Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Qu'est-ce que c'est?
What is this? Why is this here? Why do I have this?

This looks like a hand-saw that I have in my garage—what am I supposed to do with it in my kitchen?

It's a bread knife. Using a sawing motion, the serrated edge cuts through the crust of bread without crushing the loaf. With the longer blade, you can cut through larger loaves, such as round breads, without that "double-cut" line or an uneven slice.


This knife will make short work of a bagel, too. But, I have to warn you: its blade will remain sharper than meat knives and for a longer time, if you are only using it for bread. Cut only half way through your bagel, then lie it on its side on a cutting board and finish the cut. Or else risk slicing into your palm, as my husband has done!

The one I have is made by Chicago Cutlery (drool), and it came in a set, I think. I've had it for years, which is another reason to buy a good set of knives—they will last you a long, long time. Consider it a long-term investment.

Qu'est-ce que c'est? A bread knife. An all-around good thing to have in your kitchen.