Which knife is best used for cutting bread?

The serrated knife is specifically designed for cutting bread due to its unique features. The blade of a serrated knife has a scalloped edge that works effectively on the crusty outer surface of bread. This design allows the knife to grip and slice through tough exteriors without crushing the soft interior. By using a sawing motion, the serrations enable clean cuts even on artisanal loaves, bagels, or any type of bread with a hard crust, making it the ideal choice for this task.

In contrast, while a chef's knife is versatile for a range of chopping and slicing tasks, its smooth edge is not suitable for cutting through crusty bread as effectively as a serrated knife. A boning knife is tailored for trimming meat and is not typically used for bread; it has a thin, flexible blade that is designed for precision work, making it unsuitable for the tougher surfaces of bread. Lastly, a paring knife is best suited for small, intricate cuts, such as peeling fruits or vegetables, and lacks the necessary length and serration for effective bread slicing.