Over the past couple of years I have focused on learning to bake homemade bread and biscuits. I typically need very easy recipes. As I bake successful loaves of bread, I tend to share with friends and family. Recently, I baked a wonderful Artisan-like loaf of crusty bread. The bread itself was amazing. But as usual, I struggled cutting even slices.
My friend laughed at me, as he watched me saw and hack away at the bread. Sometimes squishing the softer loaves more than cutting them. He said I needed a bread knife. I told him that I had a bread knife.
It was only a few days later that a bread knife arrived in the mail. After my very first slice of bread I immediately realized why my friend laughed at me and my original bread knife. With the Dexter Russell knife I could cut even slices of bread, thick or thin, with great ease. There was no "sawing" involved.
I am so incredibly thankful for this knife!
Dexter Russell 8" Scalloped Bread Knife with Polypropylene Handle
This knife is SHARP, cuts through bread like cutting through warm butter, and seems very durable. The handle is very comfortable and large enough that I can firmly grip it.
You may already know that Dexter Russell is advertised as the "largest manufacturer of professional cutlery in the United States." So although this is my first experience with a Dexter Russell knife, it is clearly a company that has a history and a good reputation.
Some facts about this bread knife:
- made in the US
- superior blade shape
- 400 series stain-free, high carbon steel
- formed handle with finger guard
- slip-free polypropylene handle
My knife was ordered and shipped via Amazon. However, knives ordered on the Dexter Russell website can be engraved at extra cost.
An engraved bread knife would make a special and memorable gift for a housewarming, wedding, or culinary arts graduation. I know this gift is a much appreciated addition in my kitchen.
My Favorite Bread Recipes
In 2016 I had my first bread baking success with this Peasant Bread recipe. The round loaves are incredibly easy to make and end with a buttery flavor and crunchy crust.
In 2017 I began having success with making delicious loaves using Patara's bread recipe and a Pullman Loaf pan. Making my sandwiches using my own bread is wonderful. And having a good knife to cut those bread slices will be even more wonderful!
Only recently I became successful at baking crusty, round loaves of bread. I think this bread's appearance is as wonderful as the taste. If you'd like to know more about this bread, you can read about it here.
Oh Dawn, I so agree that a good knife can make the difference between cutting like an expert and just sawing away and making a mess. When we moved, I decided that I was getting rid of all the mismatched knives I had and getting a new set, worthy of my new kitchen. I have not looked back. This bread knife looks like it would be incredible and very useful wherever a serrated knife is needed.
ReplyDeleteWow. I had no idea that the uneven slices of my homemade bread might be due to my 'so-called' bread knife. Terrific recommendation, Dawn Rae. I will have to look into this Dexter Russell bread knife.
ReplyDeleteLove your various bread recipes. Homemade bread is SO good.
You have certainly become an exceptional bread chef Dawn! I prefer easy recipes too and I have really enjoyed you being our resident bread chef & bread recipe tester. I will have to try the newest crusty bread loaf soon. I will also have to join the "no idea" club on that bread knife. I have never heard of a specialized bread knife, yet clearly I need one. Now I know!!! Thanks for enlightening me and sharing another great bread recipe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads-up on this bread knife, it's hard to find a good one. Decent knifes are always a challenge - we've purchased so many over the years, and I don't think there's one I'd give a good review for - I'll be saving your recommendation!
ReplyDeleteDawn, you're absolutely right about the difference a good serrated bread knife can make! Stain-free, high-carbon steel with a molded polypropylene handle for a good, comfortable grip sounds like a great combination. I'm not familiar with the Dexter Russell brand, so I wonder whether they also make private-label knives sold under other brand names. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI need to follow your lead and dive into the wonderful world of home-baked bread. Who couldn't use more of this comfort food at this time? I'm glad you were given the perfect gift for the journey. Sounds like a great knife to add to my cutting arsenal. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJumped back over here to tell you that I made your Crusty Bread Loaf for my husband yesterday. He loves it! It is almost gone (in less than 24 hours) and he has already requested another loaf. Guess I'll be easy baking again tomorrow. Thank you for that recipe!
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