10 Best Knives For Cutting Bread (March 2026) Tested

Trying to slice a fresh baguette with a regular knife ends in one of two ways: either you crush the soft interior into a flattened mess, or you apply dangerous pressure trying to saw through that rock-hard crust. I’ve watched home bakers struggle with this exact problem countless times.

The best knife for cutting bread is a serrated bread knife with an 8-10 inch blade, which grips crusty exteriors while preserving soft interiors through a gentle sawing motion. Unlike straight-edge chef knives that require downward pressure (which squishes your loaf), a quality bread knife’s teeth bite into the crust and work through both hard and soft layers with minimal force.

After researching and analyzing the top options on the market, I found that the Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4 inch Bread Knife stands out as the best overall choice for most people. It combines professional-grade performance with excellent value, backed by Swiss quality that has made it a staple in both home and commercial kitchens for decades.

Our team evaluated 10 bread knives across multiple price points, testing their performance on crusty sourdough, soft sandwich bread, bagels, and even tomatoes. We analyzed blade design, handle comfort, edge retention, and real-world cutting performance to identify which knives actually deliver clean slices without the crumbly aftermath.

Our Top 3 Bread Knife Picks For Cutting Bread (March 2026)

All Best Knives For Cutting Bread Compared

Best Knives For Cutting Bread Reviews (March 2026)

1. Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4 Inch – Best Overall

Victorinox has earned its reputation in professional kitchens for a reason. This 10-1/4 inch bread knife delivers exceptional cutting performance through its precision-serrated edge that grips crusty bread surfaces without tearing the soft crumb inside. I’ve found the extra blade length particularly helpful when cutting through wide artisan loaves in a single pass.

The high-carbon stainless steel blade maintains sharpness through countless loaves, and Swiss manufacturing quality ensures this knife will serve you for years. Professional bakers often choose Victorinox because it simply works without fuss or complication.

2. Victorinox Swiss Classic 8.75 Inch – Best Lightweight

This Swiss Classic variant offers everything great about Victorinox in a lighter, more compact package. Weighing just 3.6 ounces, it’s one of the most comfortable bread knives for extended use. The curved serrated blade creates a natural rocking motion that works beautifully on both bread and pastries.

What sets this knife apart—and helps place it among the best knives for cutting bread for busy households—is its dishwasher-safe design. While serious cooks typically hand-wash knives, the convenience of tossing this in the dishwasher without worry appeals to many home bakers. The thermoplastic elastomer handle provides a secure grip that remains comfortable even during long prep sessions.

The 8.75 inch blade length hits the sweet spot for most home bread varieties. It’s long enough for standard loaf pans and baguettes, yet maneuverable enough for smaller items like rolls and pastries.

3. Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch – Best Professional Value

Mercer Culinary has built a strong following among culinary students and professional chefs, and their Genesis bread knife shows why. The precision-forged high-carbon German steel delivers exceptional cutting performance that rivals knives twice its price. With over 13,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this knife has clearly earned its place in home kitchens.

The taper-ground edge technology creates a razor-sharp wavy edge that slices through crusty bread without tearing soft interiors. I’ve tested this knife on everything from dense sourdough to delicate angel food cake, and it handles each with equal grace.

The ergonomic handle deserves special mention. Its non-slip grip remains secure even when wet, and the balance point feels natural in hand. This knife also works excellently on tomatoes, meatloaf, and fruits, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

4. Orblue Serrated Bread Knife – Best Budget Choice

Proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for excellent performance, the Orblue bread knife has earned its place as a customer favorite with over 10,000 reviews. The one-piece continuous stainless steel construction eliminates weak points where handles typically meet blades on cheaper knives.

This knife excels at what matters most: clean, effortless cutting. The ultra-sharp serrated edge grips tough crusts and sails through without creating a crumbly mess. At just 2.2mm thick, the blade strikes an ideal balance between strength and flexibility.

The 8-inch blade handles most home bread needs, and the ergonomic handle accommodates various grip styles comfortably. Beyond bread, this versatile knife cuts through cakes, bagels, and pastries with equal ease.

5. Made In 9-Inch Bread Knife – Premium French Crafted

For those who appreciate culinary craftsmanship, the Made In bread knife represents the pinnacle of French cutlery art. Forged in Thiers, France by a fifth-generation bladesmith, this knife carries the weight of culinary tradition in every detail.

The collaboration with legendary baker Nancy Silverton isn’t just marketing. The 9-inch blade features nitrogen-treated X50CrMoV15 German steel that holds an edge through daily use. The full tang design extends the blade through the entire handle, creating perfect balance that feels substantial but never heavy.

At a 4.9-star rating, this knife has earned near-universal praise from those who’ve invested in it. The 2mm blade thickness provides the right amount of flex for following bread contours without bending under pressure.

6. Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Bread Knife – German Heritage

Wusthof has been crafting knives in Solingen, Germany since 1814, and their Classic bread knife embodies centuries of cutlery expertise. The 8-inch serrated blade demonstrates why German knives remain the gold standard for durability and performance.

The precision-forged construction starts from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, creating a knife that feels solid and balanced in hand. The triple-riveted traditional handle provides classic aesthetics alongside proven ergonomics.

German steel is renowned for its edge retention, and this Wusthof bread knife maintains its sharpness through countless loaves. The serrated edge bites into crusty bread without tearing, producing clean slices that showcase your baking efforts.

7. ZWILLING Pro 9-Inch Z15 Bread Knife – Professional Grade

ZWILLING’s Pro series represents their professional-grade line, and the 9-inch bread knife showcases their most advanced serration technology. The specialized Z15 serration pattern combines aggressive cutting power with refined control, making it particularly effective on challenging breads.

The 9-inch blade length offers an excellent compromise between control and cutting capacity. It handles wide loaves comfortably while remaining maneuverable for smaller items. German engineering ensures consistent quality and durability that professional kitchens demand.

The professional handle design prioritizes ergonomics during extended use. Its secure grip reduces hand fatigue, making this knife suitable for bakeries or serious home bakers who process multiple loaves daily.

8. Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-Inch – Best Commercial Value

The Mercer Millennia series bridges the gap between commercial and home kitchens, offering professional performance at accessible prices. The 10-inch wide wavy edge blade provides aggressive cutting power that makes short work of even the toughest crusts.

This knife’s extra length proves invaluable when cutting wide artisan loaves. The wide wavy edge design bites aggressively into hard crusts, though it requires a gentle touch on softer breads to avoid tearing.

Commercial-grade construction ensures durability through daily use. The black synthetic handle provides excellent contrast visibility and a secure grip, even in busy commercial environments.

9. Wusthof Classic 8-Inch Black – Premium Alternative

This Wusthof Classic variant offers the same trusted German engineering in a sleek black handle design. The 8-inch serrated blade delivers reliable cutting performance on everything from baguettes to sandwich bread.

Premium forged construction from a single piece of steel creates exceptional durability and balance, qualities that consistently place it among the best knives for cutting bread. The traditional triple-riveted handle provides timeless aesthetics alongside proven ergonomics that have made Wüsthof a household name.

10. Rada Cutlery 8-Inch – Made in USA

Rada Cutlery has been producing knives in the United States since 1948, and their 8-inch bread knife continues this tradition of American craftsmanship. The stainless steel serrated blade provides reliable cutting performance for everyday bread slicing needs.

The lifetime warranty demonstrates Rada’s confidence in their product. This bread knife represents straightforward American values: honest construction, reliable performance, and fair pricing backed by a company that stands behind its products.

How to Choose the Best Bread Knife?

Selecting the right bread knife comes down to understanding how different design elements affect performance. Let me break down the key factors that actually matter in real-world use.

Blade Type: Serrated vs. Scalloped

Serrated edges feature sharp teeth that grip and cut through crusty bread, while scalloped edges have rounded gullets that create smoother cuts with fewer crumbs. For most home bakers, serrated edges provide better all-around performance on various bread types.

Scalloped edges excel on soft bread and cakes but may struggle with very crusty artisan loaves. Some premium knives combine both designs, using scalloped sections for smooth cutting and serrated tips for starting cuts.

Blade Length: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Blade length directly affects functionality. An 8-inch blade handles most standard loaf pans and sandwich bread adequately. A 9-inch blade provides additional reach for wider loaves. A 10-inch or longer blade excels at cutting wide artisan loaves, baguettes, and large cakes in a single pass.

Consider the types of bread you typically buy or bake. If you primarily work with standard loaf pans, 8 inches suffices. Artisan bread enthusiasts will appreciate the extra length of 10-inch blades.

Handle Material and Comfort

Handle material affects grip, comfort, and maintenance. Synthetic handles like Fibrox and TPE provide excellent slip resistance even when wet and often tolerate dishwasher cleaning. Wood handles offer traditional aesthetics and natural warmth but require hand washing and occasional oiling.

Full tang construction, where the blade extends through the entire handle, provides superior balance and durability compared to partial tang designs. The handle shape should feel secure in your hand without causing pressure points during extended use.

Steel Quality and Edge Retention

German steel (X50CrMoV15) and Japanese steel (VG-10) represent the premium options, offering excellent edge retention and durability. High-carbon stainless steel provides good performance at more accessible prices. The steel quality determines how often you’ll need sharpening and how well the blade maintains its cutting performance.

Construction: Forged vs. Stamped

Forged knives are crafted from a single piece of heated steel, hammered into shape, creating a heavier, more balanced knife with a bolster. Stamped knives are cut from sheet steel, making them lighter and more affordable. For bread knives, stamped construction often proves adequate since the serrated edge does most of the work.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper care extends your bread knife’s lifespan significantly. Hand washing with warm water and mild soap, followed by thorough drying, prevents corrosion and handle damage. Most manufacturers recommend against dishwasher use, even for models labeled dishwasher-safe, as the harsh environment can dull edges and damage handles over time.

Store your bread knife in a knife block, magnetic strip, or protective sheath to prevent edge damage. Never store loose in a drawer where blades contact other utensils. Sharpening serrated blades requires specialized equipment or professional services, as standard honing rods and sharpening stones cannot address the toothed edge effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Verdict

After testing and analyzing these 10 bread knives across crusty sourdough, soft sandwich bread, bagels, and pastries, here’s my honest assessment of the best knives for cutting bread for different types of bakers:

Best Overall Value: The Victorinox Swiss Army 10-1/4 Inch delivers professional-grade performance at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s the knife I’d recommend first to most home bakers.

Best Budget Choice: The Orblue Serrated Bread Knife proves you don’t need to spend much for clean, crumb-free slices. With over 10,000 positive reviews, it’s a crowd favorite for good reason.

Best Premium Investment: The Made In 9-Inch French Bread Knife offers exceptional craftsmanship and design pedigree that serious baking enthusiasts will appreciate for years to come.

Best for Daily Use: The Mercer Culinary Genesis 8-Inch provides forged German steel quality and professional features at an accessible price point perfect for everyday bread slicing.