How to Choose & Use a Bread Knife for Sourdough
Slicing through a crusty, artisan sourdough loaf requires more than just a standard kitchen knife. To protect that airy "open crumb" you worked so hard to achieve, you need a blade specifically designed to grip the crust and glide through the center without compression.
Why a Serrated Knife is Essential
A sourdough crust is naturally tough and resilient. A traditional straight-edged knife often requires downward pressure that squashes the bread. In contrast, a serrated bread knife works like a saw, using teeth to bite into the crust and slice through the soft interior with minimal force.
Choosing the Right Tool from Our Collection
We’ve tested every knife in our range and more on our own homemade loaves to ensure they handle the specific challenges of sourdough:
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The Acacia Bow Knife (The Specialist): Our most popular choice for sourdough lovers. The "bow" or "fiddle" design keeps the blade under tension, allowing for exceptionally thin, even slices. It’s incredibly lightweight and designed to glide through crusty loaves without any crushing.
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The Baker’s Edge Premium Bread Knife: A powerhouse for those who prefer a traditional handle. It features a high-quality serrated edge with the perfect balance of "bite" and smoothness.
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The Baker’s Edge Knife & Slicer Set: If you struggle with inconsistent slice thickness, this set includes a bamboo guide to ensure every piece of toast is perfectly uniform.
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Manual Hand-Crank Slicer: For the ultimate precision and a touch of vintage charm, our manual slicer handles even the sturdiest sourdough boules with ease.
Tips for the Perfect Slice
To get the most out of your knife and keep your bread looking beautiful, follow these professional tips:
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Let it Cool: Resisting the urge to slice hot bread is hard, but essential. Sourdough continues to cook and set its structure as it cools. Slicing too early leads to a "gummy" interior.
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The Sawing Motion: Don’t push down. Let the serrations do the work. Use long, gentle back-and-forth strokes with very light downward pressure.
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Use a Stable Surface: Always slice on a wooden or bamboo cutting board. Hard surfaces like marble or glass will dull your serrated teeth quickly.
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The "Turn" Technique: If you’re struggling with a particularly thick bottom crust, try turning the loaf on its side or upside down to get the first "bite" of the knife through the hardest part.
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Maintenance and Care
To keep your Sourdough Kitchen knives sharp:
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Hand Wash Only: Dishwashers are too abrasive for high-quality blades and wooden handles (like our Acacia Bow Knife).
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Dry Immediately: To prevent spotting or damage to the wood, dry your knife with a soft cloth right after washing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Sourdough Slicing & Care
What makes a bow knife better for sourdough?
The Acacia Bow Knife uses a thin blade held under high tension, similar to a saw. This allows you to cut very thin, precise slices through hard crusts without the blade "wandering" or squashing the soft interior of the loaf. It is also exceptionally lightweight (around 60g), reducing hand fatigue for busy bakers.
Why is my sourdough bread gummy when I slice it?
Gummy bread is usually the result of slicing the loaf while it is still warm. Sourdough undergoes "starch gelatinization" during baking, and it needs to cool completely (at least 2 hours) to set its structure. If you slice it too early, the steam escapes too quickly, leaving the inside sticky.
How do I clean my Acacia Bow Knife?
To preserve the natural Acacia wood, always hand-wash your knife with mild soap and dry it immediately. Never soak the wooden frame or put it in the dishwasher, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack.
Can the blades on your knives be replaced?
Yes! We believe in tools that last. Both our Acacia Bow Knife and our Manual Hand-Crank Slicer feature replaceable blades. This means you don't have to replace the entire unit when the edge eventually dulls; you can simply swap in a fresh blade to keep your slices effortless and sharp.
Do you ship outside of New Zealand?
Currently, we focus on serving our local baking community. All our stock is held in Auckland, and we offer fast shipping across New Zealand via NZ Post. Plus, all orders over $100 qualify for free shipping!
How do I get even slices every time?
If you struggle with "wedged" slices (thick at the top, thin at the bottom), we recommend the Baker’s Edge Bamboo Slicer guide or our Hand-Crank Bread Slicer. These tools provide a physical guide to keep your blade perfectly vertical for uniform slices.
Our Bread Knives – Handpicked for Real Baking
Every knife in our range has been carefully selected through hands-on testing. Rather than offering dozens of similar options, we’ve chosen a small lineup of bread knives that each serve a clear purpose, whether you want comfort, precision, versatility, or a reliable everyday tool.
