10 Best Bread Knives 2025 in the United States

The HexClad Bread Knife features an 8-inch blade, with 7.3 inches made of Japanese Damascus stainless steel, known for its strength and sharpness. The 67-layer Damascus steel and advanced Honbazuke heat treatment give this knife a hard yet flexible blade that stays sharp longer than many other bread knives. Its serration is wide and well-designed, allowing smooth cutting through both crusty bread and softer baked goods without crushing them.

The handle, made of Pakkawood, is ergonomic and comfortable, giving good control during slicing. Weighing just under 10 ounces, it strikes a nice balance—not too heavy to tire your hand but solid enough for steady cutting. It requires hand washing and regular honing to keep the blade in top shape, as dishwasher use can damage it. The knife comes with a lifetime warranty against defects but excludes damage from misuse or poor care.

This bread knife is a great choice for someone who values sharpness, durability, and comfort for frequent bread slicing, though it needs a bit of care to maintain its performance.

The Wüsthof Performer 9" Double Serrated Bread Knife stands out with its unique double-serrated blade, which features a serration within the serration. This design helps the knife cut through crusty bread and soft interiors smoothly and with less effort, making slicing easier and more precise. The 9-inch blade is made from high carbon stainless steel with a special diamond-like coating, boosting its hardness and resistance to scratches, heat, and corrosion. This means it stays sharp longer and handles tough kitchen conditions well.

The knife weighs just under 10 ounces, offering a solid but manageable feel that many users find well-balanced for control. Its forged construction adds strength and durability without making it too heavy. A highlight is the handle, made from stainless steel with a unique hexagon-shaped grip covered in a honeycomb texture. This ergonomic design provides a firm, non-slip hold, even when your hands are wet or oily, enhancing safety and comfort during use. While the knife is praised for its sharpness and control, it is not dishwasher safe, so it requires hand washing to maintain its quality. The all-black, sleek look adds a professional touch to your kitchen. High marks from users reflect its reliability and long-lasting performance, making it an excellent choice for home cooks who want a bread knife capable of handling a variety of breads with ease. Those who prefer lighter knives or need dishwasher convenience might want to consider their options.

The Shun Premier Blonde 9" Bread Knife is a well-crafted tool designed for both professional chefs and home cooks who want clean, precise bread slicing. Its 9-inch blade is a good length for most bread types, allowing smooth cutting of both crusty and soft loaves. The blade is made of VG-MAX core steel with 68 layers of Damascus cladding, giving it excellent sharpness and durability. The serrated edge features wide teeth that reduce tearing or squashing, which is important for maintaining the bread's texture.

The knife’s hammered tsuchime finish helps reduce drag and prevents food from sticking to the blade, improving slicing efficiency. At 9.6 ounces, it strikes a nice balance in weight—light enough to handle comfortably but solid enough to feel sturdy. The contoured blonde Pakkawood handle is designed to fit well in the hand, providing a secure grip and good control whether you’re left or right-handed.

A notable consideration is that it is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing and careful maintenance to keep the wood handle and blade in good condition. Although the price point tends to be on the higher side, the combination of Japanese craftsmanship and sharpness can justify this cost for those who frequently slice bread or want a quality tool. For anyone valuing a sharp, durable, and comfortable bread knife with a visually appealing design, this Shun model represents a strong choice.