Cutting a bagel is a classic way to slip with a kitchen knife. The round, slippery shape and dense crust make a small serrated blade a good choice, and guarded bagel slicers add another layer of safety.
The six below include small serrated knives, which are handy for many jobs, and two bagel-specific slicers that hold the bagel in place. We have not used these products ourselves, and everything here is a general description from our own product knowledge, so please confirm size, material and what is included on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Serrated edge | Teeth grip the crust and cut without sliding off the bagel |
| Blade length | A shorter blade is easier to control on a small round item |
| Guard or holder | A bagel slicer with a guard keeps fingers away from the blade |
| Handle | A grippy handle helps when flour or butter is on your hands |
| Storage | Guillotine slicers are bulkier; knives store in a drawer |
| Cleaning | Fewer crevices mean less cream cheese and crumbs trapped in the tool |
Specs at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagel Guillotine | Guillotine slicer | Plastic and steel | Guarded design |
| Bagel Biter | Handheld slicer | Plastic | Cradle design |
| Kuhn Rikon Colori Serrated | Serrated utility | Coated stainless steel | Comes with a sheath |
| Mercer Millennia Utility | Serrated utility | Stainless steel | Grippy handle |
| Wusthof Classic Serrated Utility | Serrated utility | Stainless steel | Forged |
| Victorinox Swiss Classic Serrated | Serrated utility | Stainless steel | Light handle |
The 6 Best Knives and Slicers for Cutting Bagels
1. Bagel Guillotine Slicer
A countertop slicer with a guard and a blade that comes down across the bagel. It keeps fingers away from the cut, and is popular for office kitchens.
Suits: safety-first households. Strengths: a guard and fast cuts. Weaknesses: bulky for a small drawer. Skip it if you own very few gadgets.
View Bagel Guillotine on Amazon
2. Bagel Biter Slicer
A handheld bagel cutter that holds the bagel in a cradle while you slice. It is compact and easy to wash.
Suits: quick, tidy cutting. Strengths: holds the bagel in place. Weaknesses: the plastic can scratch. Skip it if you want a knife-like control.
3. Kuhn Rikon Colori Serrated Knife
A small serrated knife with a nonstick-coated blade and a sheath. It is bright, cheerful and handy for bagels, tomatoes and sandwiches.
Suits: general small-slicing tasks. Strengths: a sheath and a coated blade. Weaknesses: the coating can wear over time. Skip it if you want a long blade.
View Kuhn Rikon Colori Serrated on Amazon
4. Mercer Culinary Millennia 5-Inch Wavy Edge Utility Knife
A short serrated utility knife with a grippy handle. It handles bagels, rolls and sandwiches.
Suits: everyday kitchen use. Strengths: a handle that holds well when wet. Weaknesses: basic finish. Skip it if you want a premium feel.
View Mercer Millennia Utility on Amazon
5. Wusthof Classic 5-Inch Serrated Utility Knife
A forged German serrated utility knife with a comfortable handle. It bites into crusty bagels cleanly.
Suits: users who like forged knives. Strengths: a quality build and clean cuts. Weaknesses: a premium option. Skip it if you want a basic tool.
View Wusthof Classic Serrated Utility on Amazon
6. Victorinox Swiss Classic Serrated Utility Knife
A light, simple serrated knife in the style of a classic sandwich knife. It is reliable for bagels and tomatoes.
Suits: budget-friendly use. Strengths: a light and sharp blade. Weaknesses: a thin handle. Skip it if you have large hands.
View Victorinox Swiss Classic Serrated on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Cut a bagel on a stable board, never in your hand.
- Rinse butter and cream cheese off the blade promptly.
- Wash by hand if the knife has a coating.
- Take a guillotine slicer apart for cleaning when the maker allows it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Holding a bagel in your palm while you cut it.
- Using a smooth blade that slides off the crust.
- Choosing a very long blade for a small round bagel.
- Pushing hard rather than sawing.
Bagel Cutting FAQ
Is a bagel slicer safer than a knife?
A guarded slicer keeps your hand clear of the blade, which makes it safer for most people.
What size knife is best?
A blade of about five inches is easy to control.
Can I use a bread knife?
Yes, but a longer blade is less handy on a small bagel, so a utility knife often feels better.
What if I want to toast bagels afterwards?
Slice first, then toast. Cutting a cold, whole bagel is far easier and more predictable than cutting a toasted one.
Do these tools work on other foods?
The small serrated knives also handle tomatoes, rolls and sandwiches. The bagel slicers are made only for round bread, so they are less versatile.
The Short Version
For a guarded design, the Bagel Guillotine. For a handheld cradle, the Bagel Biter. For a coated blade, the Kuhn Rikon. For a rugged utility knife, the Mercer Millennia. For forged quality, the Wusthof. For a light knife, the Victorinox.