Best Bread Knife for Sourdough and Crusty Loaves
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · Products hand-picked and curated, updated daily
For sourdough, use a long serrated blade: the Matsato Osuren Serrated Bread Knife (8.11 in, $37.99) covers wide loaves. If you also need chef knives, the Osuren 5-Piece Set includes the same bread knife.
Our picks at a glance
- Best bread knife: Matsato Osuren Serrated Bread Knife 8.11 in — 8.11-inch serrated blade for wide loaves. (USD 37.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best full set with a bread knife: Matsato Osuren 5-Piece Knife Set — Includes the same serrated bread knife. (USD 185.42, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best for soft breads and roasts: Matsato Osuren Long Chef Knife 7.48 in — 7.48-inch chef knife with a full tang. (USD 39.99, reference 2026-11-12)
- Easy-clean board: Matsato Stainless Steel Cutting Board 14.1 x 9.6 in — 304 stainless steel, dishwasher safe. (USD 39.99, reference 2026-11-12)
Matsato Osuren Serrated Bread Knife 8.11 in
A 20.6 cm full-tang serrated bread knife in Japanese steel for crusty sourdough, baguettes and soft cakes.
Matsato Osuren 5-Piece Knife Set
The complete Osuren collection: chef, long chef, cleaver, serrated bread and paring knives in 1.4116 Japanese steel.
Matsato Osuren Long Chef Knife 7.48 in
A 19 cm full-tang chef knife in 1.4116 Japanese steel with a Damascus-inspired pattern, sized for long cuts in one pass.
Matsato Stainless Steel Cutting Board 14.1 x 9.6 in
A one-piece food-grade 304 stainless steel cutting board that is non-porous, double-sided and dishwasher safe.
A crusty loaf crushes under a straight blade. A long serrated knife saws through the crust and leaves the crumb intact.
How we chose
We compared the published specifications, reference prices and listed pros and cons of products in our catalog. We have not tested these products. Prices were checked on November 12, 2026, and can change at the retailer.
Blade length
Choose a blade longer than your widest loaf. The Osuren bread knife is 8.11 inches (20.6 cm).
How to cut
Let the loaf cool, use long gentle strokes and let the serrations do the work.
Sharpening
Serrated edges need a special sharpener; the Matsato ceramic pull-through sharpener is not for serrated knives.
Board
A stable board helps. Steel boards are easy to clean, but wood is gentler on edges.
Frequently asked questions
What knife is best for sourdough?
A long serrated bread knife, like the Matsato Osuren at 8.11 inches.
Can I sharpen a serrated knife with a pull-through sharpener?
Not with the Matsato ceramic sharpener; serrated edges need a special sharpener.
Should I cut bread while it is warm?
Let it cool first so the crumb does not compress.
General shopping guidance. Verify exact specifications and retailer terms before buying. Our editorial policy