Bread knives, also known as serrated knives, are ideal for slicing through crusty loaves of sourdough and artisan bread. This type of knife is also best for slicing through soft rounds of challah, and tall loaves of brioche. Whether you are a professional baker or a serious home cook, you know the importance of a good bread knife. The reason it is so important in comparison to a normal chef’s knife is that it slices the crusty exterior of your bread without smashing or pushing through the inside. I only understood the difference while testing it myself. Undoubtedly, it affects the quality of the bread! They are also versatile enough to cut through juicy tomatoes, delicate pastries, and more. Know some interesting facts about bread.
A study by the Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism journal revealed that bread is not responsible for obesity. Quite the opposite! Those who are obese eat less bread than those who aren’t.
Contents
What is a bread knife?
A serrated bread knife tends to be one of the longest knives in the kitchen, that has a serrated edge. Most importantly, serrated edge provides both grip and purchase, enabling you to slice through the bread without having to apply pressure. And squishing your soft bread in the process. Meanwhile, with a straight-edged knife, you would be forced to apply pressure to get the necessary purchase to make the initial cut. Which ends up ruining the shape of your slice! Apart from slicing loaves of bread, they’re are very versatile. It can cut through juicy tomatoes, delicate pastries, thick cakes, and more.
The optimal length of a bread knife is somewhere between 0-10 inches. Subsequently, the most common blade length is 8-9 inches. Moreover, for right-handed bread knives, the serrated edges are on the left-hand side of the blade. Similarly, for left-handed bread knives, the serrated edges are on the right-hand side of the blade. So, whether you are a right-handed or left-handed person, there is always an option for you!
Types of Bread
There are countless different types of bread available in the world. In this list, I am going to discuss the most popular bread types. Are you are wondering, what makes bread different from one another? Well, the type of flour, other ingredients used, along with the rising time determines bread type. Additionally, the way the bread is shaped and how it’s baked gives each bread type its characteristic appearance, taste, and texture.
Pan Bread
Pan bread is baked in a dry oven and has a rectangular shape from the pan. This makes them ideal for sandwiches. Moreover, This type of bread tends to have a soft crust and inferior crumb.
Sandwich Bread
Sandwich Bread is some of the most popular pan bread. They can be further differentiated based on the flour used to bake them.
White Sandwich Bread- This type of bread is made of white flour and tends to be more popular among kids. Most importantly, they have also become a staple for many households across the world.
Wheat Sandwich Bread- Wheat sandwich bread is made from enriched wheat flour, whole grain flour, or a combination of both. Further, they are great for consumers to boost their whole-grain intact.
Multigrain Sandwich Bread- Multigrain sandwich bread for example 9 grain or 12 grain often has a denser, cheaper texture. This bread may also include a variety of seeds or unmilled grains. For example, almonds, walnuts, and many more. As for the taste, it varies on the grain.
Hearth Bread or Artisan Bread
Heart bread is also known as crusty bread or artisan bread. They are baked in the steam oven without pans. Also, they are sometimes directly on the bottom of the oven or hearth giving them a crispier crust. Also, hearth bread is usually round or long loaves shaped by hand or machines.
To know more about the best bread knives for artisan bread, you through our blog on it.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is made with various proportions of flour from rye grain. Depending on the type of flour used and the addition of coloring agents, it can be light or dark in color. It is typically denser than bread made from wheat flour. Above all, it is higher in fiber than white bread and is stronger in flavor.
Sourdough
Sourdough is a yeasted bread made from a fermented mixture of flour and water. This type of bread has a very long shelf life. Also, the loaf has a substantial crust with a soft, chewy center and large air bubbles.
For information on the best bread knife for crusty bread, go through our expert listing.
Types of Bread Knife
Based on structure
Based on structure, there are three different types of bread knives. That is to say, you should select a suitable type for your needs.
Flat Bread Knives
The most common style of a serrated knife. These flat-blade knives are the classics and can be found in most knife block sets. Though it’s fine for slicing bread, the lack of knuckle clearance makes this type of bread knife a unitasker.
Curved Bread Knives
Curved bread knives are great for bread. A curved blade gives the user the ability to use a rocking motion when cutting fruits and vegetables. Moreover, it offers you better knuckle clearance than a flat knife. This type of knife is the most versatile.
Offset Bread Knives
The blade of the knife extends 1 to 2 inches below the handle. This will give you plenty of knuckle clearance. Offset knives have blades measuring 6 to 9 inches long. However, it is short to cut through a large loaf of bread.
To know more about offset bread knives and the various options available, check out our blog on the best-offset bread knife.
Based on functionality
Manual Bread Knife
Manual bread knives are far more affordable than electric bread knives. It can go wherever you are, without worries about the availability of electricity. It’s a bit difficult to do that with an electric bread knife! In other words, having a manual bread knife can be hassle-free for you.
Electric Bread Knife
Electrical bread knives offer fast, clean results. Most importantly, they are capable of slicing bread with any effort from your side. They are also very convenient. Electric knives can be pretty versatile for slicing bread, carving the turkey, filleting fish, and more. However, they are a little expensive in comparison to manual bread knives.
To find the best electric bread knife, go through our expert listing.
Types of serrations on a bread knife
A bread knife works just like a saw. Featuring a scalloped or toothlike edge on the blade. Above all the teeth of the blade catch and then rip as the knife smoothly slides through the food.
There are different types of serrations on bread knives. Firstly, scalloped serrations, secondly, large teeth serrations. And lastly, small teeth serrations. Most importantly, the type of serration will determine the best bread knife to use.
Scalloped Serrations
The serrations look like clouds instead of teeth. This type of blade cuts through a cake and very soft bread with ease but is of little use in cutting through crusts.
To find the best bread knife for a cake for your kitchen, click here.
Large Serrations
Large serrations are the best to cut tough crusts with ease. However, these leave behind more crumbs and are not good for cutting cakes. If you are someone, who is constantly buying or baking tough crust bread. Then, you should look for a bread knife with small serrations.
Small Serrations
Small serrations are the best to combine the gentleness of scalloped serrations with the effectiveness of large teeth serrations. Moreover, this makes it easier for slicing a ripe tomato and many other things.
If you are looking for the best-serrated bread knives, refer to our blog.
Best bread knife- a summary list
#1. Shun DM-0705 Classic 9” Bread Knife– It is one of the best bread knives hands down. Recommended by experts as the go-to entry-level bread knife at home.
#2. Wusthof CLASSIC Bread Knife– If you want a professional bread knife, this one for you!
#3. Hammer Stahl 8-Inch Bread Knife–This product is very easy to use. Moreover, it claims its space with its efficiency.
#4. DALSTRONG Serrated Bread Knife– Backed with great user reviews, you don’t need any further assurance for the quality of this product! It’s a must-buy!
#5. TUO Bread Knife 8 inch– This product is very affordable. Moreover, it is very good at slicing soft bread.
#6. Cutluxe Bread Knife- 10– If you’re looking for one serrated knife to handle everything a chef’s knife can’t, this is the one!
List of Top 6 Best Bread Knife
#1. Shun DM-0705 Classic 9” Bread Knife
My list begins with Shun DM-0705 Classic 9” bread knife, recommended by experts as the go-to entry-level bread knife for home.
The product has wide serrations that are razor-sharp. What I liked most about the product, is that it cuts through bread without smashing or tearing the interior! That is to say, it will be easier for you to use. With it being forged from VG-MAX steel, with additional cobalt for strength, carbon for durability.
What caught my attention is this product is handcrafted in Japan by highly skilled specialists. Hence, the knife is present-day manifestations of ancient blade-making traditions fused with cutting-edge technology. The knife is beautifully crafted by experts. The beautiful D-shaped handle, composed of ebony PakkaWood. Additionally, provides you a comfortable grip to easily maneuver the blade, through different types of bread. Moreover, it is great for tough challenges like sourdough, baguettes, rye, and ciabatta. However, delicate enough for banana bread, brioche, pastries, challah, or pumpernickel.
User Experience
Users are impressed with wide serrations that are razor-sharp. The product has really good reviews which makes it more trustable among the masses. Many users found it to be high in quality and durability. Moreover, they loved the bread knife because of its beautifully crafted PakkaWood handle.
Pros
- 9-inch blade
- Forged with VG-MAX steel
- D- shape PakkaWood handle
- Water-resistant
- Corrosion-free
Cons
- Expensive
My Verdict: The bread knife claims its space with its amazing features. To sum up, this bread knife is an ideal bread slicer in my eyes.
To read more about Japanese bread knives, check out our blog on it.
#2. Wusthof CLASSIC Bread Knife
The Wusthof CLASSIC Bread Knife blade’s length is 8 inches. The product is equipped with full tang triple-riveted synthetic polypropylene. That resist fading, discoloration, heat, and impact. I can guarantee this bread knife will be the most comfortable for you to hold! This makes the product a lifelong investment for your kitchen. The blade is made out of high carbon stainless steel, with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Its incredible sharpness and easy maintenance will make it easier for you to use it. Most importantly, the serrations along the edge will help you guide the blade through the tough crust without compressing the soft inside.
What attracted me most to this bread knife is that it is forged from a single block of high-carbon stainless steel. Also, tempered to 58-degree HRC. The Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yields a blade that is 20% sharper with twice the edge retention than previous models. Let me tell you, these features make the bread knife highly efficient.
User Experience
Users are quite happy with the product. With the Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) yielding a 20% sharper blade, people found it very efficient. Also, it is very easy to maintain! People don’t have any significant complaints about it either.
Pros
- 8- inch blade
- Forged from high carbon stainless steel
- Full tang handle
- Sharp
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
My Verdict: I think the product is worth its investment. Moreover, it slices through bread or baguettes with minimal crumbs.
Also, have a look at our expert listing on the best bread knife for hard bread.
#3. Hammer Stahl 8-Inch Bread Knife
Hammer Stahl Bread Knife has an 8-inch blade. Additionally, it has a rounded scallop-style serrated edge that is extremely sharp. It gives you the ability to cleanly slicing instead of tear. I specifically liked that, this bread knife is made from top-quality German X50CrMoV15 High Carbon Stainless Steel. It is forged and tempered to precise specifications. Its Rockwell hardness is 55 – 57. Which subsequently provides you a superior edge and lasting durability.
Every blade is sharpened to a 20-degree bevel angle. With its quad tang design, it is a real winner for me! Each knife has exceptional balance, lasting durability, and superior comfort. This means, it’s easy to handle and doesn’t need any maintenance. In addition to this, each Pakkawood handle is infused with phenolic resin. That combines the beautiful look of wood with the durability of plastic. Above all, the company made a solid statement by providing you a lifetime guarantee, against any defects in materials or workmanship.
User Experience
Users loved the product for its exceptional balance, lasting durability, and superior comfort. Costumers we’re impressed by its high-quality steel. In addition, they also loved its simple design and effectiveness. With the company offering a lifetime warranty for the product. It has gained trust among its users.
Pros
- 8- inch blade
- Forged from German X50CrMoV15 High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Rockwell hardness of 55 – 57.
- Beautiful Pakkawood Handle
- Quad Tang Handle
- 20 Degree Cutting Angle
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Expensive
My verdict: This knife is the best you will find in the price range. The blade slices different types of bread efficiently – from hard bread to artisan bread. If you are a beginner, this product is a very good choice.
#4. DALSTRONG Serrated Bread Knife
DALSTRONG Serrated Bread Knife has a 9-inch long blade. With the sleek design, exceptional craftsmanship; it’s an excellent choice for your kitchen. The feature I liked most, is its scalpel-like edge that is hand-finished par excellence to 15° per side. By using the traditional 3-step Honbazuke method. To improve robustness, corrosion resistance, it receives a Titanium Nitride non-reflective coating. The blade is full-tang for maximum durability. So that you can get the most out of it.
Its fiber-resin and military-grade G10 handles are nearly impervious to heat, cold, and moisture. This means it’s easier to hold and allows effortless slicing. The bread knife features a high-carbon 7CR17MOV-X super-steel. Along with an added vacuum heat treatment at 58+ HRC, which allows for extraordinary performance and edge retention. To summarize, I am impressed that the knife is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified. This suggests that the brand is trustable. Moreover, providing a lifetime warranty against any defects.
User Experience
Users are satisfied with its hand-polished spine. With its full-tang handle, it is smooth and comfortable to touch. Above all, its unforgettable styling, sophistication, and functionality have impressed its users. It will surely turn heads in your kitchen.
Pros
- 9-inch blade
- Forged from high-carbon 7CR17MOV-X super-steel
- Full tang handle
- Titanium Nitride non-reflective coating
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
My Verdict: In my opinion, this is the sleekest and most sophisticated bread knife present. You can go for it without thinking much!
#5. TUO Bread Knife 8 inch
TUO Bread Knife 8 inch is made of AUS-8 Japanese Steel with G10 Handle. It gives you excellent performance in the kitchen. I personally feel, it is hauntingly beautiful with its Seawave pattern. Also, aside from its magnificent outlook, it’s practical in that it prevents pieces of food from sticking on the side of the knife. This bread knife can multitask making it easier for you to work. What caught my attention is that the product is multifunctional! Along with slicing loaves of bread, it cuts through meat and vegetables as if they’re butter. It is indeed a trustworthy and versatile kitchen tool!
The elegant G10 handle is ergonomically designed, providing you with a great balance. It gives you the best experience and makes your working process an enjoyment! Moreover, the product has a lifetime warranty. The brand also guarantees you 100% satisfaction or your money back.
User Experience
Users are extremely happy with its excellent performance in the kitchen. People really liked its ergonomically designed handle. Which provided them great balance. They were also impressed with its comfortability. With its multitasking feature, it has been the favorite among the masses.
Pros
- 8-inch blade
- Forged with AUS-8 Japanese Steel
- G-10 handle
- Lifetime warranty
- 100% money back policy
- Easy to use
Cons
- Quality degradation
My Verdict: According to me, the product is efficient. For its price, it is the best according to me. It is also great for a first-time buyer.
You can read more about the best budget bread knife on our post.
#6. Cutluxe Bread Knife- 10 inch
- PREMIUM PERFORMANCE – Perfectly engineered serrated bread knife tapered to a razor-sharp edge for effortless slicing thick breads, toasts, bagels, baguettes,...
- RAZOR-SHARP SERRATED BLADE EDGE – Hand sharpened edge at 14-16 degrees per side for maximum sharpness & edge retention ensuring precision slicing and minimal...
- FULL TANG ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Luxury pakkawood handle that is triple-riveted for sure grip and absolute stability that ensures comfort and maneuverability....
- PREMIUM GERMAN STEEL – Precisely forged of high-carbon German steel engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness for long lasting performance, rust and...
- LIFETIME WARRANTY - We’re proud to say we believe in our blades. Your Cutluxe chef bread comes with lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects,...
This value-focused product is a perfectly engineered serrated bread knife. Tapered to a razor-sharp edge for you to effortlessly slice thick bread, toasts, bagels, baguettes, brioche, cakes, and more. I particularly liked that it is precisely forged high-carbon German steel. That is engineered to perfection at 56+ Rockwell hardness. This ensures long-lasting performance, rust and stain resistance. Additionally, it is hand sharpened edge at 14-16 degrees per side for maximum sharpness & edge retention. That ensures precision slicing and minimal crumb dispersion when you cut bread.
Moreover, it consists of a luxury Pakkawood handle that is triple-riveted for a sure grip and absolute stability that ensures your comfort and maneuverability. One of the things that I love about the Cutluxe Bread Knife is that it comes with a lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects. That is to say, purchase without risk. So, you can be tension-free!
User Experience
Users loved its precision slicing. The Pakkawood handle ensures comfort. People found it to be easy to use. They were impressed by the design, quality, and durability of the product. On the downside, some found it has rough edges. Although, it can be ignored for its affordability and efficiency.
Pros
- 10-inch blade
- Forged of high-carbon German steel
- 56+ Rockwell hardness
- Triple-riveted Pakkawood handle
- Sharpened edge at 14-16 degrees
- Affordable
Cons
- Rough edges
My verdict: It is a very good quality bread knife in this price range. Its affordability makes the product, the best choice for a beginner.
Tracy Wilk, a pastry chef, and instructor in the Institute of Culinary Education said, “A serrated bread knife is an essential kitchen tool”. “The reason a serrated knife is so useful for bread is the little groves or serrated notches, [which] allow the knife to slice through the crusty exterior of your bread without smashing or pushing through the inside.”
Things you Need to Consider Before Shortlisting the Best Bread Knife
There are several things that I think you should keep in mind before buying a bread knife. So, you get the value for money on your investment.
Blade length
The optimal length of a bread knife is somewhere between 0-10 inches. Subsequently, the most common blade length is 8-9 inches. Therefore, purchase one that is longer than a typical loaf of bread.
Blade material
Bread knives are usually made from carbon stainless steel, high-carbon steel, or stainless steel. Moreover, high-carbon stainless steel is much better for corrosion resistance.
Serrations
A blade with fewer, broader and deeper pointed serrations will cut better. The gullet’s size determines how smoothly the knife will glide while cutting. For example, the bigger the gullet, the easier the blade moves.
Flexibility
A flexible blade is more adaptable to different types of food. Whether it is a delicate pastry, cake, or other soft foods. Multitasking is always a plus point for any kitchen tool.
Easy to use
We always want our slicing process to be easy and fast. Hence, I selected the products which are easy to use. On the other hand, if you’re new to the kitchen too, you can always choose a simple design.
Affordability
To sum up, we want bread knives that cost less and give us the maximum features we want to see in our grinder. Therefore, we have got you covered up here as well.
FAQ’s
Q1. Do I need a bread knife?
For every job in the kitchen, there’s a tool that’s right for the job. Although a chef’s knife is a primary kitchen tool, with its versatility. At the risk of stating the obvious, bread knives are the right tool for cutting bread.
If you’re regularly baking fresh bread, then you need a bread knife! Every other knife in the knife set will turn a fresh-baked loaf into a pile of scraps. In short, it will end up squishing and running the bread.
Q2. How to use a bread knife properly?
While using a bread knife, use a gentle sawing motion, without pressing down on the food. Pressing down with force defeats the purpose of the knife. Moreover, it ends up squishing the food.
Q3. What other knives should I have In my kitchen?
If you are building your kitchen knife set. A chef’s knife is the backbone of the kitchen knife selection. Add a paring knife next, for cutting small and precise pieces. If you’re regularly baking or buying fresh bread, a bread knife is a must.
Meanwhile, if you want to know more about the functioning of a bread knife, watch this video on ‘How to use a bread knife.
Conclusion
While selecting the right bread knife, it is important to understand its various facets. Hence, my list is quite exclusive, in the sense that it covers all the aspects of a bread knife, starting from its design to the buying guide. On one hand, it lists some expensive and top-of-the-line bread knives like Shun DM-0705 Classic 9” Bread Knife and Wusthof CLASSIC Bread Knife. On the other hand, there are some very unique ones like DALSTRONG Serrated Bread Knife.
For our budget-conscious readers, I suggest you should check out Cutluxe Bread Knife- 10. Hence, you have a wide variety to choose from without going through the hassle of checking at various places for the same. In conclusion, go ahead and select the one that suits you the most.
Aditi Borah is an enthusiastic writer and a bookworm, always aspiring to enliven others with her work. She has been writing articles on different niches; including film, technology and gadgets for many years. Being a foodie, her love for food has also turned her into a home chef. She also enjoys the science behind cooking. The technology behind appliances and kitchen gadgets vivify her which she writes about. Apart from this, she spends her free time listening to music, singing and playing badminton.
