Quick Summary: We have picked the Shun Classic 9″ Bread Knife as the best bread knife as it is a beautiful and efficient kitchen knife. It is a handcrafted Japanese knife with a blade that is a mixture of very sturdy materials such as carbon, steel, and chromium. It can very easily and smoothly slice through soft or hard bread without any ripping or tearing.
Baking homemade bread is a fun and healthy way to spend time in the kitchen. Smelling the all natural smell of it cooking is heavenly, and it looks absolutely delicious when it comes out of the oven.
Often, this is where the beauty ends. Most kitchens are lacking a very important kitchen tool for homemade bread: a great serrated bread knife.
Putting a lot of effort into your homemade bread only to rip it to pieces with an ineffective or poorly made bread knife is a frustration- one that can be avoided. Purchasing a good serrated bread knife can be quite a daunting and tedious task.
Finding the best serrated bread knife is an even more overwhelming job. Different bread knives are made with different types of materials, they have different types of edges, they are different lengths and widths, they have different safety features, and, of course, different prices.
To help you make the best choice you can make, research is key. You want to find one that easily slices through bread without the crumb and crush- inducing sawing or shredding.
You also want to find one that will last you a long time. Continue reading for information on what we consider to be the top bread knives available.
Comparison of 10 Best Serrated Bread Knives
 | 1. Shun Classic 9″ Bread Knife (Best Overall)Quality, durability and exclusive reliability come together in Dalstrong’s best serrated bread knife. The exclusive VGMax steel formula blade promises clean cuts without smashing and tearing the interior of the bread. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-Inch Wide (Best Budget)If you're looking for a trustworthy bread knife, this one features an ergonomic handle that prevents slippage and minimizes accidents. The high-quality Japanese steel blade ensures clean, precise slices of bread. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Wusthof Classic 10″, One Size, Black, Stainless SteelLook no further than this precision-forged, full tang bread knife. The German-forged 58 Rockwell blade hardness promises durability while ensuring a long-lasting, rust-free usage with a stainless steel serrated blade. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. PAUDIN 8 Inch Serrated Bread KnifeYou can never go wrong with the classic bread knife. This knife features high-quality German stainless steel, forged to ensure maximum endurance. The Pakkawood handle provides stability, control, and safety. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. DALSTRONG 10 Inch Bread Knife Shogun SeriesYou need this culinary revolution by Dalstrong. This bread knife's unrivaled performance is brought on by the 66 layered carbon steel blade that ensures perfect, effortless bread slices every time. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. A Cut Above Cutlery Serrated Bread KnifeTake the hassle out of your life with this durable and reliable bread knife. It promises the best, unrivaled bread slicing experience and stays sharp even after slicing through fruits. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Tojiro 270 Mm F-687 Bread SlicerIf you're looking for thin, quick slices with little to no effort needed, this bread knife is perfect for you. The durable and sharp steel slices splendidly for under $50. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Shun Classic 9 Inch Serrated Bread KnifeThere is nothing like a traditionally handcrafted bread knife. This handcrafted Japanese masterpiece is incredibly long-lasting and comes with its own lifetime limited warranty and features sharp and wide serrations. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Miyabi Kaizen 9.5 Inch Bread KnifeNothing slices deeper than an ice-hardened Cryodur blade. This serrated bread knife is honed by hand and boasts durability and a stylish design. For sleek, nearly effortless slices, choose Miyabi. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Victorinox Swiss Army 8 Inch Serrated Bread KnifeA professional knife doesn't have to break the bank. This low-cost professional bread knife features a durable and reliable design that prevents rust while maximizing safety through its anti-slip design. | Read Our Review |
Top 10 Bread Knives Review
To find the right bread knife, we searched through multiple ratings and reviews from both experts and buyers.
From all of the models we assessed, we finalized our list with the following ten bread knives based on their durability, their ergonomic and safety features, how well they slice through bread and other food items, and more.
Best Overall
1. Shun Classic 9″ Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This bread knife is both aesthetically pleasing and very effective.
The Shun Classic 9″ Bread Knife has a VG-MAX steel serrated edge and an ebony pakkawood handle. The razor sharp blade can easily slice through tough or soft bread without ripping or tearing it.
It has a water resistant handle, and the VG-MAX is a combination of steel, cobalt, carbon, chromium, and tungsten. This beautiful and strong knife is handcrafted in Japan.
Unfortunately, at around $150, it is an expensive knife. Buyers say that it is worth every penny, though, so if you want to invest in a good knife, this is a good Japanese knife to own.
As it is 9″, it will probably not fit into regular knife blocks. Therefore, you will either need to store it safely in a drawer, purchase the Shun knife block, or use a metal knife strip.
Buyers also point out that this is an extremely sharp knife that will cut through anything including your finger if you are not careful. As such, please follow knife safety practices when using this bread knife.
Pros:
- One of the best Japanese knives,
- Very durable and water resistant handle,
- Strong and razor sharp blade,
- Handcrafted in Japan,
- Easily slices through bread without shredding it
Cons:
- Expensive,
- Will not fit regular knife blocks,
- So sharp
Best Budget
2. Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch Wide
What You Will Love: This is an extremely sharp knife for less than $20.
The Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch bread knife is a great value. The knife come very sharp straight out of the packaging. It can slice through any bread or tougher items in short order.
The ergonomic handle includes a finger guard and textured finger grip. It is made from tough Japanese steel and is very easy to maintain.
All of these features make it no surprise that Cook’s Illustrated named this knife the best serrated bread knife.
Though the knife comes so sharp that it can easily slice your finger, there have been some reports of it dulling very quickly. You might have to sharpen it soon after a few uses, but for under $15, that hardly seems a big issue.
Be sure that you do not put it in the dishwasher as really high heat can result in damage to the handle. Also, be sure that you are practicing good knife safety and not leaving it lying on the counter.
Pros:
- Great price,
- Voted cook’s illustrated winner for best serrated knife,
- Textured finger grip and finger guard,
- Ergonomic handle,
- High-carbon japanese steel,
- limited lifetime warranty,
- easy to maintain
Cons:
- Hand wash only,
- May dull quickly,
- Can easily slice fingers
Best German Knife
3. Wusthof Classic 10″, One Size, Black, Stainless Steel
What You Will Love: It is both a durable and beautiful German made bread knife.
The Wusthof Classic 10″ Bread Knife comes from a well-loved company and is German made. It has a triple riveted handle making it ergonomically pleasing.
It is also a very beautiful bread knife. The seamless high carbon, alloyed steel makes it a tough blade, and the knife comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Unfortunately, it’s cutting capabilities do not equal the normal performance of the Wusthof brand. The serrated edge of the blade is a bit too jagged.
This may not be an issue if you are trying to cut through really hard things, but it will rip bread instead of slicing it. At almost $100, the ripping factor may be a deal breaker.
Personally, for that amount of money, I want it to give me neatly sliced pieces. However, if you cut fruits, veggies, and other more substantial items, this knife would cut your prep time down.
Lastly, it is not easy to sharpen serrated edges at home. Many people find themselves purchasing a different serrated knife since they cannot maintain this one.
Pros:
- German made,
- Triple riveted handle,
- High carbon stainless steel,
- Seamless alloyed steel, 10 inches,
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive,
- Teeth are too jagged ripping instead of slicing bread,
- No clear way to sharpen
Best for Crusty Bread- 8 Inch
4. PAUDIN 8 Inch Serrated Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This German steel knife is a sight to see with the rosewood handle and the etched blade.
The PAUDIN 8 Inch Serrated Bread Knife is a great addition to your knife collection. The blade is German high carbon steel, meaning that it is very tough and extremely durable.
The ergonomic handle is a rosewood design, and the blade has etchings similar to those of Damascus steel. It is well balanced and has a non-slip grip.
It is also sharp straight out of the box and is great for slicing tiny slices of bread or vegetable. Though there are cheaper options, at less than $40, this is a great knife that comes with a lifetime warranty.
As a result of the etchings in the blade, some people made the assumption that this is Damascus steel. However, it is not, and it clearly states this in the description.
If this is the knife you choose, do not mistake it for Damascus steel. Additionally, as it is as much a work of art as it is a bread knife, you will probably want to purchase a protective sheath as it does not come with one.
Pros:
- Beautiful,
- German high carbon stainless steel,
- Ergonomic pakkawood handle,
- lifetime warranty,
- Well balanced,
- Designed by professionals,
- non-slip grip,
- Good price
Cons:
- Has been mistaken for Damascus steel when not paying attention,
- No protective sheath
Runner Up-(Best Crusty Bread)
5. DALSTRONG 10 Inch Bread Knife Shogun Series
What You Will Love: This knife has 66 layers of liquid nitrogen cooled steel.
The DALSTRONG 10 Inch bread knife from the Shogun series is an exciting possession for many cooks and professional chefs.
It is very tough Japanese steel that is cooled with liquid nitrogen. The sharp edge is said to slice through bread like it is butter.
It has a well balanced design and ergonomic handle for the user to get a good grip. The end of the handle sports a beautiful engraving that enhances its look.
The handle is a military grade G10, meaning it is extremely durable. A few say that the handle is better suited for someone with smaller hands but many people use this bread knife and only a couple have brought this issue up.
This DALSTRONG knife is also both stain resistant and corrosion resistant in addition to coming with a PerfectFit Dalstrong sheath. A possible problem for some may be the price.
It generally runs over $100 which may be out of some budgets. For all of the features and benefits, however, it may well be worth the investment.
The people that purchase this knife have no regrets for spending a large amount of money on it, especially not professional chefs. In fact, they highly recommend it.
Pros:
- Damascus steel,
- 66 layers of high carbon stainless steel,
- Durable,
- Stain-resistant, balanced,
- Tapered blade,
- Smooth cut,
- Comes with a protective sheath,
- Lifetime warranty,
- Military grade handle,
- Corrosion resistant, non-slip grip,
- Ergonomic handle
Cons:
- Expensive,
- Handle may be too small for some people to grip properly
Best knife for Artisan Bread
6. A Cut Above Cutlery Serrated Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This knife comes with a great warranty- a lifetime guarantee if you do not like the knife for any reason.
A Cut Above Cutlery Serrated Bread Knife is the best rated bread knife among buyers, especially in its price range.
It states that it stays sharper for longer than other bread knives. They actually guarantee that fact.
While stainless steel blade smoothly slices through bread, it is tough enough to slice through pineapples, too. The slip-resistant grip is easy to clean prevent bacteria from settling in it.
It was near impossible to find a negative comment on this bread knife. There was one complaint that the blade is too thick to slice bread.
However, that complaint does not stand up well against the great reviews on its performance.
Even if that is the case for some, it seems you have nothing to lose by trying it. There is a lifetime guarantee in which the company will refund your money if at any time you do not like the product.
Additionally, it runs under $20 on a regular basis. All of the great reviews and features make this bread knife well worth the cost.
Pros:
- Fully serrated,
- Great price,
- stays sharper longer than others,
- Can handle many tough items and slice through bread easily,
- Slip resistant grip,
- Lifetime guarantee,
- Stainless steel blade
Cons:
- Blade may be too thick for some people
Best Japanese Bread Knife- 10 Inch
7. Tojiro 270 mm F-687 Bread Slicer
What You Will Love: The serrations on this blade are very sharp and have a reputation for producing thin and even slices.
The Tojiro Bread Slicer is a well performing Japanese knife that has a lower price than its competitors.
For under $50, you get a strong, very durable molybdenum and vanadium steel knife that provides a very sharp cut. It has an ergonomic grip and a black pakkawood handle.
Users have been reporting excellent performance from this knife as well as the fact that it comes sharpened for use right out of the box.
The handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while keeping the knife well balanced. This Tojiro serrated Japanese bread knife is an attractive and very useful addition to your kitchen.
It can hang on your magnetic knife strip to add some beauty in the room. There has been one complaint that the knife blade snapped in half after 8 months of normal use, but this knife comes with a warranty that should cover it if that unlikely event occurs.
Pros:
- Very sharp serrations that easily slice through bread,
- Lower price than its competitors,
- Made from molybdenum and vanadium steel, ergonomic grip,
- Stain resistant, well balanced,
- Attractive look, is delivered sharp for immediate use,
- Black pakkawood handle,
- Lifetime warranty,
- Comfortable and secure grip
Cons:
- Possibility of blade snapping in the middle
1st Runner Up (Best Japanese Knife)
8. Shun Classic 9 Inch Serrated Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This beautiful knife is handcrafted in Japan from strong materials.
The Shun Classic 9 Inch Serrated Bread Knife is made by specialists in Japan who are trained in the ancient wisdom and traditions of Japanese knife making.
This classic knife is a mixture of cobalt, carbon, tungsten, and chromium, making it a very durable blade.
It has very sharp, wide serrations in the blade that gently slice the softest yet cut through the toughest of breads as well without ripping any of it apart.
At close to $150, it is a rather high investment, especially considering serrated blades are difficult to sharpen at home.
On the other hand, this knife seems to last a long time so the high price may be worth the long lasting durability and performance. Also, be very careful with the blade as it is an extremely sharp one.
Cover it and put it away once you are through using it so that no accidents occur, especially if you have little ones around.
Pros:
- Handcrafted by specialists in Japanese tradition,
- Has very strong cobalt, carbon, tungsten, and chromium properties;
- Sharp and wide serrations;
- Good for soft and tough breads;
- Lasts for a long time period;
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- Expensive,
- Can be dangerous due to its sharpness
2nd Runner Up (Best Japanese Knife)
9. Miyabi Kaizen 9.5 Inch Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This knife has a 65 layer Damascus flower design with a katana edge, one of many Japanese traditions in this knife.
The Miyabi Kaizen 9.5 Inch Bread Knife has a thin blade made from VG10 super steel.
The ice-hardened Cryodur blade measures a hardness level of Rockwell 60, so it is very durable blade.
It is also honed by hand in a historic method known as Honbazuke before it is shipped. The D shaped, wood like handle provides a non-slip grip so you do not drop the knife while in use.
Buyers enjoy pointing out that it requires very little effort to make this blade slice through anything, and that it is a beautiful and well balanced knife.
The one downside is that it is pretty expensive as it runs close to $200. However, those who decided to take the plunge and purchase this knife have no regrets about the price they paid.
Pros:
- Damascus flower design,
- Thin but strong blade,
- Ice hardened to a Rockwell level of 60,
- Honed by hand, D shaped handle for good grip,
- Wood like texture is moisture repellant,
- Well balanced,
- Very sharp and slices easily,
- Very aesthetically pleasing,
- Worth the high cost
Cons:
- One of the more high priced knives
Best Knife for Crispy Bread
10. Victorinox Swiss Army 8 Inch Serrated Bread Knife
What You Will Love: This very popular, well-loved serrated bread knife is inexpensive option that provides beautifully sliced bread.
The Victorinox Swiss Army 8 Inch Serrated Bread Knife provides a lot of bang for the buck. It very easily slices through both soft and tough breads as well as other foods.
It has a non slip fibrox handle and the sharp serrated edge does not require much effort when slicing through bread. This handy knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This is the best serrated bread knife in this low price range.
A couple of buyers stated that it was not very sharp coming straight out of the pack. Also, this bread knife is very thin and light weight.
Though it performs very well, its size and weight make some people feel as though it is cheaply designed.
Pros:
- Low cost,
- Fibrox handle,
- Serrated blade for easily slicing through tough or soft breads,
- Ergonomically designed,
- Nonslip grip, crafted in switzerland,
- Designed for professionals,
- lifetime warranty,
- Does not require much force
Cons:
- You may need to sharpen it when you first receive it,
- The light weight of the handle may make it feel cheap
Final Verdict
If you are ready to invest in a good bread knife, you want to make sure you do the proper research. You can choose from bread knives made in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, or Japan- all of which have great qualities and practices when crafting the knives.
Choosing one made from very durable material and sharp slicing capabilities is the best choice. In order to find the right bread knife for you, start by checking out the top picks we have on this list.
