Have you felt the frustration of trying to cut through a loaf of bread, only for it to be squashed or crumbled into tiny pieces? Slicing through bread can be no easy task and the wrong knife can make it even more difficult. That's why choosing a good bread knife is important and the right blade can even cut through other food items such as meat and fruits.
We've looked into the best bread knives available and picked the Millennia Black Handle by Mercer Culinary as our favorite. It's made from high-carbon Japanese steel, is corrosion and rust-resistant, and smoothly slices bread with ease. We've picked some more knives for you to consider and also have a buying guide to help you make your choice.
Quick List - Top Bread Knives
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
The right bread knife helps you cut even slices of bread without squashing them. However, did you know that different types of knife blades make for different types of cuts?
Additionally, factors such as the material, length, or handle matter a lot when it comes to getting the right cut. Pay attention to these when you're choosing a bread knife and your search will be so much easier!
Bread knives come in different lengths, with the most common sizes being from around seven to 11 inches. We would suggest eight inches as the absolute minimum as if the blade is shorter than that, you will struggle to get the sawing motion needed to slice bread. As a general rule, your blade needs to be several inches longer than your bread is wide so you can move the blade through the bread.
This means that if you want a bread knife that will be suitable for a wide range of bread, you might want to choose a knife that is as long as possible. Many people prefer to buy knives that are 10 inches long for this reason. If you're only going to use your knife for smaller loaves then you can get away with a smaller knife but usually, bigger sizes will be better.
Keep in mind that usually, these measurements refer to the length of the blade only. The handle is not included in these lengths. Instead, knives are measured from the tip of the blade to the heel. If the knife is electric, due to the motion of the dual blades it doesn't matter if they're slightly shorter than eight inches. Electric knives don't require the same amount of sawing motion to be effective.
When deciding on a length of a bread knife, see what balances comfortably and feels natural in your hand when you hold the knife and use it to cut. If you have small hands and are of small stature, a 10-inch knife may feel awkward and unsafe.
When it comes to bread knives, there are two main types of cutting blades: serrated and scalloped. Each type has its own pros and cons that you should take into consideration, so see which one meets your needs more!
A serrated blade looks similar to that of a saw and has sharp jagged teeth that help you cut through foods with a hard exterior easily without having to put in a lot of pressure yourself. This makes it a great choice for cutting breads such as sourdough and those with a crust.
Pointed serration results in sharper teeth. Knives with sharp teeth use the pressure to grab onto the break and slice it without squashing the bread. However, if the teeth aren't as sharp as they should be and have dulled through use, then the chance of them making rough cuts and producing crumbs is high. You will need to sharpen a knife with pointed serration.
The space between the teeth, known as gullets, is another important factor. Deeper gullets allow for sharper teeth and this is the ideal combination for serrated knives. Additionally, smaller gullets also make it more difficult for the blade to move. So if you want a blade that slides smoothly through your loaf without leaving a lot of crumbs, you should consider a knife with sharp teeth and deep gullets.
Compared to a serrated edge, a scalloped edge has more rounded serrations. The serrations are spread further apart along the edge of a blade than you'll see on knives with pointed serrations. This type of knife requires more pressure to be applied to cut through bread.
Scalloped edges may not cut through crusty bread as easily as knives with pointed serrations, but they will produce fewer crumbs. Knives with scalloped edges are better for softer bread such as challah and brioche. They're also great for slicing food other than bread, like fruits and roasts of meat.
Knives with scalloped edges hold their edge longer than knives with pointed serrations. Although they're more difficult to sharpen, it can be done and they require sharpening less often than pointed serrations.
If you want your cut to be a bit smoother, pay attention to the number of the teeth. As we mentioned earlier, knives with deeper gullets perform better when slicing bread and deeper gullets usually result in fewer teeth, also.
Bread knives work by applying pressure to the bread to slice it. If there are fewer teeth, then more pressure is dispersed to each individual tooth. The more pressure each tooth applies, the easier the knife will slice. This is why you should choose a knife with fewer serrations.
Having fewer larger serrations spikes on your bread knife will allow you to sharpen your knife at home when your knife eventually gets dull over time. You can accomplish this by taking a steel and sharpening the blade one serration at a time on each side. There are several videos on this method to keep your bread knife sharp.
The blade of a bread knife is typically made from carbon steel, stainless steel, or high carbon stainless steel. In blades made from high carbon steel, carbon is the major component and this helps the steel stay sharp longer. It's a very tough material but has no stain resistance, so over time, it will discolor. This doesn't affect the performance of the knife but it is not aesthetically pleasing.
High carbon stainless steel, on the other hand, also has a small amount of chromium and this helps blades made of this material resist stains. Blades made from high carbon stainless steel have very sharp edges and will also keep this edge.
Knives made from stainless steel have a higher amount of chromium so again, they will resist stains. However, stainless steel is a flimsier material than either high carbon steel or high carbon stainless steel and doesn't keep its edge as long. It's also harder to sharpen so if you plan to get some heavy use out of your bread knife, you may want to avoid stainless steel.
One final material we should mention is ceramic. This has become increasingly popular over recent years and has many advantages over steel blades. Properly treated ceramic is harder than regular steel and is on par with hardened steel. Despite this, it can be quite brittle if not cared for correctly and shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperatures. Ceramic is also stain-resistant and keeps its edge.
Ceramic knives tend to be lighter in weight than traditional stainless or carbon steel knives. This means less fatigue on your hand and arm when using them on a regular basis. They also come in a myriad of different colors to accent your kitchen decor.
When choosing a bread knife, pick one with an ergonomic design that will allow you to use the knife comfortably. Additionally, think about whether or not there is enough space for you to squeeze your hands around the grip. Offset handles prevent your knuckles from grazing against the cutting board.
The material of a handle matters too. Common materials include wood, steel, or plastic. Wood is a popular option since it offers a firm, comfortable grip. Steel is also widely chosen, as it's easy to clean and won't break. Both are also highly heat-resistant, so you won't have to worry about the handles melting.
Your knife should have a good "grippy" handle. The handle should stay in place without sliding when you use it to cut. Check the length of the handle so it fits properly from the front to the back, without any wiggle room for your hand to move around.
One further option when it comes to choosing a bread knife is to go for an electric option. Typically, electric knives have two identical blades that slot into the handle and when switched on, they moved in opposite directions to effectively slice through bread and other food items. This dual movement makes electric knives great for bread as you don't need to use as much pressure.
A large concern with electric knives though is how noisy they can be. They can often be on par with the noise levels of a lawnmower so before you purchase one, check how noisy it is. The handles can be uncomfortable to hold at times, too, as they need to keep the electrics in the handle instead of prioritizing ergonomics.
When you're looking for an electric knife, check the shape of the handle for any areas that may hurt or dig into your hand. Also, make sure your hand can easily hold onto the knife. It should be comfortable to grasp. Finally, ensure the placement of the trigger makes it easy for you to reach and pull.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mercer Culinary Millennia Wide Wavy Edge Bread Knife |M23210 | ![]() | Best High Carbon Steel Knife | |
2 | Orblue Serrated Bread Knife | Best Smaller Stainless Steel Knife | ||
3 | Dexter-Russell Basics Scalloped Bread Knife |P94804B | ![]() | Best Blade for Sourdough Bread | |
4 | Cuisinart Pro Black Chef's Serrated Offset Knife|C77TR-8BD | ![]() | Best for Slicing Soft Bread | |
5 | Dalstrong Bread Knife - Gladiator Series | ![]() | Best for Producing the Fewest Crumbs | |
6 | Dexter-Russell V-Lo (29323) Sanwich Knife | V163-9SC-PCP | ![]() | Best for an Ergonomic and Comfortable Handle | |
7 | Kyocera Bread Knife | ![]() | Best Ceramic Option | |
8 | Hamilton Beach Bread Knife | ![]() | Best Choice for an Electric Knife | |
9 | NutriChef Serrated Bread Knife|PKELKN16 | ![]() | Best Electric Knife for Both Bread and Carving | |
10 | imarku Bread Knife | ![]() | Best Knife for a Gift |
Pros:
Cons:
Made with high carbon, stain-free Japanese steel, this bread knife is both corrosion- and rust-resistant, so you won't have to spend too much time on maintenance. The ergonomic handle features textured finger points as well as a protective finger guard, providing you with a much better, more comfortable grip.
Some reviewers complained that slicing straight with this knife was difficult and it was also hard to open the packaging. Still, many regarded this product as the ultimate bread knife, saying it was razor sharp and could produce smooth cuts without leaving too many crumbs behind.
Pros:
Cons:
Designed with an ultra-sharp serrated blade, this bread knife helps you slice through hard crusty loaves of bread effortlessly. Additionally, the knife is made with only one material, which is stainless steel. There is no plastic, wood, or screws that might wear out over time.
Some reviewers said that the knife was not well-balanced and pretty difficult to use. Nevertheless, many reviewers loved how sharp and solid the knife was. Reviewers said that the knife could cut through tough, heavy loaves of bread like rye bread. People also complimented the knife for its sleek design.
Pros:
Cons:
Made from high-carbon steel, this is a hollow ground blade with a scalloped edge. It is particularly sharp and can cut through hard exteriors like crusty bread and also soft foods like tomatoes. It's especially good at slicing sourdough bread.
However, some reviewers said their cuts were uneven when using this knife. Nevertheless, many found the knife working like a charm. They confirm how sharp the blade is and a few reviewers even found themselves needing stitches after accidentally cutting themselves.
Pros:
Cons:
Made from high-carbon stainless steel, this knife measures eight inches long and comes with a blade cover to keep it safe when not in use. The handle has a protective guard so your fingers won't slip and touch the blade while slicing and it's also ergonomically designed.
Some reviewers report that this knife tore crustier bread instead of slicing it, so if you're looking for a knife for sourdough you may want to avoid this one. It works well with bagels, croissants, and other soft bread though, and reviewers are pleased with the knife overall. They also like that it can slice fruits like tomatoes, too.
Pros:
Cons:
This blade ensures that only a few crumbs are produced when bread is sliced. You can choose from blades of eight or 10 inches long and both come with a protective sheath. It's also tough and sharp enough to cut through hams and vegetables.
Reviews for this knife are largely positive, but a couple of reviewers point out that the weight of the handle and knife means it can tear softer bread instead of cutting them cleanly. However, many customers liked that the blade was sharp and could cut through tough foods like butter. They also complimented the durability and design of the product.
Pros:
Cons:
With a high-carbon steel blade and a hand-honed scalloped edge, this bread knife lets you cut through sandwiches, bread, and pastries like a dream. The offset handle is soft to the touch and helps you keep your hands away from the cutting board.
Some reviewers found the product discolored after a few weeks, but many others loved the offset handle which was soft and felt comfortable in the hand. The extremely sharp cutting edge and the great size for daily use were also complimented.
Pros:
Cons:
This knife is made from ceramic and is half the weight of the average steel knife, making it ideal for lengthy periods of use. As long as the knife is kept on the top shelf, it is dishwasher safe, and the material ensures it won't stain. Although only seven inches, the sharpness of the blade means you won't need to saw as much as with other knives.
A few reviewers report that the blade can chip, so be careful only to use the knife as instructed. Reviewers praise the knife for being lightweight and for its sharp and thin edge. They also confirm it is easy to clean and remains sharp.
Pros:
Cons:
This electric knife takes the pressure and strain out of slicing bread. The two stainless steel blades move in opposite directions to smoothly slice through not only bread, but also poultry and even foam for craft projects. All of the pieces can be neatly kept together in the included box.
For some reviewers, the plastic handle was too big and bulky to hold comfortably. There are also reports that it is very noisy. However, many reviewers report that they had no problems slicing bread and other items with this knife. There are also many positive comments regarding the longevity of this knife.
Pros:
Cons:
This electric knife is ideal if you're looking for a blade that will cut both bread and carve meats. It has separate blades for each task that can be swapped as needed and the butcher block will keep all of the pieces held safely when not in use.
Some reviewers found changing the blades to be difficult to master and the handle is criticized for not being comfortable to hold. However, reviewers praise the knife for having its push button on top of the handle instead of using a trigger-style, as they say this is easier to operate. They also love the option of changing the blades and say the knife cuts both bread and meat well.
Pros:
Cons:
The knife is resistant to rust, corrosion, and discoloration, so it's easy to clean and doesn't require a lot of maintenance. The handle is ergonomically designed for optimal comfort and maneuverability. It is packaged in a stylish presentation box making it a great gift, also.
Some reviewers complained that the knife was not very flexible and was too long for smaller bread or cakes. However, most reviewers complimented the knife for being sharp and say it can easily cut through thick bread without tearing it. Some added that they loved the design and that the handle felt comfortable in the hand.
Perhaps it's time to renew your kitchen inventory? Check out these recommended products to ease your hunt for the best kitchen utensils!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Mercer Culinary|Millennia Wide Wavy Edge Bread Knife |M23210
No. 2: Orblue |Serrated Bread Knife
No. 3: Dexter-Russell Basics|Scalloped Bread Knife |P94804B
No. 4: Cuisinart|Pro Black Chef's Serrated Offset Knife|C77TR-8BD
No. 5: Dalstrong|Bread Knife - Gladiator Series
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Health
Beauty
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices