It's called a “bread knife,” but the name doesn’t do justice to its full potential. Thanks to its serrated blade, this knife is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. Strong, precise, and built to last, it is far from a single-purpose utensil. Here’s why it deserves a prime spot in your daily routine.

The bread knife is often seen as a simple tool for slicing baguettes. In reality, it’s a much more versatile kitchen utensil. Its long, serrated blade makes it easy to cut all types of bread, even the crustiest ones, without crushing them.

Unlike a smooth blade that compresses the crust and damages the crumb, the bread knife uses a sawing motion that ensures a clean, even cut. It’s ideal for slicing dense sourdough loaves, soft brioche, country-style bread, or even fresh sandwich bread.

We call it a “bread knife,” but in reality, this kind of serrated blade can handle much more than bread. That’s exactly what makes it such an underrated yet highly useful tool for everyday cooking.

Its shape allows you to gently slice delicate or crumbly foods without crushing or deforming them. For example, it’s perfect for cutting soft brioche without squashing it, or for slicing layered cakes without crumbling them. It also excels at handling tarts, sponge cakes, pastries, and viennoiseries.

It’s also an excellent option for slicing ripe tomatoes, eggplants, or hard-skinned fruits like pineapple, melon, or pumpkin. It even works surprisingly well on fibrous vegetables like celery, which can resist a smooth blade. Some people use it to start cutting into a roast with a thick crust or to slice a crispy pizza.

The bread knife is also very handy for sandwiches. It cuts cleanly through the bread and filling without sliding the ingredients around or ruining the structure. Some chefs even use it to score pie dough before baking or to slice hard-rind cheeses.

In short, it’s a multitasking tool that deserves to stay within reach, not hidden away in a drawer. A good bread knife isn't just for Sunday mornings, but for a wide range of everyday tasks.

Choosing a quality bread knife is more than just buying another utensil. It’s about having a tool that lasts, cuts precisely, and truly makes kitchen work easier. A high-performance bread knife helps you avoid mangling your bread or pastries and allows you to work with comfort and precision.

A good bread knife is also an investment in your enjoyment of cooking. It reduces the frustration of tough slicing jobs and offers a smooth, effective motion even with daily use. With a knife like KOTAI’s, forged from premium Japanese steel, you also get exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion.

→ See What is the Best Steel for my Knife.

Finally, a well-designed knife is also a beautiful object. Its clean design and refined finish add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, while staying practical and easy to maintain.

→ See KOTAI's Magnetic Bamboo Knife Holder.

At KOTAI, every knife is designed to strike the perfect balance between Japanese tradition and modern performance. The bread knife is no exception. Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals, it combines precision, durability, and elegance.

Far from being a simple accessory, the KOTAI bread knife is a true precision tool. It naturally finds its place in a well-equipped kitchen and quickly becomes a must-have once you start using it.

→ View KOTAI’s 440C Serrated Bread Knife

→ View KOTAI’s Damascus Serrated Bread Knife

Unlike smooth-bladed knives, the bread knife doesn’t need to be sharpened as often. Its serrated teeth cut with a sawing motion, and the cutting edge has less contact with the cutting board, which helps preserve sharpness longer.

That said, no knife stays sharp forever. Over time and with use, even a quality bread knife can lose some of its bite. Sharpening is more delicate than with a smooth blade since the shape of the teeth must be respected. It’s best to leave this to a professional or use a tool specifically designed for serrations if you’re experienced.

To extend the knife’s lifespan, just follow a few simple care tips. Always hand-wash the knife with warm water and a soft sponge, then dry it immediately. Avoid the dishwasher, which can prematurely wear the blade and damage the handle. Store it in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or in a sheath to avoid dulling the blade against other utensils.

Proper care not only ensures the knife lasts longer, but also keeps it safer and more enjoyable to use every day.

→ See our tips to Maintain your Kitchen Knives.

The bread knife is an essential tool, much more versatile than most people think. Whether you're a fan of traditional bread, a weekend baker, or a seasoned cook, it adapts to all kinds of delicate and bulky slicing tasks.

For the best experience, choose the KOTAI bread knife. Combining Japanese craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and ergonomic design, it becomes a true ally to elevate your kitchen routine.

Discover the KOTAI bread knife and turn every slice into a precise and satisfying motion.

Want to know what other knives you should definitely have in a well equipped kitchen? We selected 4 Must-Have Kitchen Knives for you.