10 Best Bread Knives In 2020

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If you are looking for a bread knife, check out this list. These are the best bread knives you will find.

Whether you bake your own bread or purchase unsliced loaves from your favorite bakery or supermarket, the way you slice it makes a huge difference. While you can use just about any knife to cut bread, the best bread knife is one that has been built for the specific task of creating even slices.

best-bread-knife

A badly designed bread knife is one that smashes or otherwise damages bread, making the task difficult and leading to frustration.

Quality bread knives are designed to slice through even the crispest crusts easily while allowing the entire loaf to retain its integrity. The best bread knife is one that slices rather than pushing, tearing, or shredding the bread, and it is usually one that features a serrated edge.

At a Glance: 10 Best Bread Knifes to Buy

There are many excellent bread knives to choose one, so finding the best one for your needs and your budget isn’t at all difficult. It is very easy to find a great bread knife for less than $40, although experts agree that the best bread knife on the market typically costs a bit more.

With the right knife as your ally, you can enjoy the pleasure that comes with eating warm bread fresh from the oven, and you can slice other items that call for a serrated blade. A bread knife is ideal for jobs such as slicing cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.

With these important factors in mind, we’ve tested all the most popular bread knives and read thousands of bread knife reviews to bring you ten of the best models on the market, at prices to satisfy every budget and culinary setting.

Best Rated Bread Knife Reviewed

#1 Chicago Cutlery Walnut Tradition 10-inch Serrated Bread Knife

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A true classic thanks to its beautiful walnut handle, the Chicago Cutlery 10-inch bread knife features a blade of high-carbon 420 stainless steel.

Its taper grind edge is designed to retain sharpness, and is easy for users to re-sharpen as needed. The blade features a full tang for added balance and a pleasing weight in the hand. Triple-compressed brass rivets fasten the handle to the tang.

Pros

  • Cuts thin or thick slices
  • Easy to sharpen

Cons

  • Reports of construction flaws; roughness on brass rivets
  • Leaves more crumbs behind than some other bread knives

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

This walnut-handled knife from Chicago Cutlery is perhaps the best bread knife for someone on a tight budget. It offers good performance for its price, and most reviewers are satisfied with its ability to create even slices. Note that hand-washing and immediate drying is an absolute must for this bread knife.

#2 Dalstrong Bread Knife – Gladiator Series German HC Steel 10”

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Crafted of premium materials including high-carbon German stainless steel, the Dalstrong Gladiator Series bread knife features a full tang and geometrically angled serrations for easy, precise slicing and minimal crumbling.

Its black pakka wood handle has been polished and laminated for an appealing appearance and sanitary upkeep, and features three rivets as well as a comfortable curved grip. This knife’s blade is a bit taller than average, providing more knuckle clearance and preventing painful knocks.

Hollow divots are built into each side of the blade, preventing sticking and providing for speedier slicing. A stainless steel end cap adorns the handle, adding a touch of weight while serving as an attractive finishing touch.

Pros

  • Looks and feels like a more expensive knife
  • Very sharp blade; creates clean slices with minimal crumbling

Cons

  • Some reviewers felt the weight was excessive
  • One report of a defective knife with a warped blade

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

The Dalstrong Gladiator Series 10” bread knife may not be the company’s best bread knife, however it satisfies most users. A great choice for the dedicated cook and bread lover, it offers a pleasing combination of utility and competitive pricing. Dalstrong backs their products with a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, and rapidly responds to requests for customer service.

#3 Dexter-Russell Basics P948048B 10” Scalloped Bread Knife

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With a black impact-resistant polypropylene handle that provides for easy cleanup and low maintenance, the Dexter-Russel basics bread knife features a scalloped, hollow-ground blade of high-carbon stainless steel.

Its beveled edge retains sharpness well. This bread knife meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standard 2 for use in commercial food handling settings.

Pros

  • Works well on all types of bread, from crusty baguettes to soft rolls
  • Very easy to keep clean

Cons

  • Industrial look is unappealing to some
  • Not as sharp as a more expensive bread knife like Forschner/Victorinox

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

If you’re on a budget and looks don’t have an impact on your buying decision, then this Dexter-Russel bread knife may be exactly what you’re looking for. Most reviewers are pleased with its overall performance, noting that it excels at cutting through crusty homemade breads.

#4 Gunter William 9.5” Offset Bread Knife

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An essential part of Gunter William’s Executive Chef Collection, the Gunter William 9.5” offset bread knife offers an extra-wide serrated blade with a sharp heel and a smooth spine. Designed with a triple tang for excellent control and better balance, it includes a balance point as well as a polished Pakka wood handle.

Like all Gunter William’s Executive Chef blades, this one is made with high-carbon stainless steel which has been heat treated and ice-hardened for exceptional sharpness and less-frequent sharpening, as well as for easier sharpening when needed.

This offset bread knife meets the EN ISO 8442-5: 2004 requirements for standard Material and articles in contact with foodstuffs, Part 5 Specification for sharpness and edge retention test of cutlery.

Pros

  • Offset blade prevents finger pinches, particularly for users with large hands
  • Balanced feel, but not too heavy

Cons

  • Not made in Germany
  • Reports of problems with customer service when attempting to contact re: issues with other knives by Gunter Wilhelm

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

If you are looking for a good-quality offset bread knife rather than one with a cheap plastic handle, then the Gunter Wilhelm knife is well worth a look. While you can expect to pay more for this model, it offers a distinctive aesthetic rather than an appearance that is better suited to an industrial setting.

#5 Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch Bread Knife

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The Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch bread knife features a wide blade made with one-piece high-carbon Japanese stainless steel. Its ergonomic handle is made with a combination of santoprene and polypropylene, with textured finger points for a safe, slip-resistant grip. It is NSF certified for safety, quality, and performance, and is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Handle is comfortably soft, and is easy to keep clean
  • Curved shape cuts all the way to the bottom of the loaf

Cons

  • Handle has an unimpressive, utilitarian appearance
  • Not quite as sharp as some higher-end knives like Wusthof

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

While Mercer knives are well-known for their quality, some models are quite expensive. Not so with the Mercer 10-inch wide wavy edge bread knife; it is budget-friendly while offering good, reliable performance, even in demanding commercial settings. If you are looking for a sharp bread knife and you aren’t particular about appearance, then this may be the best bread knife for your kitchen.

#6 Orblue Stainless Steel Serrated Bread Knife

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Made with a single piece of stainless steel, the Orblue bread knife features an 8-inch serrated blade, which is thinner than many others for lighter weight and less friction while slicing. Ideal for a variety of baked goods, this bread knife cuts crusty bread and delicate pastries alike. It measures a total of 12.79 inches long.

Pros

  • Single-piece stainless steel construction is highly sanitary and easy to clean
  • Good weight, balanced feel; cuts easily

Cons

  • Would be nice if it came with a sheath
  • Not quite long enough to use with a bread slicer guide

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

The Orblue stainless steel serrated bread slicer is perhaps the best bread knife for anyone who wants to enjoy a combination of decent quality, easy maintenance, and affordability, and who prefer an 8-inch blade over a longer one. Most reviewers are pleased with its performance and use it for a variety of tasks around the kitchen, particularly considering its low cost.

#7 Shun DM0705 Classic 9-Inch Bread Knife

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The Shun 9-inch Japanese bread knife is precision forged of stainless steel, and is clad in 32 additional layers of stainless steel for an appealing Damascus-style finish and exceptional strength.

With a serrated edge to prevent torn loaves, it features an offset stainless steel bolster for safety and comfort. A D-shaped pakka wood handle offers comfort while adding to the knife’s sleek, attractive appearance, and a stainless steel end cap finishes the look.

The Shun bread knife is made in Seki City, Japan, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It is NSF certified for use in commercial kitchens.

Pros

  • 16-degree blade angle makes this bread knife sharper than most others
  • Handles everything from chewy, rustic breads to delicate bakery items like angelfood cake with ease

Cons

  • Costs more than budget models
  • Requires careful handling

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

With its ultra-sharp blade, attractive appearance, NSF certification, and exceptional track record for overall quality, the Shun is perhaps the best bread knife for discriminating professional chefs and home cooks. With proper care, this knife will serve you well for many years to come.

#8 Wusthof Grand Prix II Offset Handle Serrated Deli Knife – 8-Inch Blade

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A Wusthof bread knife that’s designed to handle more than just baked goods, the Grand Prix II serrated deli knife features an offset handle for easy slicing and greater comfort.

Its blade, bolster, and tang are forged from a single sheet of high-carbon German stainless steel, and the knife’s edge has been laser-tested for lasting sharpness and even cutting.

The handle is crafted of slip-resistant black synthetic, and features an ergonomic shape for a good, comfortable grip. Like other Wusthof bread knives, this one is made in Solingen, Germany.

Pros

  • Excellent for bread and other baked goods; versatile enough to handle other foods
  • Capable of creating very thin (1/4-inch) slices of bread

Cons

  • One report of a manufacturing flaw
  • 8” blade may be too short for very wide artisanal loaves

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

If you appreciate quality knives and want an 8-inch bread knife that is designed to cut through tall sandwiches and other items, then you are likely to enjoy the Wusthof deli knife. A bit more versatile than a standard bread knife, it handles a variety of tasks with ease while allowing you to create neat, even slices of fresh bread.

#9 Zelite Infinity Comfort-Pro Series 10” Bread Knife

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With a robust 10-inch blade of German-made ThyssenKrupp high-carbon stainless steel, the Zelite Infinity Comfort-Pro Series bread knife features an 18-degree, extra-sharp serrated edge. A full tang is encased within a stout, sculpted handle of black G-10 epoxy composite, which has been fitted with a stainless steel endcap for an attractive appearance and a balanced feel in the hand.

A tapered bolster aids in providing a comfortable grip while enhancing safety. The Zelite bread knife is backed by a 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee, as well as a risk-free 15-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Pros

  • Superior sharpness
  • Handle is attractive and very comfortable to hold

Cons

  • A little heavier than some other bread knives
  • One reviewer disliked the name branding on the handle

#10 Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional “S” 8-inch Bread Knife

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With a high-carbon stainless steel FRIODUR ice-hardened blade featuring serrations deep enough to qualify as scallops, the Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional “S” bread knife has been honed and hand-finished to perfection.

Its eight-inch blade features a laser-controlled edge with a robust stain-resistant bolster, which has been welded to a full tang for exceptional strength and a pleasing, weighty feel. The Pro “S” handle is made with polished black synthetic material for a combination of strength, sanitation, and attractive appearance. This bread knife is covered by a full manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

  • Smooth, even slices, even on freshly-baked bread
  • Easily works its way through thick crusts

Cons

  • A few reviewers report defective blades
  • Not long enough to cut through wide loaves comfortably

This Bread Knife is Ideal For:

The Zwilling J.A. Henckels Professional “S” 8-inch bread knife is ideal for the demanding home cook who prefers a shorter blade over a longer one, and who wants a high-quality bread knife that is built to last for years.

If you rarely find yourself slicing through wide loaves and you appreciate a variety of breads and baked goods, then you are likely to be satisfied with this knife. Note that the manufacturer states that it’s possible to run this bread knife through the dishwasher, yet simultaneously recommends hand washing and immediate drying for best performance and longevity.

Key Considerations:

Bread knives may be used less frequently than chef’s knives and paring knives, but they play a very important role in the kitchen. Here are some key considerations for choosing the best bread knife for your needs.

  • Durability – A good break knife will last a lifetime if you take care of it. Be sure that you choose one that is well-rated, rather than a cheap one with a poor track record. Even though a cheap knife costs less up front, you’ll wind up spending even more on replacements in the future.
  • Quality of Materials – Most bread knives have stainless steel blades, and almost all of these are stamped rather than forged. High-quality stainless steel offers a smooth feel, and does not snag on bread as it passes through the loaf.
  • Edge – Almost all of the best bread knives on the market offer serrated edges, which easily cut through hard crusts while simultaneously leaving the soft interior of a loaf intact. It’s true that you can use a straight-edged knife to cut bread, but it’s also true that this almost always leads to smashed, unappealing slices.
  • Blade Length – Because bread is sliced with a side-to-side sawing motion, it’s important to choose a bread knife with a long blade. Most good-quality bread knives offer blades between eight and ten inches long.
  • Using with a Bread Slicer – Bread slicers are designed to guide your knife through the loaf for nice, even slices. Consider a blade longer than 8 inches if you plan to use a bread slicer; shorter blades can slip out of the guide and lead to frustration.
  • Price – A good bread knife doesn’t have to be expensive, so choose according to your budget and consider how often you’ll be using the knife for slicing bread and handling other important cutting jobs. Plan to pay between $40 and $150 for the best bread knives, and a little less for serviceable but slightly lower-quality models. It’s well worth noting that bread knives are available at prices over $150, but that these are typically designed for professional use. Feel free to treat yourself though, if bread is your passion!

Tips for Keeping Your Bread Knife in Great Shape

Once you’ve taken the time to choose the best bread knife for your kitchen, you’ll want to take great care of it. Even the best blades can be damaged over time, particularly when they are treated roughly, washed incorrectly, or stored improperly.

  • Use a good cutting board. As with all knives, the surface you cut on makes a difference. A good-quality wood cutting board is ideal, and a plastic cutting board will do the trick, too. Avoid the temptation to cut on metal, glass, or stone surfaces.
  • Reserve your bread knife for bread. While some cooks do use their bread knives to cut tomatoes and melons, this practice is not recommended as the acid from these items can cause your knife’s blade to become dull prematurely.
  • Protect the blade. Be sure to protect your knife’s blade with a specially-designed cover; if you like, you may also store it in a block or on a magnetic knife holder, taking care not to twist it when you remove it.
  • Hand-wash. Consider hand-washing your bread knife and drying it immediately with a soft towel when finished, even if the manufacturer insists that the bread knife is dishwasher safe. Oiling your blade with food-grade mineral oil will help extend its life as well.
  • Sharpen properly. Finally, be sure to have your knife professionally sharpened, or learn the proper technique for doing it yourself so that it continues to perform as needed.

With all of these considerations in mind, we hope that you find it easy to select the best bread knife for your budget and your kitchen’s needs, and that it will continue to deliver perfectly sliced bread for years to come.

Best Rated Bread Knife Summed Up:

Carrie Ypma is the owner and chief executive officer of Easy Recipe Depot. She’s an optimist by nature and enjoys cooking and preparing easy meals for her family. When she's not working on Easy Recipe Depot you'll find her over at her blog, Ideas for the Home by Kenarry sharing more recipes, trying new craft ideas, planning for parties and events as well as decorating our home. You'll also find her at her home organization blog Clutter Keeper®, and her craft blog Messy Momma Crafts where she shares arts and craft ideas for parents.