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Best Serrated Knife: 10 Top Picks Tested and Ranked
A serrated knife is one of those tools that doesn't get enough credit. People obsess over their chef's knives and paring knives, but a great serrated blade handles jobs that a straight edge simply can't. Slicing through a crusty sourdough loaf without squashing it, gliding through a ripe tomato without tearing, cutting angel food cake without it collapsing, you need teeth for all of that.
This guide is for anyone who wants to stop hacking through bread with a dull straight edge or making a mess of their tomatoes. Whether you're looking for a dedicated bread knife, a versatile tomato slicer, or something in between, I've pulled together the best options at every price point. I focused on blade quality, edge design, handle comfort, and real-world usefulness rather than just marketing claims.
I only included verified products with strong track records and a meaningful number of reviews. You'll find options from under $15 to around $45, covering bread knives, tomato slicers, paring knives with serrated edges, and even a long-reach baker's knife.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mercer Culinary M23210 (10") | Best overall bread knife | $16.15 |
| Rada R126 Tomato Slicer | Best tomato knife | $16.25 |
| Orblue 8" Serrated (B0915H6FPB) | Best budget bread knife | $13.99 |
| Cutluxe 12" Brisket Knife | Best for slicing meats | $44.99 |
| KUTLER 14" Bread Knife | Best for large loaves | $24.99 |
Product Reviews
Mercer Culinary M23210 Millennia 10-Inch Wide Wavy Edge Bread Knife
The Mercer M23210 is the go-to bread knife for culinary schools and professional prep cooks, and for good reason. At $16.15, it punches well above its price class.
Standout features: - One-piece high-carbon Japanese steel for edge consistency - Textured finger-point handle for a firm, non-slip grip - Wide wavy edge designed specifically for slicing without tearing
I've seen this knife recommended in culinary programs repeatedly, and it earns that reputation. The 10-inch blade gives you enough length to saw through a full boule in one smooth stroke. The wavy serrations are finely spaced, which means less drag on soft interiors. It handles bread, cake, meatloaf, and ripe fruits well.
The handle is made from a textured polymer that's comfortable even with a wet hand. Ergonomically it's solid, though the finger points are a bit aggressive if you have very small hands. It's hand wash only, which is pretty standard for any quality knife.
The biggest limitation here is that it doesn't come with a sheath, so you'll need a knife guard or a block slot. At this price though, that's a minor complaint.
Pros: - Incredible value for the quality - 4.8 stars across 44,000+ reviews speaks for itself - Japanese steel holds an edge well
Cons: - No sheath included - Hand wash only
Rada Cutlery R126 Tomato Slicer Knife
The Rada R126 is purpose-built for one thing: slicing tomatoes perfectly. It's a 5-inch knife with a dual-serrated blade and a brushed aluminum handle, priced at $16.25.
Standout features: - Dual-serrated blade grips the tomato skin instantly - T420 high-carbon stainless steel with a hollow-ground edge - Solid brushed aluminum handle with a satin finish
This is a specialist tool. The dual serrations are more aggressive than a bread knife, which sounds counterintuitive for delicate tomatoes, but the design actually lets the blade grab the skin right away without slipping. You get clean, even slices whether you're going thin or thick. The 5-inch blade is compact enough for precise work, and it's perfectly sized for slicing tomatoes for sandwiches or burgers.
The aluminum handle looks great and feels solid, but it is handwash only and can feel a bit slippery if your hands are wet or oily. That's about the only real complaint. For $16, this knife does one task exceptionally well.
If you eat a lot of tomatoes or regularly prep summer produce, this is worth having alongside a standard chef's knife or a kitchen knife set.
Pros: - Dual-serrated edge handles tough tomato skins cleanly - Affordable and highly rated (4.8 stars, 12,000+ reviews) - Compact size for precise control
Cons: - Handwash only - Slippery aluminum handle when wet
Orblue Serrated Bread Knife 8-Inch (Blue Lake, B0915H6FPB)
The Orblue bread knife comes in at $13.99 and is one of the few one-piece stainless steel options at this price. No wood. No plastic. No screws that loosen over time.
Standout features: - One-piece stainless steel construction from blade to handle - Ultra-thin blade (2.2mm wide, 0.1mm thick) for minimal drag - Rubber safety guard on the tip included
The one-piece design is genuinely impressive for the price. There are no seams, no handle material to crack, and no assembly points that weaken over time. The serrations are sharp out of the box and handle standard bread loaves without effort.
The 8-inch blade is a good all-around size. It's shorter than a professional 10 or 12-inch bread knife, which makes it a bit less ideal for very large artisan loaves, but it works well for sandwich bread, bagels, and cake. The handle portion is the same diameter as the blade spine, so it's not ergonomically shaped like a traditional handle. It's more like a flat slab, which takes some getting used to.
Overall, for anyone who wants a budget-friendly, durable bread knife that won't fall apart, this is a solid pick.
Pros: - One-piece stainless steel (no screws or glue joints) - Comes with a safety guard for storage - Very affordable at $13.99
Cons: - Handle is flat, not ergonomically contoured - 8 inches may be short for extra-large loaves
Orblue Serrated Bread Knife 8-Inch (Ageless Silver, B011CY8Y78)
This is essentially the same knife as the Blue Lake model above, sold at $12.99 in a classic silver finish. The construction and performance are identical.
Standout features: - Same one-piece stainless steel build - Ultra-thin 2.2mm blade for low-resistance slicing - Safety tip guard included
If you prefer silver over the Blue Lake color, this is the better value pick. Everything I said about the Blue Lake version applies here. You get the same blade geometry, the same one-piece construction, and the same level of sharpness out of the box. At $12.99, it's $1 less than the blue version, making it the better deal if aesthetics don't matter much to you.
The 8-inch length is a slight limitation for very large loaves, but for everyday bread slicing, it handles the job. The flat handle shape takes adjustment, but once you adapt your grip, it's stable enough.
Pros: - One-piece stainless build - Most affordable option on this list at $12.99 - Clean, professional silver finish
Cons: - Handle shape is less comfortable than contoured options - Limited to standard bread sizes
Cutluxe 12-Inch Brisket and Carving Knife (Artisan Series)
The Cutluxe 12-inch is technically a brisket and carving knife, but its serrated Granton edge makes it a serious contender for bread and large loaf slicing too. At $44.99, it's the premium pick on this list.
Standout features: - Hand-sharpened at 14-16 degrees per side for a razor edge - Full tang pakkawood handle triple-riveted for stability - High-carbon German steel at 56+ Rockwell hardness
The Granton edge creates small air pockets that reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. It's ideal for brisket, turkey, and roasts, but works equally well on large artisan breads. The 12-inch length gives you full coverage on the biggest loaves you'll encounter.
Pakkawood handles are laminated and polished, so they're sanitary and durable. The triple-rivet construction keeps the handle secure. This knife feels noticeably more premium than the budget options, with real heft and balance.
The trade-off is that at $44.99, it's overkill if all you need is a basic bread knife. It's best suited to someone who also does a lot of BBQ slicing or wants one long knife that does multiple jobs. If you're looking at a full nice knife set, this Cutluxe could anchor the carving duties.
Pros: - Versatile: handles meats, breads, and large produce - Exceptional build quality with full tang pakkawood handle - Comes with a sheath for safe storage
Cons: - More expensive than a dedicated bread knife - 12 inches may be unwieldy in smaller kitchens
Victorinox 6.7831 Swiss Classic Tomato Knife 4.3" (Red)
Victorinox makes the best value tomato knives on the market. The 6.7831 in red is priced at $9.75 and rated 4.8 stars by over 4,300 buyers. It's a compact, high-carbon stainless steel knife with a serrated edge perfectly tuned for soft-skinned produce.
Standout features: - Ice-tempered high-carbon stainless steel for lasting sharpness - Swiss-made with precise conical grinding for a consistent edge - Textured non-slip handle that stays secure even when wet
At 4.3 inches, this is a small knife. That's actually a plus for tomatoes, peppers, kiwis, and other produce where precision matters more than reach. The serrations grip the skin immediately and cut cleanly through without crushing. Swiss manufacturing quality is evident even at this low price point.
The handle is lightweight and ergonomic. It's a basic polymer design, but it works well and doesn't feel cheap in the hand. This knife doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a dedicated produce slicer that costs less than lunch.
If you already own a solid knife set, this makes an excellent inexpensive addition for the daily tomato task.
Pros: - Exceptional price ($9.75) for Swiss-made quality - Perfectly sized for tomatoes and small produce - Non-slip handle works wet or dry
Cons: - Too small for bread or larger cutting tasks - Minimal features beyond the basics
Victorinox 4-Inch Swiss Classic Paring Knife with Serrated Edge (Red)
This 4-inch Victorinox paring knife adds a serrated edge to the classic paring form factor, priced at $9.00. It's slightly shorter than the tomato knife above and optimized for close-detail work.
Standout features: - Short blade for precise control in tight cuts - Serrated edge for delicate soft-skinned fruits without squashing - Ergonomic Swiss Classic handle with a Fibrox-Pro-inspired grip design
The shorter blade makes this better for detailed tasks like peeling, scoring, and working with small fruits or vegetables. The serrated edge lets you slice a kiwi, strawberry, or cherry tomato cleanly without smashing. You don't get the reach for bread slicing, but that's not what this is for.
At $9, this is the most affordable Swiss-made option here. The quality is exactly what you'd expect from Victorinox: consistent, dependable, and suitable for everyday use. The handle is designed for both right- and left-handed users.
One note: the blade is quite short, so if you're expecting it to do double duty as a tomato slicer for larger beefsteak tomatoes, the slightly longer 4.3-inch version above is a better choice.
Pros: - Most affordable pick on this list at $9.00 - Swiss precision at a budget price - Great for detailed cutting and small produce
Cons: - Limited to small, precise tasks - Too short for bread slicing
KUTLER 14-Inch Professional Bread and Cake Slicer
The KUTLER 14-inch is aimed at bakers and anyone who regularly works with oversized loaves or layered cakes. At $24.99, it's a specialist tool that fills a gap that standard 8 or 10-inch knives leave.
Standout features: - 14-inch blade for full coverage on the largest sourdough loaves - Offset 6-inch handle keeps knuckles clear of the cutting surface - High-carbon stainless steel with ultra-sharp wavy tooth edge
The length is the whole point here. Most bread knives top out at 10 inches. The KUTLER's 14 inches means you can cut a full-width artisan loaf in one smooth stroke rather than multiple passes. The offset handle is a smart design choice. It gives you clearance when cutting, so your knuckles don't drag on the board.
The wavy tooth edge produces clean cuts with minimal crumbs. It handles sourdough, cakes, pineapple, brownies, and even tomatoes. The overall 20-inch length makes it a serious piece of cutlery that needs careful storage.
The downside is that a 14-inch blade is genuinely awkward for everyday kitchen use. It's not something you grab for a quick sandwich. If you bake regularly or do production-scale prep, it earns its drawer space.
Pros: - 14 inches handles loaves other bread knives can't - Offset handle for knuckle clearance - Versatile beyond just bread
Cons: - Awkward for everyday kitchen use due to size - Overkill if you don't bake large loaves regularly
Piklohas 10-Inch Resharpenable Bread Knife
Most serrated knives are considered disposable when they dull, because resharpening serrations is tricky without specialized tools. The Piklohas 10-inch changes that with a patented resharpenable design, priced at $27.89.
Standout features: - Patented resharpenable serrated design (unlike standard serrated knives) - German stainless steel with a precision-stamped single-piece blade - Ergonomic triple-rivet handle with raised finger protection
The resharpenable design is the unique selling point. Regular serrated knives lose their edge eventually and you either learn to live with it or buy a replacement. The Piklohas uses a particular serration geometry that allows resharpening with a standard ceramic rod or diamond tool. Over a lifetime of use, that matters.
The satin-finished blade looks professional and produces thin, clean slices with minimal crumbs. The handle sits higher than the blade on the cutting side, which protects your fingers from the board. Build quality feels solid, with good balance between handle and blade.
At $27.89, it costs more than the basic Orblue or Mercer options, but the resharpenable factor changes the long-term value calculation significantly.
Pros: - Resharpenable design extends knife lifespan indefinitely - German steel with quality build - Handle keeps fingers off the cutting surface
Cons: - More expensive than comparable non-resharpenable options - Learning the resharpening technique takes some practice
Victorinox VIC-6.7733 Swiss Classic Paring Knife 4" Serrated (Black)
The black-handled version of Victorinox's Swiss Classic serrated paring knife comes in at $16.99. It's the same essential knife as the red version reviewed above, with slightly different dimensions and a black handle.
Standout features: - Swiss-made precision with high-carbon stainless steel - Serrated edge for soft-skinned fruits and vegetables - Black handle variant, 5/8" width at the handle
If you prefer black handles to match your existing cutlery, this is the right choice. The performance is on par with the red version, with the same Swiss manufacturing standards and serration quality. It's rated 4.8 stars by nearly 2,000 reviewers, which is a solid sample size.
The main difference compared to the red 6.7831 is the handle width. At 5/8 inch, the black version has a slightly slimmer grip, which some people find more comfortable. Both are excellent choices at their respective price points.
Pros: - Swiss-made quality at a moderate price - Black handle works with most kitchen aesthetics - Proven 4.8-star rating
Cons: - Handwash only - Basic feature set without frills
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Serrated Knife
Serration Pattern
Wavy (scalloped) serrations are best for bread and delicate items. They create smooth cuts with less tearing. Pointed serrations are more aggressive and better for tough crusts or fibrous materials. Dual serrations, like those on the Rada tomato slicer, are optimized for piercing smooth, slippery skins immediately.
Blade Length
For bread, 8 to 10 inches works for most home bakers. If you regularly make large artisan loaves, go 12 to 14 inches. For tomatoes and small produce, 4 to 5 inches gives you more control than a long blade.
Handle Material and Ergonomics
Polymer handles (Victorinox Fibrox-style) resist moisture and bacteria better than untreated wood. Pakkawood is a laminated wood that offers the look of natural wood with better durability. The handle should fit comfortably in your hand without requiring a tight grip.
Steel Type
High-carbon stainless steel offers the best balance of sharpness retention and rust resistance. Japanese steel tends to be harder and takes a finer edge. German steel is slightly softer but more durable under rough use. Both work well for serrated knives.
Resharpenability
Standard serrated knives are difficult to resharpen without a specialized tool. The Piklohas is an exception. If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, pick one with a durable steel and accept you'll replace it every few years.
FAQ
Can I use a serrated knife for everything? Not ideally. Serrated knives are great for bread, tomatoes, citrus, and soft-skinned produce. They struggle with fine mincing, precise vegetable prep, and anything that requires a push cut. For those tasks, you want a sharp chef's knife.
How do I sharpen a serrated knife? Most serrated knives require a tapered rod sharpener that fits into each serration individually. Ceramic rods or diamond rods work well. If you don't want to bother, the Piklohas 10-inch has a design that's easier to resharpen with standard tools.
What's the difference between a bread knife and a serrated knife? All bread knives are serrated, but not all serrated knives are bread knives. A bread knife is typically 8 to 14 inches with fine wavy serrations. Other serrated knives, like paring knives or tomato knives, are shorter and have different serration patterns optimized for their specific tasks.
Can I put a serrated knife in the dishwasher? Most manufacturers say handwash only. Dishwashers are hard on edges, and the repeated heat and moisture cycles will dull a serrated blade faster than handwashing. Even if a knife claims to be dishwasher safe, you'll get longer life out of it by washing by hand.
What length bread knife do I actually need? For most home kitchens, a 10-inch bread knife is the sweet spot. It handles standard sandwich loaves, baguettes, and medium artisan rounds. If you bake large sourdough or big round loaves regularly, go up to 12 or 14 inches.
Is a wavy or straight serrated edge better for tomatoes? Wavy serrations are gentler on tomato flesh. A straight serrated edge with pointed teeth will also work, but it tears a bit more. The dual-serrated Rada R126 is specifically engineered for tomatoes and is the best specialized option.
Final Recommendations
If you want one great bread knife without overthinking it, buy the Mercer Culinary M23210. It's a professional-grade tool at a price that makes it a no-brainer.
For tomato slicing specifically, the Rada R126 is purpose-built and performs better than a general bread knife at that specific task.
On a tight budget, either Orblue 8-inch option gives you a full one-piece stainless knife for under $15.
If you bake large loaves regularly or also do BBQ, the KUTLER 14-inch or the Cutluxe 12-inch will give you the reach to handle any job.