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10 Best Bread Knives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Mercer Culinary M22508 Millennia Black Handle, 8-Inch Wavy Edge, Bread Knife

The Mercer Culinary M22508 Millennia Bread Knife is designed with an 8-inch blade, which is a versatile length for slicing through various types of bread and other foods. The blade is made from high-carbon Japanese steel, ensuring it maintains sharpness over time and is relatively easy to maintain. The serrated, wavy edge is particularly good for cutting through crusts without damaging the softer interior of the bread, making it suitable for a range of tasks like slicing bread, angel food cake, and tomatoes.

The handle is ergonomically designed with textured finger points for a non-slip grip, adding to comfort and safety during use. Made from Santoprene, the handle is durable and built to last, providing a comfortable grip for extended usage. At 5.6 ounces, the knife has a good balance, making it neither too heavy nor too light to control effectively during cutting. However, it requires hand washing to maintain its longevity, as it is not dishwasher safe.

This knife is well-suited for both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts who need a reliable and effective bread knife. The guarantee provided by Mercer Tool Corp. shows confidence in the knife’s quality, although it does exclude certain types of damage. With a high customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, the knife is well-regarded by users. It's an excellent choice for anyone needing a dependable bread knife with a strong performance and ergonomic design.

#2

Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Black Handle, 10-Inch Wide Wavy Edge, Bread Knife

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Serration Type
Handle Comfort

Most important from
20453 reviews

Blade Material
High-carbon Japanese steel ensures long-lasting sharpness and easy maintenance.
Serration Type
Slices are smooth and un-deformed thanks to the very sharp serrated edge.
Handle Comfort
Feels well-built and sturdy, with a plastic handle that holds up well.

The Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia Bread Knife is a solid choice for anyone looking to slice through crusty loaves or soft cakes with ease. Its 10-inch high-carbon Japanese steel blade is designed for long-lasting sharpness and requires minimal maintenance, which is a great plus for everyday use. The wavy edge serration allows for smooth slicing without tearing, making it ideal for not just bread, but also fruits and delicate desserts like angel food cake.

One of the standout features is the ergonomic handle made from Santoprene. It offers a textured, non-slip grip that enhances comfort and safety during use, ensuring that you have full control while cutting. The knife is lightweight at just 0.3 pounds, with a good balance that makes handling easy, even during longer preparation sessions.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The knife is not dishwasher safe, which means you need to commit to hand washing it to maintain its quality. While this is common for high-quality knives, it may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the price might be a bit higher than basic bread knives, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Mercer Culinary Millennia Bread Knife is a recommended option for both home cooks and professional chefs looking for a reliable bread knife in their kitchen toolkit.

Rating
9.8
Blade Material
Serration Type
Handle Comfort

Most important from
20453 reviews

Blade Material
High-carbon Japanese steel ensures long-lasting sharpness and easy maintenance.
Serration Type
Slices are smooth and un-deformed thanks to the very sharp serrated edge.
Handle Comfort
Feels well-built and sturdy, with a plastic handle that holds up well.
#3

SHAN ZU 10" Bread Knife - Sourdough Slicing Knife Professional German 1.4116 Stainless Steel Serrated Blade, Ergonomic Wood Handle & Full Tang Design, Gift Box Included (Single-Edge

Rating
9.6
Blade Length
Blade Material
Serration Type

Most important from
1972 reviews

Blade Length
Cuts through bread with ease, making slicing effortless and precise.
Blade Material
Blade is sharp right out of the box, delivering professional-level performance.
Serration Type
Serrated edge grips crusts cleanly, preventing tearing or crushing.
Handle Comfort
The handle feels ergonomic and comfortable, offering excellent control during use.
Weight and Balance
Lightweight yet sturdy, it handles large loaves without squashing the bread.

The SHAN ZU 10" Bread Knife is a solid choice if you need a reliable tool for slicing bread, cakes, or even pizza. Its 10-inch blade is long enough to easily cut through large loaves like sourdough without much effort. The blade is made from high-quality German 1.4116 stainless steel, known for resisting rust and stains, which means it should stay sharp and look good for a long time. This knife uses a serrated edge with good spacing, designed to grip the bread crust and cut cleanly without squashing it. The single-edged blade helps prevent food from sticking, so your slices come out neat every time.

The handle is made of wood and features a full tang design (the blade extends into the handle), giving it a balanced feel and better control while cutting. It includes a finger guard for safety and an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand, even during extended use. Weighing just about 8 ounces, it’s light enough to handle easily but sturdy enough for steady cutting. It’s also dishwasher safe, which adds convenience for cleanup.

While the blade edge is serrated as expected for a bread knife, some specifications might describe it as 'plain,' but the detailed design confirms it is properly serrated for bread slicing. The knife is manufactured in China, but the quality materials and construction ensure good performance. This knife offers a good balance of sharpness, comfort, and durability, making it suitable for home cooks seeking a professional-feeling kitchen tool.

Rating
9.6
Blade Length
Blade Material
Serration Type

Most important from
1972 reviews

Blade Length
Cuts through bread with ease, making slicing effortless and precise.
Blade Material
Blade is sharp right out of the box, delivering professional-level performance.
Serration Type
Serrated edge grips crusts cleanly, preventing tearing or crushing.
Handle Comfort
The handle feels ergonomic and comfortable, offering excellent control during use.
Weight and Balance
Lightweight yet sturdy, it handles large loaves without squashing the bread.

Buying Guide for the Best Bread Knives

Choosing the right bread knife can make a significant difference in your kitchen experience. A good bread knife will allow you to slice through bread effortlessly without crushing it, preserving the texture and appearance of your loaves. When selecting a bread knife, consider the following key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
Blade LengthThe blade length of a bread knife typically ranges from 7 to 10 inches. This spec is important because it determines how easily you can slice through different sizes of bread. A longer blade (9-10 inches) is ideal for larger loaves and provides more versatility, while a shorter blade (7-8 inches) is easier to control and may be sufficient for smaller loaves or rolls. Consider the types of bread you usually slice to determine the right blade length for you.
Blade MaterialBread knife blades are commonly made from stainless steel or high-carbon stainless steel. This spec is important because it affects the knife's durability, sharpness, and resistance to rust. Stainless steel blades are resistant to rust and easy to maintain, making them a good choice for everyday use. High-carbon stainless steel blades are harder and can hold a sharper edge for longer, but they may require more care to prevent rust. Choose a blade material based on your preference for maintenance and sharpness.
Serration TypeBread knives come with different types of serrations, such as scalloped, pointed, or micro-serrated edges. This spec is important because it influences how the knife cuts through bread. Scalloped serrations are gentle on the crust and provide smooth cuts, making them ideal for soft bread. Pointed serrations are more aggressive and can handle crusty bread better. Micro-serrated edges offer a balance between the two. Consider the types of bread you frequently slice to choose the appropriate serration type.
Handle ComfortThe handle of a bread knife can be made from various materials, including wood, plastic, or composite. This spec is important because it affects the knife's comfort and grip during use. A comfortable handle with a good grip will reduce hand fatigue and provide better control. Wooden handles offer a classic look and feel but may require more maintenance. Plastic and composite handles are durable and easy to clean. Choose a handle material that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your maintenance preferences.
Weight and BalanceThe weight and balance of a bread knife can impact how it feels and performs during use. This spec is important because a well-balanced knife will be easier to control and require less effort to slice through bread. A heavier knife may provide more cutting power, while a lighter knife can be easier to maneuver. Consider your personal preference for knife weight and how it feels in your hand to find the right balance for you.

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