J.A. Henckels International Classic 7-Inch Stainless-Steel Bread Knife

Henckels Cutlery - Classic Series - Part Serrated Classic Bread Knife with Black POM Handles. Model: HK08302. 7" serrated blade. European one-piece precision forged design. High quality, no-stain German X50CrMoV15 steel blade with hand honed edge for high initial sharpness and longer cutting edge retention. Black POM handles tightly bonded to the full tang for hygienic, effortless cutting. Also features full bolster for perfect balance and added protection and three tubular compression rivets for durability and comfort. Breakproof. Dishwasher safe. Hand washing recommended. Boxed with hanging tab.

A crusty loaf yields easily to this knife, whose serrations are big enough to rate--in knife-speak--as "scallops." Henckels' International Classic is a moderately priced cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. The steel is of lesser quality than that used in its premier lines. Also, the handles are narrower and shallower--a feature those with small hands might appreciate. While this bread knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack