For large crusty loaves, choose the MAC Professional Series 10 1/2-inch Bread/Roast Slicer. For most home cooks who want a long, capable knife at a lower price, the Victorinox Swiss Army 10 1/4-inch Serrated Bread Knife with Fibrox Handle is the more practical choice. The WÜSTHOF is the better fit for exceptionally clean, low-pressure cuts; Mercer and Dexter Russell cover the budget range; and Shun is the premium splurge.
There is no single objective winner here. This guide synthesizes Epicurious’s test of 16 serrated knives and Food Network Kitchen’s test of 10, which used different knives, foods, and judging criteria. The labels below are therefore use-case recommendations based on those published tests—not claims that this article’s author independently handled and tested every knife.
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Quick comparison
| Best for | Knife | Key reason to choose it | Main compromise | Published test result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large crusty loaves and thin slices | MAC Professional Series 10 1/2-inch Bread/Roast Slicer | Its unusually long, thin blade makes wide boules easier to cut in fewer strokes. | Expensive, harder to store, and likely to need professional sharpening. | Epicurious overall winner |
| Clean, low-pressure cuts | WÜSTHOF Classic 9-inch Precision Double-Serrated Bread Knife | Fine inner serrations helped produce especially thin slices of sourdough and tomatoes. | Costs more than budget options and has less reach than the MAC. | Epicurious “also great” pick |
| Broad capability and value | Victorinox Swiss Army 10 1/4-inch Serrated Bread Knife with Fibrox Handle | Long blade, dependable bread performance, clean tomato cuts, and enough reach for large melons. | The secure Fibrox handle is noticeably bulky, especially for smaller hands. | Food Network Kitchen best overall |
| Lowest-cost 10-inch option | Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch bread knife | Balanced, comfortable, and capable of smooth, even cuts at a low price. | Needs more pressure and back-and-forth motion than the higher-ranked knives. | Food Network Kitchen best value |
| Very limited budgets | Dexter Russell BASICS 8-inch scalloped bread knife | Functional, inexpensive, and suitable when premium construction is not a priority. | The shorter blade is less versatile for wide boules. | Epicurious affordable pick |
| Premium construction and performance | Shun Classic 9-inch bread knife | Food Network praised its balance, comfort, wide low serrations, and clean cutting. | Its high price is difficult to justify if you only occasionally slice bread. | Food Network Kitchen best splurge |
Prices in the underlying coverage ranged from about $19 for the Mercer and Dexter Russell to $175 for the MAC and $190 or more for the Shun. Those are reported or observed prices, not permanent price promises. Discounts, stock, and retailer availability can change, so check the current listing before buying.
Our recommendations
Best for large crusty loaves and thin slices: MAC Professional Series 10 1/2-inch Bread/Roast Slicer
Epicurious named the MAC Professional Series 10 1/2-inch Bread/Roast Slicer its overall winner after testing 16 serrated knives. Its standout advantage is reach: the long blade can span a wide sourdough boule and complete the cut in fewer strokes, reducing the need to saw repeatedly through the same section of crust.
#1 Best Overall
- ULTRA-SHARP, CUTS EFFORTLESSLY: The Orblue Serrated Bread Knife blade has an ultra-sharp serrated edge that grips and effortlessly slices the toughest loaves of bread, to provide a smooth, clean cut. The blade runs 8 inches long with a 5-inch handle. Included as an added safety measure on the knife's sharp tip is a rubber safety guard
- HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Made with high quality stainless steel and only 2.2 mm and 0.1 mm thick, the quality is durable enough to withstand everyday use on the toughest breads
- SLEEK ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The knife was ergonomically designed with careful attention to detail, so you can slice comfortably and easily. The handle is made to perfectly fit any grip, making slicing harder loaves a breeze
- ONE PIECE DESIGN: The entire knife is one continuous piece of stainless steel. There is no plastic, wood parts, or screws that tend to move and wear out over time, so you can be confident that your knife is built to last for years
- VERSATILE CUTTING TOOL: This serrated knife is so sharp it easily grips and cuts through cake, crusty bread, bagels, and pastries, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen
Epicurious reported that the thin, full-tang blade, scalloped edge, and slight curve helped the knife follow a straighter path with little force. In that test, it produced particularly thin, controlled slices from crusty sourdough and winter vine tomatoes. That combination makes it the strongest choice here for bakers who regularly make large boules, batards, or other broad loaves and care about even sandwich-width slices.
The model is MSB-105. MAC’s product information lists a 15.38-inch total length, 6.6-ounce weight, 10.75-inch blade length, 1.45-inch blade height, and 2.0-millimeter blade thickness. It is sold under the familiar 10 1/2-inch name, while the official specification gives the blade as 10.75 inches. MAC describes the edge as scalloped and recommends a long sawing motion with little pressure.
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Best for clean, low-pressure cuts: WÜSTHOF Classic 9-inch Precision Double-Serrated Bread Knife
The WÜSTHOF Classic 9-inch Precision Double-Serrated Bread Knife was Epicurious’s “also great” pick. It produced exceptionally thin slices of sourdough and tomatoes in the publication’s testing, making it a strong alternative to the MAC when slice cleanliness matters more than maximum blade length.
Its double-serrated edge is the defining feature. Instead of relying only on large, aggressive teeth, the design places finer serrations inside the larger serrations. WÜSTHOF says this arrangement is intended to reduce pressure and support smoother cuts through both hard crust and softer bread. In practical terms, it is a good match for a cook who wants to start a cut without pressing down hard or crushing a tender crumb.
WÜSTHOF identifies the knife as forged and made in Germany, with a 9-inch blade, 1.2-inch blade width, 58 HRC hardness, and a three-rivet handle. The 9-inch length is versatile for ordinary loaves, though it will not cover a very wide boule as easily as the MAC or Victorinox. It is also more expensive than the budget choices, so its appeal rests on its cutting behavior and construction rather than bargain pricing.
For care, WÜSTHOF recommends hand-washing, immediate drying, safe storage, avoiding hard cutting surfaces, and sharpening when needed with an appropriate method. Do not treat the double-serrated design as self-maintaining: it still needs suitable care and eventual sharpening.
Rank #2
- High-quality stainless steel blade
- Ideal for cutting bread and rolls
- Includes matching blade guard for safe and easy storage
Best broadly capable value: Victorinox Swiss Army 10 1/4-inch Serrated Bread Knife with Fibrox Handle
Food Network Kitchen named the Victorinox its best overall in a 2026 test of 10 bread knives. The testers found that it cut crusty sourdough without excessive crumbs, handled tomatoes and challah cleanly, and used its 10 1/4-inch length effectively on large melons. That breadth is why it is the most sensible default for many home cooks: it offers the reach of a large bread knife without moving into MAC or Shun pricing.
The curved serrations were part of the knife’s appeal in Food Network’s testing. The blade is long enough for most family-size loaves and useful for more than bread, including large, thick-skinned fruit. Its typical price was reported as roughly $50 to $60 when not discounted, although both price and stock can change after publication.
The Fibrox handle deserves an honest warning. Testers found it secure, but also bulky. That is unlikely to matter to someone who prefers a substantial grip, but it can be uncomfortable for cooks with smaller hands or anyone who favors a slimmer, more refined handle. If you want one long serrated knife for sourdough, sandwich bread, tomatoes, challah, and occasional melon, this is the strongest lower-cost alternative to the MAC.
Best low-cost 10-inch knife: Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch Wavy Edge Wide Bread Knife
Food Network Kitchen selected the Mercer Culinary Millennia 10-inch Wavy Edge Wide Bread Knife as its best value. The testers described it as balanced and comfortable, with the ability to make smooth, even cuts. Its main appeal is not effortless performance or premium materials; it is the small performance gap relative to much more expensive knives.
Mercer’s official catalog identifies the standard model as M23210. It also lists a left-handed version, M23211, along with an 8-inch version. That left-handed model is worth checking if the orientation of the handle and edge matters to you, but verify current availability because catalog listings and retailer stock can change.
Food Network reported a price of about $19 during its testing. The testers found that Mercer needed somewhat more pressure and more back-and-forth movement through bread and melon than the higher-ranked alternatives. That is a fair compromise for a shopper who wants a full 10-inch blade, comfortable handling, and a low purchase price. It should not be described as cutting with the same effortless feel as the MAC or WÜSTHOF.
Best ultra-budget pick: Dexter Russell BASICS 8-inch Scalloped Bread Knife
For the lowest-cost tested option, Epicurious chose the Dexter Russell BASICS Scalloped Slicer. It is a straightforward recommendation for someone who wants a functional serrated knife without paying for premium styling, elaborate construction, or a particularly refined handle.
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Rank #3
- Premium Quality Blade: This bread cutting knife is crafted from high carbon stainless steel (0.26%-0.35% carbon, 12%-14% chromium), the best bread knife’s blade is oil-tempered and heat-treated to HRC 53±1 for optimal sharpness and durability. Precise 2.3mm thickness ensures a perfect balance between sharpness and toughness
- Ergonomic Handle Design: The bread slicing knife is made from 430 stainless steel (16%-18% chromium), the handle features a 1.2mm thickness, ergonomic shape, and anti-slip texture for a secure grip. Weighing just 210g±5g, it's designed for comfortable, fatigue-free cutting
- Superior Cutting Performance: With a serrated edge and single-bevel design (1cm tip), the bread slicer knife effortlessly cuts through bread, steaks, and fruits. ICP > 70 for low cutting pressure and TCC > 280 for minimal heat, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and cutting efficiency
- Durable and Safe: The blade's laser-etched finish reduces food sticking, while the corrosion-resistant handle withstands humid environments. Rounded corners prevent accidental cuts, making it a safe choice-bread knife for homemade bread
- Versatile Use: Ideal for home baking, professional kitchens, and outdoor activities. Whether slicing bread, cakes, or handling tough crusts, this bread knife delivers consistent performance. Lightweight and compact for easy portability
Dexter Russell identifies the consumer model as P94803, with an 8-inch scalloped blade. The manufacturer lists a price of $19.10 at the time of research and says the scalloped edge is intended to move through tough crusts without tearing the interior. It also describes the knife as suitable for tough-skinned vegetables and thick-rind fruit.
The short blade is the important limitation. Food Network’s separate testing guidance favored blades of at least 9 inches for broad versatility, and an 8-inch knife will be less convenient for wide boules than the 9- to 10 1/2-inch options above. Choose Dexter Russell when price and basic function matter most, not when you want the cleanest possible presentation or maximum reach.
Best splurge alternative: Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife
Food Network Kitchen named the Shun Classic 9-inch Bread Knife its best splurge after testing it on bread, tomatoes, melons, and other foods. The testers praised its balance, comfort, wide low serrations, and clean cutting. It is a premium choice for someone who uses a bread knife frequently and wants a more polished tool rather than simply the cheapest effective option.
Shun’s current catalog identifies the model as TDM0705. The Food Network description notes a Damascus-style blade made from 69 micro-thin layers of stainless steel, a 16-degree sharpening angle, and a PakkaWood handle. Those specifications describe the knife’s construction; layered steel does not, by itself, prove that it will cut better or stay sharp longer. The recommendation is based on Food Network’s reported performance and Shun’s current product identification.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Food Network placed the Shun at $190 or more in its coverage. That makes it difficult to recommend for occasional bread slicing, particularly when the Victorinox and Mercer cover the same basic task for much less. It makes more sense as a premium alternative for cooks who value the knife’s balance, handle, finish, and reported clean cutting enough to pay for them.
How the testing differed—and why the winners conflict
Epicurious tested 16 knives, restricting the group to blades from 8 to 10 1/2 inches. Its reported foods were crusty sourdough and winter vine tomatoes. The evaluation emphasized how cleanly and precisely each knife cut, including thin-slice control and the amount of force required.
Food Network Kitchen tested 10 knives on a broader set of foods: Roma tomatoes, crusty sourdough, challah, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Its assessment included consistency, comfort, precision, cleaning, and care information. The guide was updated February 3, 2026.
Rank #4
- 【RAZOR-SHARP EDGE | NO CRUSHED CRUMB】Tired of flattening bread while slicing? Oil-tempered and heat-treated to HRC57±1, this imarku bread slicing knife uses a precision-serrated & double-bevel blade to grip sourdough/baguettes/homemade loaves for cleaner, straighter cuts with less pressure, leaving virtually no crumbs behind.
- 【COMFORTABLE GRIP | STEADY SLICING CONTROL】This imarku bread knife for homemade bread pairs a 10"serrated blade with a 5" anti-slip steel handle for steady balance. Weighing 0.43lb, the raised, seamless grip keeps knuckles clear, stays secure with floury or wet hands, and ensures fatigue-free slicing of bagels, rye bread, or sandwich.
- 【EASY CLEANUP | DISHWASHER SAFE】Spend less time scrubbing after your baking prep. The smooth surface rinses clean under water in seconds. For busy kitchens, this imarku bread sciler knife is dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup, while towel drying after washing helps keep the silver finish looking clean for the next loaf.
- 【SEAMLESS STEEL | RUST-RESISTANT EASY CARE】Built with japanese high carbon stainless steel(0.26%-0.35% carbon, 12%-14% chromium), and a corrosion-resistant seamless handle, this imarku professional bread knife has no wood scales or exposed rivets, helping reduce gaps where moisture, grease, or food debris can collect after slicing sourdough, tomatoes, or wet dough.
- 【ONE KNIFE | MORE DAILY PREP】 Use our imarku multipurpose kitchen bread knife 10 inch for more than crusty bread. The 10-inch wavy edge catches slippery tomato skins, cuts chewy bagels more evenly, levels soft cakes with less squish, and carves roast turkey or brisket without shredding the surface—handy for morning toast, lunch prep, desserts, and family dinners.
Those differences explain why MAC can be Epicurious’s overall winner while Victorinox can be Food Network’s best overall. MAC’s long, thin blade is particularly compelling for wide boules and thin slices. Victorinox performed broadly across bread, tomatoes, challah, and large melons at a more accessible price. Neither result is a contradiction, and neither supports the claim that one knife is best for every kitchen.
Food Network also listed Kai Wasabi among its favorites. The available research does not provide enough model-level information, pricing, or detailed performance results to place it fairly beside the six picks above, so it is not assigned a ranking here.
How to choose the right bread knife
Start with blade length
- 8 inches: Compact and inexpensive, but better suited to narrow loaves and occasional use. The Dexter Russell is the cited example.
- 9 inches: A useful middle ground for ordinary sandwich loaves, boules, and general kitchen work. WÜSTHOF and Shun use this length.
- 10 to 10 1/2 inches: The most versatile range if you regularly cut large loaves or want to use the knife on melons. Mercer, Victorinox, and MAC occupy this range.
Longer is not automatically better. It adds reach and can keep a cut straighter across a wide loaf, but it also takes more room to store and can feel cumbersome on a small loaf. If your largest bread is a standard sandwich loaf, a 9-inch knife may be easier to control. If you bake broad sourdough boules, the MAC’s extra reach is meaningful.
Consider the serration pattern
There is no universally superior tooth shape. Food Network preferred rounded or smoothed serrations because it found pronounced, pointy teeth more likely to tear or shred food. Yet the same broad testing landscape favored Victorinox’s curved serrations and Shun’s wide, low serrations, while Epicurious praised MAC’s delicate scalloped edge and WÜSTHOF’s double-serrated design.
In general, a serrated edge needs to bite into a hard crust without forcing the softer interior downward. Larger, sharper teeth may feel aggressive and can increase tearing on delicate foods; finer or rounded patterns may offer more control but can require a deliberate sawing motion. The quality of the whole knife—blade geometry, flexibility, handle, balance, and tooth pattern—matters more than the word “scalloped” or “double-serrated” on the label.
Match the knife to your foods
- Large sourdough boules: Favor the MAC’s long 10 1/2-inch blade, or choose the 10 1/4-inch Victorinox for a less expensive long-knife option.
- Very thin, clean slices: Consider the WÜSTHOF if you value its double serrations, or the MAC if you also need maximum reach.
- Soft sandwich bread and tomatoes: Victorinox, Mercer, and Shun all received positive notes in Food Network’s testing; Mercer is the value choice.
- Melons and thick-rind fruit: A blade of at least 9 inches is the safer versatility choice, with Victorinox specifically performing well on large melons in Food Network’s test.
- Left-handed use: Mercer’s catalog lists the left-handed 10-inch M23211. Confirm that the model is currently available before ordering.
Do not overlook the handle
A serrated knife is usually used with a controlled sawing motion, so a secure grip matters. Victorinox’s Fibrox handle was secure but bulky in Food Network’s assessment. WÜSTHOF’s three-rivet handle and Shun’s PakkaWood handle offer different construction and feel, but the available testing does not establish that one handle suits every hand. If possible, compare handle dimensions or buy from a retailer with a practical return policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Care, storage, and sharpening
Wash and store it carefully
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions first. WÜSTHOF specifically recommends hand-washing, drying immediately, storing the knife safely, and avoiding hard cutting surfaces. Those habits reduce exposure to corrosive residue and help protect both the edge and the user. A quality wood or nonslip cutting surface is preferable to glass, stone, or other extremely hard surfaces that can damage cutting edges.
Best Value
- ULTRA-SHARP, CUTS EFFORTLESSLY: The Orblue Serrated Bread Knife blade has an ultra-sharp serrated edge that grips and effortlessly slices the toughest loaves of bread, to provide a smooth, clean cut. The blade runs 8 inches long with a 4.9 inch handle. Included as an added safety measure on the knife’s sharp tip is a rubber safety guard.
- HIGH QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL: Made with high quality stainless steel and only 2.2 mm and 0.1 mm thick, the quality is durable enough to withstand everyday use on the toughest breads.
- SLEEK ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The knife was ergonomically designed with careful attention to detail, so you can slice comfortably and easily. The handle is made to perfectly fit any grip, making slicing harder loaves a breeze.
- ONE PIECE DESIGN: The entire knife is one continuous piece of stainless steel. There is no plastic, wood parts, or screws that tend to move and wear out over time, so you can be confident that your knife is built to last for years.
- NOT JUST FOR BREAD: This serrated knife is so sharp it easily grips and cuts through cake, crusty bread, bagels, pastries. Budget friendly, it's the perfect gift for all the bakers in your life!
Do not leave a long serrated blade loose in a crowded drawer. If a drawer is your only storage option, a properly sized bread cutting board or knife guard can solve two separate problems: protecting the edge from contact with other utensils and protecting hands during retrieval. These accessories are useful safety and storage solutions, not replacements for choosing the right knife.
Sharpening is more specialized than with a straight edge
Ordinary flat sharpening stones are a poor fit for most serrated edges because the individual teeth and recessed channels do not contact the flat surface in the same way. Sharpening must address the appropriate bevels and serration channels without flattening the tooth profile.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse a serrated-knife sharpening tool or professional serrated knife sharpening service designed for this type of edge, and check the knife maker’s instructions before choosing a method. WÜSTHOF recommends an appropriate sharpening method, and Epicurious noted that the MAC would require professional sharpening. No cited test establishes a guaranteed sharpening interval or controlled service life for any of these knives, so do not trust claims that one will remain sharp for a fixed number of years or loaves.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the MAC if you bake or buy wide crusty loaves and want long, controlled, thin cuts.
- Choose WÜSTHOF if clean slices and low cutting pressure matter more than maximum reach.
- Choose Victorinox if you want the strongest all-purpose balance of length, performance, and price.
- Choose Mercer if you want a 10-inch knife for about the budget level and can accept more sawing and pressure.
- Choose Dexter Russell if you need the least expensive functional option and usually cut smaller loaves.
- Choose Shun if you regularly use a bread knife and are willing to pay for premium fit, finish, and reported performance.
Sources and testing note
The recommendations synthesize the published test results described above rather than an independent test by this article’s author. Epicurious’s comparison covered 16 knives and focused on crusty sourdough and winter vine tomatoes. Food Network Kitchen’s comparison covered 10 knives and used Roma tomatoes, crusty sourdough, challah, cantaloupe, and watermelon while assessing consistency, comfort, precision, cleaning, and care information. Manufacturer specifications were used for model numbers and product details where noted: MAC MSB-105, WÜSTHOF’s Classic 9-inch model, Mercer M23210 and M23211, Dexter Russell P94803, and Shun TDM0705.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bread knife for sourdough?
For a large sourdough boule, the MAC Professional Series 10 1/2-inch Bread/Roast Slicer is the strongest choice in this guide because its long blade can cross a wide loaf in fewer strokes. The Victorinox 10 1/4-inch knife is the more affordable alternative.
Is a 9-inch bread knife long enough?
Usually, yes. A 9-inch knife works well for ordinary sandwich loaves and many home-baked boules. Choose a 10- to 10 1/2-inch blade if you regularly cut very wide loaves or want more versatility for large melons.
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Can you sharpen a serrated bread knife at home?
You can, but ordinary flat stones are not suitable for most serrated edges. Use a tool designed for serrated knives and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or use a professional sharpening service. The MAC’s published review specifically noted that professional sharpening would be required.
Are scalloped or double-serrated bread knives better?
Neither pattern is universally better. Epicurious favored the MAC’s scalloped edge and WÜSTHOF’s double serrations, while Food Network reported good results from Victorinox’s curved serrations and Shun’s wide, low serrations. Blade length, tooth geometry, balance, handle comfort, and the foods you cut all matter.
Is there a left-handed bread knife in this guide?
Mercer’s official catalog lists a left-handed 10-inch version, model M23211, alongside the standard M23210. Verify current stock and the exact edge or handle configuration before buying.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Buy the MAC for wide crusty loaves and thin slices, Victorinox for the best broadly capable value, WÜSTHOF for clean low-pressure cuts, Mercer or Dexter Russell for a tight budget, and Shun for a premium splurge. The right choice depends more on loaf size, hand comfort, budget, and sharpening plans than on a universal ranking.
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