Bread is a staple food in many cultures around the world, and a good bread knife is an essential tool for anyone who wants to enjoy fresh, delicious bread at home. A bread knife is specifically designed to slice through bread with ease, without crushing or tearing the delicate texture of the loaf. But with so many options available, choosing the best bread knife can be a daunting task.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best bread knives on the market today, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed purchase. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, a good bread knife is a must-have in your kitchen, and we’re here to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Top 16 Best Bread Knife Reviews of 2023
1. Shun Cutlery Classic Bread Knife 9”
If you’re looking for a Japanese-style blade, look no further than the impressive Shun knife collection. Renowned for their sharp edges and exceptional performance, these knives are also beautifully designed. The handle is made from durable pakkawood and is ergonomically designed with a comfortable D-shape and bolster for an excellent grip.
The blade is crafted from proprietary VG-MAX “super steel” and comprises 34 micro-thin layers of stainless steel. Its slight curve allows for easy slicing and protects your knuckles from the cutting board. The Damascus-style blade not only looks stunning but is also highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and boasts wide teeth for effortless, uniform slicing.
In our tests, this knife performed exceptionally well, slicing through ripe tomatoes, hard sourdough bread, and soft challah with ease, leaving behind clean and uniform slices. While it comes with a high price tag, we believe the Shun knife is worth the investment for its unmatched quality and exceptional performance.
2. Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Black Handle
Look no further than Mercer Culinary. As a leading name in kitchen utensils, Mercer is renowned for producing top-quality products, and their bread knife is no exception. With regular serration and extra-sharp teeth, this knife will effortlessly glide through your bread for a smooth, easy cut every time.
The ergonomic handle is made from a combination of two materials, Santoprene and polypropylene, to provide both comfort and durability. The 10-inch wide wavy edge is also designed to resist staining, making it easy to keep clean and hygienic. The cutting blade is crafted from high-quality Japanese steel, ensuring that its sharpness and quality will last for a long time to come.
Choose the Mercer Culinary bread knife for a reliable and long-lasting addition to your kitchen utensils. Whether you’re slicing through crusty bread or delicate pastries, this knife will provide you with smooth and effortless cuts every time.
3. Mercer Culinary M23890 Millennia Black Handle
If you’re looking for a bread knife that offers more leverage when cutting through crusty loaves, consider an offset bread knife with a blade that sits lower than the handle. While some may prefer an offset bread knife, others may feel less in control when using it to tackle smaller tasks, like slicing through a tomato.
However, when it comes to cutting bread, the offset design is incredibly useful. This particular offset bread knife stands out as the best in its category, thanks to its sharp, wide teeth that remain sharp even after extensive use. Its handle is also designed to provide a comfortable and grippy hold, ensuring precision and control when slicing through your favorite loaves.
4. KUTLER Professional 14-Inch Bread Knife
If you’re in the market for a bread knife that can handle larger loaves and cakes, consider this 14-inch option. With an ergonomic design that lines up the grip with the blade, this knife is incredibly comfortable to hold no matter the angle you cut it at. Plus, its sharp blade and minimal crumbs ensure clean and precise cuts every time, leaving you with beautifully cut bread or cake in just a matter of seconds.
When it comes to choosing a bread knife, you want to make sure you invest in a high-quality product that can withstand regular use. This knife from KUTLER strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality, offering a more reasonable price point than most high-end bread knives while still delivering better quality than your typical dollar-store knives. With its sharp, durable blade and comfortable design, this bread knife is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
5. Misen Serrated Bread Knife – 9.5 Inch Bread Cutter
Our top pick for a bread knife is the Misen Serrated Knife, which boasts an 8-inch heavy-duty blade that can easily slice through different types of bread, including artisan loaves and delicate cakes. With 27 pointed serrations on the lower end, this knife offers great cutting power and can handle thick bread without shredding it. The thick, slope-shaped bolster provides a comfortable grip for safe and precise handling.
The Misen Serrated Knife is made with a high level of carbon that keeps the blade sharp for longer periods and is available in multiple colors to match your kitchen decor. However, it does come with a higher price tag than some other options, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a budget.
6. Dalstrong Serrated Bread Knife – 10″
The Dalstrong Bread Knife is a remarkable addition to the Gladiator Series, combining top-notch materials and expert craftsmanship with a budget-friendly price point. The knife boasts an eye-catching design with a sleek, polished blade and a handle made of premium pakkawood. With its serrated and hardened blade, cutting through bread and other food items is a breeze.
7. WÜSTHOF Classic 9″ Bread Knife
Wusthof’s Classic Double-Serrated 9-Inch Bread Knife is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable, durable, and sleek bread knife. Crafted with German precision, it features a full tang, riveted handles, a full bolster, and a finger guard, providing the utmost comfort and safety while slicing. The high-carbon stainless steel is precision-forged, making it hefty and long-lasting, and Wusthof’s proprietary edging technology ensures sharpness and better edge retention, crucial for serrated edges.
The unique feature of this model is the double serrations, allowing for easy slicing of both crusty loaves and soft challah. However, it may struggle with more delicate foods such as tomatoes. Despite this, it is a great, affordable option with high quality, costing about $20 less than our top pick.
8. Victorinox Fibrox 8-Inch Serrated Bread Knife
This stainless steel bread knife is the perfect addition to any kitchen looking for precise cutting capabilities. Whether you’re slicing crusty sourdough or fluffy white bread, this knife can handle it all with ease.
Designed for both personal and professional use, this professional-grade knife features a high-quality stainless steel blade that stays rust-free and sharp over time. Its serrated edge smoothly glides through bread with its sharp wavy edge, ensuring a clean cut every time.
The comfortable grip and ergonomic handle provide added support and control during use, so you can slice through bread like a pro without feeling any discomfort. The blade is strong and reliable, so you can count on it to last for years to come. For an ideal combination of precision, durability, and comfort, this bread knife is a must-have in any kitchen.
9. Orblue Serrated Bread Knife
Crafted from a single piece of stainless steel and complete with a plastic sheath for protection, this knife by Orblue is built to last. With a seamless design, the handle blends in perfectly with the blade, giving it a sleek and polished look. Plus, it feels great in your hand, offering a comfortable grip that makes slicing through bread a breeze.
While some may appreciate a high-end, pricey bread knife, this budget-friendly option is perfect for those who just need a reliable knife that gets the job done. At under $13, it’s the most affordable bread knife on our list, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. But don’t let the low price fool you – this knife is tough and built to last, so you can slice through bread and other foods with ease.
10. Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4″ Serrated Bread Knife
The Victorinox Fibrox Pro Bread Knife, made by the company that brought us the iconic Swiss Army Pocket Knife, offers exceptional slicing capability, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen. The gently curved, serrated blade allows you to use a rocking motion for the precise slicing of bread, fruits, and vegetables. With its curved shape, it is also useful for peeling fruits and vegetables without damaging them.
The knife has a sleek black handle that is not only easy to grip but also non-slip, ensuring stability during use. We also appreciate the longer-than-average length of the blade, which provides added versatility when cutting.
11. Zelite Infinity Serrated Bread Knife
The Zelite Infinity X50 Bread Knife provides top-notch quality, craftsmanship, and materials at an affordable price. Packaged beautifully in the Comfort Pro Series, this knife makes a perfect gift for anyone. Its premium German steel and tapered bolster ensure durability and longevity for years to come, making it an excellent investment for any kitchen. The blade’s sharpness and serration make it ideal for slicing through crusty bread with ease, making it the top choice for bread lovers.
12. Fujiro Slicer Cutter, 14.75, Stainless and Wood
The Tojiro Bread Slicer is designed to provide durability, precision, and comfort in equal measure. Made of long-lasting high-carbon stainless steel, the Japanese-style blade is thin and stamped, making it both corrosion-resistant and flexible. The natural wood handle with stainless steel rivets is comfortable and allows for a secure grip. With its razor-sharp teeth, this bread knife slices through bread effortlessly, without requiring much pressure.
The Tojiro Bread Slicer is perfect for both hard sourdough and soft challah bread. In lab tests, it cut through both types of bread cleanly and smoothly. The blade’s flexibility is not a hindrance when slicing harder foods. The knife is built to last and remain sharp for an extended period of time, thanks to its durable materials and user-friendly design.
At almost 15 inches long, the Tojiro Bread Slicer is an excellent choice for those who need a long bread knife. It’s a high-quality and affordable option that offers the perfect combination of functionality and comfort. Whether you’re a professional chef or just a home cook, the Tojiro Bread Slicer will meet all of your bread-slicing needs.
13. Mercer Culinary Millennia Colors Bread Knife
This knife is crafted from a single piece of high-carbon Japanese steel to ensure razor-sharpness and easy maintenance. You won’t have to worry about dull blades as this knife maintains its sharpness for extended periods. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip with its textured finger points, allowing you to slice through loaves of bread, fruits, and vegetables with ease.
What sets this bread knife apart is its wavy blade edge, which features sharp teeth that slice through food without damaging the texture. This knife is effortless to use and maintain. Simply hand wash it after every use, and it will last you for months or even years. Just make sure to pat it dry with a towel before storing it to prevent rust.
14. ZWILLING Twin Signature 8-inch Bread Knife
If you prefer a gentle approach when cutting softer ingredients like bread or tomatoes, the Zwilling Twin Signature Bread Knife is an ideal option. With a lightweight design and a thin serrated blade sharpened on both sides for added durability, this knife is perfect for slicing through soft foods without squishing or tearing. The stainless steel blade also makes it dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. However, due to its lightweight design, it may not be suitable for cutting through thick, dense crusts.
This Zwilling bread knife is designed to be a reliable tool for everyday use in your kitchen. The thin serrated blade is great for slicing through delicate pastries, bread, and soft fruits without crushing them. With a comfortable and secure grip, the ergonomic handle provides excellent control during use, so you can cut with precision and accuracy.
One of the best features of this bread knife is its double-serrated edge. Unlike other serrated knives that only have teeth on one side, this knife has serrations on both sides of the blade. This makes it ideal for cutting through foods with tough skins or crusts, like tomatoes, artisan bread, or crusty baguettes.
15. Hamilton Beach Electric Knife for Carving Meats, Poultry, and Bread
The Hamilton Beach Electric Knife is a versatile kitchen tool that can carve anything from roasts to bread to vegetables. With a comfortable plastic handle, 10-inch stainless steel blades, and a convenient storage case, this knife is a must-have in any kitchen.
Its easy-to-use design is one of the standout features of this model. Simply activate it with a trigger, and its two serrated blades will easily slice through any type of bread or meat, thanks to its 100 watts of power. Additionally, it comes with a stainless steel carving fork, making it the perfect tool for slicing more than just bread.
When it’s time to clean up, the blades eject easily for a quick hand wash, ensuring that it’s always ready for the next use. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, the Hamilton Beach Electric Knife is a reliable and convenient kitchen accessory.
16. Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife, 10-1/2-Inch
Although it may be a splurge, the Mac Knife Superior Bread Knife is a true masterpiece that is well worth the investment. With its exceptional sharpness, this knife is an excellent cutting tool for all types of bread.
Handcrafted in Japan, the Mac Knife Superior bread knife boasts a 10.5-inch tapered, serrated, 2mm full tang blade made of rust-resistant high carbon steel. This material is designed to maintain the blade’s razor edge for a long time, so you can expect optimal cutting performance.
This knife delivers a clean, smooth cut whether you’re slicing through thick, crusty bread or a roast, poultry, or fruit, without shredding the food. The extra length of the blade enables you to cut the thinnest slices in a long loaf of bread with ease.
Weighing only 5.6 ounces, the Mac Knife is very lightweight and well-balanced, making it easy to control. The elevated handle design and offset blade provide plenty of knuckle clearance and extra safety, allowing you to apply pressure for more demanding cutting tasks with confidence.
The attractive black Pakkawood handle provides a comfortable, ergonomic grip that resists staining and fading over time. The handle is securely attached to the blade with three stainless steel rivets.
To preserve its sharpness and handle quality, the Mac Knife Superior bread knife must be hand washed and dried. It is not dishwasher safe.
What to Consider While Buying a Bread Knife?
When shopping for a bread knife, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that meets your needs. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Blade length
Bread knives typically range in length from 7 to 12 inches. Consider the size of the bread loaves you typically slice when choosing a blade length.
2. Serration style
Bread knives can have different serration styles, such as scalloped or pointed serrations. Consider which style you prefer and what will work best for the types of bread you typically slice.
3. Blade material
Look for a bread knife with a high-quality blade material such as high-carbon stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion.
4. Handle comfort
Look for a bread knife with a comfortable handle that provides a secure grip, even when your hands are wet.
5. Overall quality
A high-quality bread knife is an investment that can last you for many years. Look for a knife with a well-constructed blade and handle, and consider the reputation of the manufacturer.
6. Price
Bread knives can range in price from budget-friendly to quite expensive. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a bread knife.
7. Brand Reputation
When it comes to kitchen knives, brand reputation matters. Look for bread knives from well-respected and reputable manufacturers that are known for producing high-quality knives that are durable and long-lasting.
8. Slicing performance
A good bread knife should be able to slice through different types of bread without crushing or tearing the delicate texture of the loaf. Look for a knife with sharp, evenly spaced serrations that can cut through crusty bread and delicate pastries with ease.
9. Storage options
Consider the storage options for your bread knife. Many bread knives come with a protective sheath or a knife block to keep the blade safe and protected when not in use.
10. Warranty
Look for a bread knife that comes with a warranty, as this can provide you with peace of mind and protection against defects or damage. Make sure to read the warranty terms carefully to understand what is covered and for how long.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a bread knife and a regular knife?
Bread knives have serrated blades, which enable them to slice through bread without crushing it. Regular knives have straight blades that are better suited for slicing through meat and vegetables.
2. Can a bread knife be used to slice other foods besides bread?
Yes, a bread knife can be used to slice other soft or delicate foods such as tomatoes, cakes, and pastries.
3. What blade length should I look for in a bread knife?
Bread knives typically range in length from 7 to 12 inches. A longer blade may be more useful for slicing through larger loaves, while a shorter blade may be more maneuverable for smaller loaves or pastries.
4. How often should I sharpen my bread knife?
Serrated blades do not need to be sharpened as often as straight blades. However, over time, the serrations on a bread knife can become worn and less effective. When you notice that your bread knife is not slicing through bread as easily as it used to, it may be time to sharpen it.
5. What is the best way to care for a bread knife?
To keep your bread knife in good condition, wash it by hand with warm water and mild soap, and dry it thoroughly before storing it. Avoid putting it in the dishwasher or leaving it wet, as this can lead to rust or corrosion. Store your bread knife in a protective sheath or knife block to prevent damage to the blade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good bread knife is an essential tool for any home cook or professional chef who wants to enjoy perfectly sliced bread without compromising its texture or flavor.
After reviewing some of the best bread knives on the market, we hope we have provided you with the information you need to make an informed purchase. When shopping for a bread knife, consider the blade length, serration style, handle comfort, and overall quality.
Keep in mind that a high-quality bread knife is an investment that can last you for many years, and it can make a significant difference in the quality of your bread slices. Whether you prefer a serrated or a straight blade, a longer or a shorter length, there is a perfect bread knife out there for you. With the right bread knife in your kitchen, you can enjoy fresh, delicious bread every day.