Bread Knife Buying Guide

Many people believe that any old kitchen knife will suffice for cutting bread. After all, bread is soft and fluffy, right? But the truth is, slicing through a loaf of bread can be trickier than it seems. You need a knife with a long, curved blade that can effortlessly glide through crusty, dense bread without squishing or tearing it apart. That’s where a bread knife comes in, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your bread slicing game.

Blade Length

The most important factor to consider when selecting a bread knife is the length of the blade. Bread knives generally range from 7 to 12 inches long, and the longer the blade, the more versatile the knife. A shorter blade may be easier to maneuver around a smaller loaf of bread but will struggle when it comes to larger or more crusty loaves. On the other hand, a longer blade can handle bigger bread loaves but might be a little more difficult to control.

It's up to you to decide which length of blade you prefer. If you often slice loaves of bread that are on the small or medium side, a 7-inch blade will work great. However, if you frequently slice crusty or larger loaves, you may want to invest in a longer blade—10 to 12 inches long.

Blade Material

Another important factor is the material the blade is made of. There are three standard types of bread knife blades: carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic.

• Carbon Steel: Carbon steel blades are strong and durable, and they maintain their sharpness consistently. However, they’re also susceptible to rusting and discoloration, meaning they require more maintenance than their stainless steel peers.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel blades are typically very resistant to rust and discoloration, although they may dull faster than carbon steel. They require less maintenance, but they may not last as long as a carbon steel blade. They are also more flexible which allows them to work better but that also means they can bend and warp over time.
• Ceramic: Ceramic blades are extremely hard and durable, and they maintain their sharpness exceptionally well. However, they are also more expensive than steel blades and can be brittle.

Ultimately, your choice of blade material will come down to your personal preference and the level of care you’re willing to put into maintaining your knife.

Handle Construction

The handle of a bread knife is another crucial factor to consider. You want to choose a comfortable grip that won’t slip out of your hand while you’re using the knife. Most bread knives have either a wooden, plastic or metal handle.

• Wooden handles can be comfortable to grip and are generally considered to be very attractive, although they require more maintenance than other handle materials.
• Plastic is an affordable and lightweight option that is always easy to clean. The downside is that plastic handles can be less comfortable to grip than wooden or metal handles.
• Metal handles are durable and easy to clean. They are typically on the heavier side though, making them a good option for those with larger hands.

Serrated Edge

The hallmark characteristic of a bread knife is its serrated edge. Serrations are essential, as they allow the knife to saw through crusty bread without squishing it. However, not all serrations are created equally, and the way they are designed will influence how well the knife performs.

There are two main types of serrations:

• Scalloped Serrated Blades: these are scalloped or curved, with rounded teeth that saw through bread like a saw. They can have either small or large serrations, and the latter are usually best for very crusty bread.
• Pointed Serrated Blades: these are usually longer than scalloped serrated blades and have pointed teeth that can penetrate the hardest crust. Pointed serrations are more commonly found on longer bread knives.

Ultimately, it comes down to the bread you typically slice. If you usually encounter really thick and crusty bread, look for a knife with longer pointed serrations. For softer or smaller bread loaves, scalloped serrations will suffice.

Price

Bread knives are not the most expensive kitchen knife, but they still range in price from around $20 to over $100, with ceramic knives being the most expensive. The price obviously depends on the construction materials and blade length, the more you pay, the better quality you will get. It's important to remember, however, that a higher price doesn’t always equate to a better knife. Therefore, set your budget and stick to the knives that fit within it, making sure to opt for a knife that is well made.

Maintenance and Storage

The best way to keep your bread knife performing well over time is to take good care of it.

• Wash it by hand: Bread knives should always be washed by hand and never put in the dishwasher, especially if it has a wooden handle. The high-pressure water jets and detergents can dull the serrations and wreak havoc on the blade.
• Store it safely: A knife sheath is usually included with the knife, so make use of this to prevent contact with other cutlery in the utensil drawer, which can increase the likelihood of the blade getting damaged.
• Sharpen it regularly: Even the best bread knife will eventually lose its edge over time, usually after 6-12 months with everyday use. Use a sharpening stone to dress the blade serrations and extend its life, but take note of the tips in the sharpening instructions for serrated knives. Additionally, some higher-end knives, like ceramic bread knives, may require professional sharpening.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying a bread knife, there are many factors to consider, but the most important are blade length, blade material, handle construction, serrated edge, and price. Consider your personal preferences when it comes to these categories, as well as your budget and maintenance ability, and you’ll find the perfect bread knife for your kitchen.