Bread is a staple food in many households and bakeries. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used for sandwiches, toast, and various recipes. However, cutting bread can be a challenge, especially if you’re using a regular knife. That’s where a bread knife comes in. A bread knife has a serrated edge that makes it easy to slice through bread without crushing it.
When looking for the best bread knife, there are a few critical things to consider. The blade length, material, and serration are essential factors to pay attention to. A longer blade can handle larger loaves of bread, while a shorter blade is more maneuverable. The material of the blade affects its durability and sharpness retention. The serration of the blade also plays a significant role in how well it cuts through bread.
We spent hours researching and testing various bread knives to identify the ones that make slicing bread easy and efficient. Our goal was to find a knife that could handle different types of bread, from soft and fluffy to crusty and dense. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best bread knives and what makes them stand out.
Best Bread Knives
We know that finding the right bread knife can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best bread knives to make your search easier. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, these knives will help you achieve perfect slices every time. Check out our top picks below.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife
If you’re in the market for a great bread knife, the Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife is a great choice.
Pros
- The one-piece high-carbon Japanese steel construction ensures easy edge maintenance and long-lasting sharpness.
- The ergonomic handle with textured finger points offers a non-slip grip with added comfort, durability, and safety.
- 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.
Cons
- The knife needs to be carefully washed by hand after each use with warm water and mild soap; rinse and dry completely with a soft towel. Do not place in the dishwasher or submerge for long periods of time.
- The warranty excludes damage from misuse or abuse, such as dishwasher use, neglect, accident, alteration, fire, or theft.
- The knife may not be long enough for some users.
We’ve been using the Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife for a while now, and it’s been great. The high-carbon Japanese steel construction ensures that the knife stays sharp for a long time, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to grip and use.
The wavy edge of the knife’s blade is especially useful for slicing bread, and we’ve found that it easily slices through crusts and skins without tearing the soft inside. We’ve also used it to slice through angel food cake, meatloaf, fruits, and tomatoes, and it works great for all of those as well.
The only downside is that the knife needs to be washed by hand, and it’s not dishwasher safe. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the benefits of using the knife.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife to anyone looking for a great bread knife. It’s well-made, durable, and performs great, making it a great choice for any kitchen.
Orblue Serrated Bread Knife
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bread knife that can cut through even the toughest loaves of bread, cake, and pastries, the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife is a great option.
Pros
- The ultra-sharp serrated edge effortlessly slices through bread and other baked goods.
- The sleek ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use.
- The knife is made with high-quality stainless steel and features a one-piece design for added durability.
Cons
- The rubber safety guard on the sharp tip may get in the way when slicing certain types of bread.
- The blade is only 8 inches long, which may not be long enough for some users.
- The knife may not be as sharp as some higher-end bread knives.
We recently had the chance to use the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife in our kitchen, and we were impressed with its performance. The knife’s ultra-sharp serrated edge made it easy to slice through even the crustiest loaves of bread, and the ergonomic design made it comfortable to hold and use.
One thing to note is that the rubber safety guard on the sharp tip may get in the way when slicing certain types of bread, but it’s a small trade-off for the added safety it provides. Additionally, the blade is only 8 inches long, which may not be long enough for some users, but we found it to be a good size for most breads.
Overall, we think the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly bread knife that can handle even the toughest breads and baked goods.
HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 8-inch Bread Knife
We highly recommend the HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 8-inch Bread Knife for anyone who wants a professional-level bread knife that is built to last.
Pros
- The ultra-sharp blade ensures precision cutting with minimal effort.
- The German-engineered knife is informed by over 100 years of mastery, making it a reliable and durable choice.
- The lightweight and easy-to-use knife is great for cutting bread, biscuits, cakes, fruits, vegetables, and more.
Cons
- The plastic blade material may not be as durable as other materials.
- Some users may find the handle to be uncomfortable after prolonged use.
- The knife may require frequent sharpening to maintain its sharpness.
We were impressed by the effortless cutting and quick clean-up of this bread knife. It is perfect for slicing everything from brioche to baguettes, and the stain and rust-free blades make it a breeze to clean. We were also pleased to find that the knife stayed sharp longer than other bread knives we’ve used in the past.
The single-piece, precision-stamped blade construction provides durability, and the professional, satin-finished blade is finely honed for long-lasting sharpness. Although the knife may require frequent sharpening, it is worth the splurge for its superior sharpness and long-lasting durability.
Overall, the HENCKELS Solution Razor-Sharp 8-inch Bread Knife is a great investment for anyone who wants a reliable and long-lasting bread knife. It is perfect for both professional chefs and home cooks who want to elevate their bread-slicing game.
FOXEL Best Bread Knife
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable bread knife, the FOXEL Best Bread Knife is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The 10-inch blade is perfect for cutting through homemade bread, sandwiches, sourdough, hard crusted bread, cakes, bagels, and other large baked goods.
- The VG10 Japanese steel blade is rust-resistant and razor-sharp, making it ideal for cutting through even the toughest breads.
- The knife comes with a risk-free 1-year satisfaction guarantee, so you can try it out for yourself with no worries.
Cons
- The knife is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it after each use.
- The blade may be too long for some users, making it difficult to maneuver.
- The knife is on the pricier side compared to other bread knives on the market.
We were impressed with the FOXEL Best Bread Knife’s ability to cut through all types of bread with ease. The serrated blade made it easy to slice through even the toughest crusts, and the 10-inch length was perfect for larger loaves.
One of the standout features of this knife is the VG10 Japanese steel blade. It’s incredibly sharp and rust-resistant, so you can be sure it will last you for years to come. We also appreciated the knife’s thoughtful design, including the smooth handle and special gift box it comes in.
While the knife is a bit on the pricier side, we think it’s worth the investment if you’re serious about baking and want a knife that will last you a long time. Overall, we highly recommend the FOXEL Best Bread Knife for any home baker or bread lover.
Orblue Serrated Bread Knife
If you want a durable and versatile bread knife, the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife is a great option.
Pros
- The ultra-sharp serrated edge cuts through bread and other baked goods with ease.
- The sleek ergonomic design makes it easy and comfortable to use.
- The one-piece design ensures the knife is built to last for years.
Cons
- The blade may not be as sharp as some other bread knives on the market.
- The handle may not be comfortable for those with larger hands.
- The rubber safety guard on the tip of the knife may be difficult to remove.
We recently tried out the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife and were impressed with its performance. The serrated edge made cutting through bread a breeze, and we were able to use it on other baked goods like cake and pastries as well. The ergonomic design of the knife made it comfortable to use, and we appreciated the one-piece design that ensures the knife won’t wear out over time.
However, we did notice that the blade may not be as sharp as some other bread knives on the market, and the handle may not be comfortable for those with larger hands. Additionally, the rubber safety guard on the tip of the knife may be difficult to remove.
Overall, we would recommend the Orblue Serrated Bread Knife for those looking for a durable and versatile bread knife at an affordable price.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best bread knife, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
Blade Length
The length of the blade is an important consideration when choosing a bread knife. A longer blade will be able to cut through larger loaves of bread, while a shorter blade may be more maneuverable and easier to control. We recommend looking for a blade length of at least 8 inches, but this will depend on your personal preferences and the types of bread you typically slice.
Blade Material
The material of the blade is also an important factor to consider. Stainless steel is a common choice for bread knives, as it is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. High-carbon stainless steel is another good option, as it is strong and holds a sharp edge well. Ceramic blades are also becoming more popular, as they are lightweight and stay sharp for longer periods of time.
Serrated Edge
A serrated edge is essential for a bread knife, as it allows the blade to grip the crust of the bread and slice through it cleanly. Look for a knife with deep, pointed serrations for the best performance.
Handle Comfort
The handle of the knife should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip. Look for a handle made from a non-slip material, such as rubber or textured plastic. A contoured handle can also provide a more ergonomic grip.
Price
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a bread knife. While there are many high-end options available, there are also affordable knives that offer good performance. We recommend setting a budget and looking for a knife that meets your needs within that price range.
In summary, when choosing a bread knife, consider the blade length, material, serrated edge, handle comfort, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a knife that will make slicing bread a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated bread knives according to America’s Test Kitchen?
According to America’s Test Kitchen, some of the top-rated bread knives include the Wusthof Classic Bread Knife, the Shun Classic Bread Knife, and the Victorinox Swiss Army Fibrox Pro Bread Knife.
What makes a bread knife the best option for cutting bread?
Bread knives are the best option for cutting bread because they have teeth that grip the bread and prevent it from being crushed or torn. Additionally, serrated knives are able to cut through crusty bread without damaging the soft interior.
Can a non-serrated knife be used to cut bread effectively?
While non-serrated knives can be used to cut bread, they are not as effective as bread knives. Non-serrated knives tend to crush the bread, which can result in a less-than-perfect slice. Additionally, non-serrated knives may not be able to cut through crusty bread without damaging the soft interior.
