A bread knife is a long, serrated blade made to slice through crust without squashing the soft inside. The right one makes sandwich bread, baguettes and homemade loaves easy, and it doubles as a cake leveler and tomato slicer.
The six below are a mix of classic hand knives and one electric knife for people who slice a lot of bread. 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 |
|---|---|
| Blade length | A blade of eight to ten inches suits most loaves |
| Serration type | Pointed teeth grip crust; wavy teeth cut soft bread smoothly |
| Handle | A comfortable handle prevents strain when slicing a whole loaf |
| Steel | Stainless resists rust and needs little care |
| Power | Electric knives help people with weak grip or a lot of slicing |
| Storage | A sheath or block keeps the serrated teeth from rubbing on other tools |
Specs at a Glance
| Knife | Type | Blade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Bread Knife | Bread knife | Stainless steel, serrated | All-steel handle |
| Henckels Classic Bread Knife | Bread knife | Stainless steel, serrated | Triple-rivet handle |
| OXO Bread Knife | Bread knife | Stainless steel, serrated | Non-slip handle |
| Hamilton Beach Electric Knife | Electric knife | Stainless steel blades | Corded |
| Mercer Genesis Bread Knife | Bread knife | High-carbon steel, serrated | Full tang |
| Dalstrong Gladiator Bread Knife | Bread knife | High-carbon steel, serrated | Includes a sheath |
The 6 Best Bread Knives
1. Global Bread Knife
A Japanese all-steel bread knife with a distinctive dimpled handle. It is light, sharp and easy to clean.
Suits: cooks who like modern design. Strengths: light, sharp and hygienic. Weaknesses: the handle feels different to some people. Skip it if you want a classic wood handle.
View Global Bread Knife on Amazon
2. Henckels Classic Bread Knife
A German bread knife with a traditional look and sturdy handle. It is dependable for daily bread slicing.
Suits: daily use. Strengths: a classic design and solid build. Weaknesses: moderate length. Skip it if you need a very long blade.
View Henckels Classic Bread Knife on Amazon
3. OXO Good Grips Serrated Bread Knife
A friendly, widely available bread knife with a comfortable, non-slip handle. It suits cooks who want a no-fuss tool.
Suits: home kitchens. Strengths: a comfortable handle. Weaknesses: basic finish. Skip it if you want a forged blade.
View OXO Bread Knife on Amazon
4. Hamilton Beach Electric Knife
A corded electric knife with serrated blades that move back and forth. It makes quick work of loaves and is handy for people who dislike manual sawing.
Suits: big loaves and roasts. Strengths: little effort needed. Weaknesses: needs a power outlet. Skip it if you want something cordless.
View Hamilton Beach Electric Knife on Amazon
5. Mercer Culinary Genesis Bread Knife
A forged bread knife with a long blade and a full-tang handle. It handles both thick crusts and soft sandwich loaves.
Suits: cooks who bake. Strengths: long blade with a firm handle. Weaknesses: slightly heavy. Skip it if you prefer a feather-light knife.
View Mercer Genesis Bread Knife on Amazon
6. Dalstrong Gladiator Series Bread Knife
A bread knife with a wide blade and a sheath. It is built to feel solid in hand and to cut large loaves in a few strokes.
Suits: big loaves. Strengths: a bold build and a sheath. Weaknesses: can feel heavy. Skip it if you want a delicate knife.
View Dalstrong Gladiator Bread Knife on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Hand wash the knife and dry it straight away.
- Store it in a block or sheath, not loose in a drawer.
- Let hot bread cool a little before slicing.
- Clean an electric knife blade set as the maker advises.
- Replace an electric knife blade set if the teeth become bent.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a short blade on a large loaf.
- Squeezing the loaf while you cut.
- Slicing fresh-from-the-oven bread.
- Tossing it into a crowded drawer with other blades.
- Buying an electric knife without room to store its cord and blades.
Bread Knife FAQ
How often should a bread knife be sharpened?
Serrated blades stay sharp for years. When they dull, many cooks use a professional service.
Is an electric knife worth it?
It helps if you slice a lot of bread or have reduced grip strength, though a hand knife is simpler.
What else can a bread knife cut?
Tomatoes, cake layers, pineapple and pastries all work well.
Can I cut warm bread with a bread knife?
You can, but the crumb is still setting and tends to compress. Wait until the loaf has cooled for cleaner slices.
What length is right for a baguette?
A blade of about eight inches is enough, though a longer one saves effort on a wide round loaf.
The Short Version
For modern design, the Global. For a classic, the Henckels. For a simple pick, the OXO. For effortless slicing, the Hamilton Beach. For a long forged blade, the Mercer Genesis. For a bold blade, the Dalstrong.