread knife because it is designed specifically to cut bread.
Bread knives are typically serrated, which allows them to easily slice through the crust of a loaf of bread without squishing or compressing the soft interior. They also have a blunt end, which helps prevent the blade from tearing through the loaf as you cut.
What is a bread cutter called?
A bread cutter is called a bread knife. It has a serrated edge that allows you to cut through bread without compressing it, which would make the slices chewy.
What is the difference between a bread knife and a serrated knife?
A bread knife is designed to cut through bread without smashing it, while a serrated knife is designed to cut through harder objects such as tomatoes. A bread knife has a thin, flexible blade, while a serrated knife has a thicker, more rigid blade.
Why are bread knives so long?
Bread knives are long because they're designed to cut through bread without squashing it. Bread is a delicate food and can easily become mangled if it's sliced with a short, blunt knife. A long, sharp knife gives you more leverage and makes it easier to get a clean slice without crushing the bread.
Should a bread knife be curved?
Curved bread knives exist in order to make it easier to cut along the rounded contours of a loaf of bread. A straight-bladed knife will tend to wedge in the loaf and resist cutting. Aligning the blade's bevel with the dough's perpendicular crust edge results in cleaner, more accurate cuts.
Is a bread knife necessary?
A bread knife is not necessary, but it can be helpful. A bread knife has a serrated edge that helps to cut through bread and other types of food that are dense and have a hard crust. Without a bread knife, you may have to use a regular kitchen knife which can cause damage to the food and make it difficult to cut.
Can I use a steak knife to cut bread?
Yes, you can use a steak knife to cut bread. However, it's not the best tool for the job. A steak knife is designed to cut through tougher meats, so it might be too sharp or too thick to easily slice through bread. A better option would be a serrated bread knife, which is specifically designed for slicing bread without crushing it.
How do you cut bread without crumbling it?
There are a few ways to do this. One way is to use a serrated knife. Another way is to use frozen bread. And yet another way is to heat the bread slightly before you cut it.
If you're using a serrated knife, hold the loaf of bread with one hand and use the other hand to saw gently back and forth with the knife. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure - just let the serrated edges do their job.
If you're using frozen bread, let it thaw for a minute or two before you try to cut it. The crust will be less likely to crumble that way.
Is a bread knife the same as a cake knife?
Yes and no. A bread knife is specifically designed to cut through bread without squishing it, while a cake knife is designed to smoothly cut through cakes and other delicate desserts. However, most people find that a regular chef's knife can also do the job just fine for both bread and cakes.
