What To Look For In a Bread Knife (And Why it Matters)
From your first Google or Amazon search to confidently slicing through a crusty homemade sourdough loaf, choosing the right bread knife can feel overwhelming. Should you pick a serrated knife or something with a straight edge? Is there really a difference between single and double serrations? Does the handle style matter?
This guide walks you step by step through the features, comparisons, and expert advice you’ll want to consider—and shows how and why the best bread knives are worth the splurge.
Why Serrated Knives Cut Bread So Well
Serrated Edges vs. Straight Edges
Bread knives almost always feature a serrated edge, and for good reason: the tooth-like profile of a serrated knife bites into crust without crushing the soft interior. Straight-edged knives can slice cleanly through softer loaves or cakes, but they struggle against rustic sourdough or artisan loaves that have tough outer crusts. For anyone who bakes or buys crusty bread, serrated knives are essential. But what serration type works best? Let’s consider the three main serration types:
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Traditional Deep Serrations: Long, pointed teeth that easily bite into tough crusts, but they can shred or tear soft interiors and create more crumbs and less clean slices.
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Wavy or Scalloped Serrations: Gentler on delicate loaves and cakes, though less effective on hard crusts.
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Double Serrations (Dual Serrated): Initial outer teeth are spaced out to grip and slice quickly through tough exteriors, while a second row of inner teeth slice smoothly through the softer insides. These knives stay sharper longer, slice the cleanest, and reduce the amount of crumbs.
Key Features to Consider
Edge Type
When researching bread knives, start with the edge style. Traditional serrations are effective but can be aggressive on soft breads. Wavy edges are gentler but less durable. Bread knives with double serrations provide the best of both worlds—precision and longevity. Meanwhile, some bakers specifically prefer a traditional single-serrated edge with more heft and length to power through large loaves. SKWARE offers both options across our collection, so you can choose based on your baking style.
Handle Design, Material & Ergonomics
Handles matter more than people realize. A straight handle is common, but on taller loaves it can force your knuckles down against the board. An offset handle raises your grip, keeping your knuckles clear of the cutting surface and making long slicing strokes easier. You’ll also want to consider the shape of the handle (soft edges, rounded vs straight, handle length) and the material that the handle is made out of (Wood, TPE, Stainless Steel, ABS, etc.)
Blade Length, Height & Flexibility
Blade size directly impacts usability:
- Shorter blades (6–7") are nimble for bagels, rolls, pastries, sandwiches.
- Standard blades (8–10") offer broader versatility for both small and large loaves as well as slicing oversized fruits like watermelon or pineapple.
Blade height and flexibility also matter—too much flex makes cuts wander, while a blade that’s too rigid can feel clunky. We may want our blade edges to be wavy… but not our cuts. The best bread knives are designed to resist bending, balancing the blade thickness with overall weight to make the knife feel solid, yet easy to hold and maneuver. You’ll also want to make sure you have a blade that comes with a full tang (blade is one piece connected all the way through the handle) to ensure the highest quality. Often ceramic knives or knives that don’t have rivets are not full tang blades, and the likelihood of the knife breaking goes up drastically.
Steel Quality & Durability
Steel type determines how long your knife will last:
- Plain stainless steel is affordable but dulls quickly and tends to not stay sharp
- High-carbon stainless steel holds its edge longer, and is more resistant to staining or rusting
- High end premium steels excel in all areas but often push the cost of the knives above $150-$200.
Comparing the Best Options
Many reviewers highlight quality bread knives from brands like:
- Tojiro Bread Knives – Reversed scalloped edge, ~$75+
- Shun Bread Knives – Beautiful Japanese steel, ~$170+
- Wüsthof Double Serrated Bread Knives– Durable, ~$150+
- SKWARE Premier Double Serrated Bread Knives – Performance, Value, ~$50
SKWARE specifically offers three different bread knife collections that cater to a variety of customers:
- Premier Bread Knives: Delivers ultimate crumb-free performance of a $150+ knife at a fraction of the price (under $50 everyday) for homemade bread enthusiasts
- Modern Bread Knife: Extra-long and hefty—designed for bakers who love a more powerful, substantial knife. Customers describe it as “big”, “heavy duty”, and “serious,” which is exactly what many sourdough bakers are looking for.
- Classic Bread Knives: Get the dual serration performance with a handle that is designed for commercial use (TPE, dishwasher safe) in our most budget friendly option.
Why SKWARE Stands Out
- Cleaner cuts, fewer crumbs thanks to double serrations
- Longer edge retention especially with our dual serration knives, where the second row of serrations avoids contact directly against the hard cutting surface.
- Offset handles improve knuckle clearance and comfort.
- Modern heavy duty line for bakers who want a extra tough + oversized bread knife with traditional sharp tip serrations.
- Premium performance without the $150+ price tag.
Post-Purchase – Care, Maintenance & Sharpening
Cleaning & Maintenance
We always recommend you hand-wash and dry kitchen knives to protect the edge and prevent damage to the handles and finish. The main cause of damage from dishwashers is the high heat from the heat dry cycle that can dry out the handle materials and warp or damage the finish on your blade.
Sharpening Serrated Knives
Serrated blades don’t need sharpening as often as straight knives, but when they do, it’s best left to a professional. We recommend a service like knifeaid.com who can handle sharpening any knife type. With double serrations, you’ll need sharpening far less often than with standard serrations – just keep that in mind.
Recap and Recommendation
The best bread knives combine the right edge type, ergonomic handle, durable steel, and propert blade length. Serrated edges are essential for crusty breads, with double serration knives offering the cleanest slices, fewer crumbs, and longest edge retention. Handle design matters as well--offset handles improve comfort and control--while steel quality and blade construction ensure long-term performance.
If you're a restaurant owner, consider a bread knife like the 8" bread knife here that is easy to clean, performs well, and is budget friendly. If you're a baking enthusiast looking for a high performing and stylish bread knife, consider the Premier bread knife line from SKWARE to get the most bang for your buck.
