When it comes to assembling the perfect toolset to transform your kitchen into a place of efficiency and ease, your knife collection should always be the first place to start. A good knife is the difference between a quick prep and a frustrating, prolonged, possibly injury-filled, cooking experience.
But with so many knife types to stock up on–paring knives, utility knives, tomato knives–one type of knife is often overlooked: the humble, yet surprisingly versatile, bread knife.
Not only does a good bread knife allow you to effortlessly cut through a piece of crusty bread without making a mess but it can also be used to cut meat, veggies, slippery fruit, pastries, and cheese. In fact, purchasing a quality bread knife early on may just save you the need for additional purchases down the road.
So, if you are in the market for a bread knife that not only cuts crusty and soft bread with ease but can tackle a long list of other culinary tasks, we’ve got your list right here. Here are the top five best knives for cutting sourdough bread.
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The 5 Best Bread Knives for Sourdough and Other Crusty Bread
Any bread knife worth its weight will have one very specific, very easy to identify characteristic. And that’s those sharp, jagged teeth.
Technically called “scallops,” these pointy teeth are what allow bread knives to easily puncture surfaces that are otherwise difficult to get ahold of–think hard crusts of bread, slippery skins of tomatoes, and even tough outer layers of roast.
But it is actually the spaces between these teeth–the area called the gullet–that is most important for smooth cuts and crumbless slicing. The wider and the sharper the gullet, the better your knife will be for cutting bread of all types.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to waste your time scouring the internet for the large gullets because we have already handpicked the best bread knives for you.
Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4″ Serrated Bread Knife
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At a glance:
- Length: 10.25 inches
- Blade style: Curved
- Price: $$
Long, curved blades make cutting thicker pieces of crusty bread much easier than short, straight blades and that is why we love this Victorinox Swiss Army bread knife. The slight arch at the end of the knife allows for greater knuckle clearance during the cut, an important feature if you have large hands or prefer those wide or rounded artisan loaves. And the long blade hastens the cutting process by reducing the number of saw-cuts needed.
The Victorinox knife has moderately spaced scallops that come to a point, making it easy to grip and smoothly cut through a number of foods including fruit, bread, and cheese.
This knife is made in Switzerland and comes with a lifetime warranty against defaults. The blade is made of lightweight European steel and the handle is ergonomically shaped and textured for a comfortable sure-grip no matter what.
Wusthof CLASSIC Bread Knife
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At a glance:
- Length: 10 inches
- Blade style: Curved
- Price: $$$$
If you are looking for a long, curved knife that allows for a smooth, exaggerated cutting motion to get through those wide breads, this Wusthof is definitely one worth considering. The thin, long blade creates less friction during cutting, while the slight curve toward the tip allows for a smooth motion that requires less work on your part.
The moderately-sized gullets mean you can easily cut soft or crusty bread without leaving a mess, while the sharp, slighted-pointed teeth will hook into even the toughest crust or slickest skin.
The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel and the synthetic polypropylene handle is tripel riveted for longevity. The knife features a full tang and is forged with PEtec to yield an extra-sharp blade that won’t dull.
CUTCO Model 1724 Slicer
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At a glance:
- Length: 9.8 inches
- Blade style: Straight
- Price: $$$
When it comes to simplicity in form and perfection in performance, the Cutco Slicer takes the cake (and then slices it effortlessly into perfect pieces). This trusted brand is well known and celebrated for its durable, quality knives, and this bread knife is no exception.
The long, straight blade and tighter serration make it a great choice for a wide variety of food types while the razor-sharp gullets, though shorter than most, make for a smooth cut every time.
The blade is made of carbon steel and the extra-durable, ergonomic handle is made of thermo-resign that will not crack or wear. It features a full tang and comes with a lifetime guarantee that covers sharpening and replacement in the very rare instance that this knife breaks or becomes dull.
Mercer Culinary Millennia Wide Wavy Edge Bread Knife
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At a glance:
- Length: 10 inches
- Blade style: Curved
- Price: $
If you have dreamed of a quality, effective bread knife that won’t break the bank, then this ten-inch curved blade from Mercer Culinary is exactly what you need. This affordable knife features a long, slightly curved blade, and comfortable, no-slip handle that will make cutting anything from bread, to cakes, to cantaloupe a breeze.
Unlike others on this list, this blade features more rounded teeth and wider gullets. These round teeth are sharp enough to penetrate hard crust or slick skin but create less surface friction while moving through the softer insides of bread and tomatoes. This means a smoother, straighter cut, and less of a mess.
The blade is made of high-carbon Japanese steel and the handle is a mix of Santoprene and polypropylene so it is both comfortable and durable.
Cuisinart CEK-40 Electric Knife
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At a glance:
- Length: Approx. 8 inches
- Blade style: Straight
- Price: $$$$
There is no rule out there saying you have to put in a lot of work to get the perfect slice of bread. And, if you happen to be one of those people who prefers kitchen tools that make your life easier above all else, then you will love this electric bread knife from Cuisinart.
This electric knife set comes with two blades, a thin, serrated blade for carving meat, and a wider, more deeply serrated blade for cutting bread. The bread knife features pointed teeth and wide gullets that allow it to move smoothly through even the crustiest of artisan breads. And, with a powerful electric handle doing most of the sawing work for you, you can get these perfect slices with only a fraction of the effort of other knives.
This knife comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Both blades are made of stainless steel and the wide, easy-grip handle utilizes a single-touch on/off switch for simplified use. This kit also includes a decorative wood block for storage and sharpening tools.
Regardless of whether you opt for the higher-priced Swiss made, the affordable standby, or the effortless electric, we know you’ll be happy with your purchase and wondering how you survived without a quality bread–and fruit and cheese and meat and tomato–knife for so long.
