A serrated bread knife is the standard for cutting all kinds of bread, including sourdough bread. However, not every serrated bread knife will do for cutting sourdough bread properly. The truth is, serrated knives vary in length, firmness/stiffness, and design, and the wrong serrated break knife will crush your sourdough’s crust rather than slicing through cleanly.
Ideally, you want a serrated bread knife, but not every knife is perfect for sourdough. Ideally, you want a serrated bread knife with a blade 10-12 inches in length, with deep, sharp serrations. It should be stiff (not variable) and (preferably) have an offset or angled handle to keep your knuckles clear of the cutting board.
The four Japanese bread knives we will introduce in this blog are three of the best knives for cutting sourdough. They are long enough, firm, with thin, rigid blades, and will slice through your crust without crushing it.
2 Best Japanese Knives for Cutting Sourdough Bread
1. Kyoku Daimyo 10" Bread Knife
Kyoku’s Daimyo 10-inch bread knife is the Japanese serrated knife for cutting sourdough. Its 10-inch blade is ideal, the serrations are sharp and thin, and it is made of hard carbon steel. Consider these main features:
A Long 10-inch blade
- The longer blade length provides just the right reach for slicing through sourdough boules of different sizes, large sourdough boules or batards with smooth, even motions.
- You have a better chance of producing uniform slices than you would with a shorter blade.
The Serrated Edge is Razor Sharp:
- This knife works for sourdough crusts of different sizes and different levels of hardness.
- The 13–15° serrated edge provides just the aggressive but controlled bite you need when cutting through the crust, no matter how hard it is.
Made of Premium Steel
- The blade is made of hard steel, which will ensure this knife lasts longer, even as you use it repeatedly on thick sourdough crusts.
- It is made of 440C stainless steel (59-60HRC), which is famous for its perfect balance of durability and edge retention.
For context, most other serrated knives are made of carbon steel, which is good, but more vulnerable to rust.
It is perfect to hold and use
- If you are cutting multiple loaves of sourdough, there is no need to worry about wrist fatigue with this knife.
- It has a rosewood handle with a mosaic pin, which is designed to be ergonomic and help you maintain full control during slicing.
Your hand is not twisted in an uncomfortable position or too close to the cutting board. It comes with a protective sheath and a lifetime warranty
Buy With a Discount and a Lifetime Warranty
You get a protective sheath and a lifetime warranty with this Knife. It is built for years of reliable use. The attention to longevity matches sourdough’s artisanal spirit - precision tools for a craft that rewards patience and care.
2. Kyoku Samurai 10" Bread Knife
The Kyoku Samurai 10" Bread Knife is another great Japanese knife for cutting sourdough that combines ideal blade length, sharp serrations, and ergonomic design. This serrated knife is affordable, solid, and great for cutting your sourdough while preserving the integrity of the loaf.
The 10-inch blade is longer than most serrated knives, and can easily accommodate larger sourdough boules with no additional strain on your part.
The 13–15° serrated edge is honed for precision
It is thin and firm, which is what you need for artisan breads with chewy textured exteriors like sourdough. It is perfect for cutting through the thickest crusts while leaving the crumb intact.
Blade is Strong and Firm
This knife is crafted from Japanese high-carbon steel (56–58 HRC). Though generally more susceptible to rust (compared to 440C steel), this blade will maintain its sharpness over time and deliver outstanding durability if you properly care for it.
The handle is Ergonomic
The Pakkawood handle with mosaic pin provides an ergonomic grip and superb balance. It also has a full-tang construction, meaning it is stable and maneuverable through every cut. It is easy to use for multiple loaves of sourdough.
You get a Lifetime Warranty
The 10-inch Samurai bread knife comes with a protective sheath and a lifetime warranty. It is built for long-term use. The Samurai is currently going for less than $30
Best Knives for Cutting Smaller Sourdough Loaves
An 8-inch serrated bread knife will suffice if you are cutting smaller sourdough loaves. However, the serrations must be deep and sharp enough, the blade must be stiff (not variable), and the handle must have an ergonomic grip.
Here are the best 8-inch Serrated Bread Knives for Cutting Sourdough
1. Shogun Gin 8" Bread Knife
This 8-inch serrated bread knife from Kyoku’s Shogun series is crafted from cryogenically treated Japanese VG-10 steel and enhanced with ionic silver coating. In addition to the deep, sharp serrated blades that guarantee a firm, clean cut, the 66-layer Damascus VG10 stainless steel blade extends to the entire length of the handle, withstanding punishing daily use without sacrificing precision and control.
2. Kyoku 8" Bread Knife VG10 Damascus Steel
This 8-inch serrated bread knife is manufactured with ultra-premium Japanese VG10 and 67-layered Damascus steel to ensure outstanding durability. Designed with a curved end, it slices with minimal resistance, making it perfect for cutting breads with harder exteriors like sourdough. The gorgeous herringbone pattern on the base of the tang reveals the stunning craftsmanship and its legendary identity.
Final Thoughts on Cutting Sourdough Bread
The right knife for sourdough makes all the difference between tearing through the loaf and slicing it cleanly. Any of these knives, with a long, sharp serrated bread knife, a comfortable handle, and a sturdy, well-balanced blade, will give you neat slices without crushing that beautiful crust. Invest in a good knife, keep it sharp, and every slice of sourdough will feel like cutting into a piece of craftsmanship.
