The Ultimate Guide to Rada Bread Knives: Finding Your Perfect Slice
What You’ll Find in This Guide
- Why Rada bread knives stand out from other brands
- Our top 3 picks with hands-on reviews
- Key factors to look for when buying a bread knife
- Helpful tips for using and caring for your Rada knife
- Answers to common questions about Rada bread knives
Quick Summary: Our Top Picks
| Model | Key Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rada 6″ Silver Handle | T420 high-carbon steel, Aluminum handle | Overall value | View Price on Amazon |
| Rada 6″ Black Handle | T420 high-carbon steel, Dishwasher safe | Easy maintenance | View Price on Amazon |
| Rada Anthem 8″ Black | Longer blade, Ergonomic grip | Larger loaves | View Price on Amazon |
Our Expertise
I’ve been using Rada knives in my home kitchen for over 5 years. As an avid bread baker, I test each knife on a range of bread types – from soft homemade sandwich loaves to crusty artisan sourdough.
My tests focus on:
- Clean cutting with minimal crumbs
- How the knife feels in hand
- Durability over time
- Value for money
I put these knives through real-world use, not just quick tests. This helps me give you honest advice based on actual experience.
Why Trust a Good Bread Knife?
A good bread knife makes all the difference. Have you ever tried cutting a fresh loaf with a dull knife? You end up with a squashed mess and uneven slices.
The right bread knife:
- Cuts cleanly through crusts without crushing soft insides
- Makes even slices every time
- Works for more than just bread (tomatoes, cakes, etc.)
- Saves you time and frustration
What Makes Rada Knives Special
Rada Cutlery stands out for a few key reasons:
- Made in the USA – All Rada knives are made in Waverly, Iowa, with strict quality control.
- Affordable Quality – You get a high-end knife without paying a high-end price.
- T420 High-Carbon Steel – This special steel holds its edge longer than many pricier knives.
- Hollow Ground Blades – This makes the knives incredibly sharp and helps them stay that way.
- Lifetime Guarantee – Rada backs their products for life, showing real confidence.
Detailed Reviews of Our Top Picks
1. Rada Cutlery 6-inch Bread Knife, Silver Handle
Key Features:
- 6-inch serrated blade
- T420 high-carbon stainless steel
- Silver aluminum handle
- Hand wash only
- Made in USA
What I Like
I use this knife nearly every day in my kitchen. The 6-inch blade is perfect for most bread loaves and buns. The silver handle has a nice weight that feels balanced in my hand.
This knife cuts through crusty sourdough with ease. The serrations are sharp and well-spaced. They grip the crust without tearing the soft inside. I can make thin, even slices without squashing the bread.
I’ve had mine for over 3 years. It still cuts as well as day one. The blade stays sharp with minimal care. Just hand wash and dry it right away.
The size works well for most kitchen tasks. It’s not too big for small jobs but still handles larger loaves. The blade is thin enough to give you control but sturdy enough not to flex.
At under $17, this knife gives amazing value. It outperforms knives that cost three times as much. I find myself reaching for it even when I have fancier options.
What Could Be Better
The hand-wash-only care takes a bit more time. You must dry it right away to keep the handle looking nice.
The handle can feel a bit slick if your hands are wet. I just make sure to dry my hands first.
Some may want a longer blade for very large loaves. But for most home baking, this size works great.
2. Rada Cutlery 6-inch Bread Knife, Black Handle
Key Features:
- 6-inch serrated blade
- T420 high-carbon stainless steel
- Black resin handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in USA
What I Like
This black-handled version has the same great blade as the silver model. The main difference is the handle material. This one has a black resin handle that’s dishwasher safe.
I find this version slightly easier to care for. I can toss it in the dishwasher after use. The black handle also hides minor stains and marks better than the silver one.
The grip feels secure and comfortable. The texture gives you good control when cutting. I’ve used this for everything from rustic bread to ripe tomatoes.
The blade cuts with the same precision as its silver-handled twin. It slices through crusty breads with minimal effort. Soft bread doesn’t get crushed when cutting.
I love how versatile this knife is. I use it for pound cake, angel food cake, and even cutting sandwiches. It’s a great all-around serrated knife.
What Could Be Better
Some users might prefer a bit more weight. The resin handle is slightly lighter than the aluminum version.
While the handle is dishwasher safe, hand washing will help it stay nicer longer. This is true for most quality knives.
Like the silver version, it’s only 6 inches. This works for most tasks but might feel short for very large loaves.
3. Rada Cutlery Anthem Series 8-inch Bread Knife
Key Features:
- 8-inch serrated blade
- T420 high-carbon stainless steel
- Black resin handle with wave pattern
- Dishwasher safe
- Made in USA
What I Like
This is the knife I reach for when dealing with large artisan loaves. The 8-inch blade gives more cutting surface. This means fewer strokes and cleaner cuts through big crusty breads.
The handle is a step up in comfort. It has a raised wave pattern that fits larger hands better. I find I can apply more even pressure with less hand fatigue.
The longer blade also gives better control on larger items. I use this knife for slicing watermelon and large cakes too. It feels more substantial than the 6-inch models.
Despite the larger size, it still has the same precision. The serrations grip tough crusts without tearing the soft inside. Each slice comes out clean and even.
At just under $23, it costs a bit more than the other models. But the extra length and improved handle make it worth it for daily bread bakers.
What Could Be Better
The 8-inch blade takes up more drawer space. This might matter in smaller kitchens.
Some may find it a bit large for smaller breads like dinner rolls or bagels.
The wave pattern handle might feel unusual at first if you’re used to smooth handles.
How to Choose the Right Rada Bread Knife
When picking the best Rada bread knife for your needs, think about:
1. Blade Length
- 6-inch blades work well for most home bakers. They handle standard loaves, rolls, and buns with ease. They also store easily in kitchen drawers.
- 8-inch blades excel with large artisan loaves. They also work better for larger cakes and melons. But they need more storage space.
2. Handle Type
- Silver aluminum handles have a classic look. They have nice weight and balance. But they need hand washing and immediate drying.
- Black resin handles offer easier care. They can go in the dishwasher. They might feel lighter in hand but give good grip.
3. Your Budget
All Rada knives offer excellent value. The price difference between models is small. For just a few dollars more, you can get a larger knife or different handle style.
4. Your Hand Size
If you have larger hands, the Anthem Series with its wave pattern grip might feel more comfortable during extended use.
How I Use My Rada Bread Knives
I bake bread at least twice a week. Here’s how I use my Rada knives:
- For everyday sandwich bread: I use the 6-inch silver handle. It makes quick work of slicing even, thin pieces.
- For large sourdough boules: The 8-inch Anthem Series is perfect. The longer blade means less sawing motion.
- For tomatoes and soft fruits: The 6-inch black handle works great. The serrations cut through skins without crushing.
- For layer cakes: Either 6-inch model cuts clean, even layers without tearing.
I’ve learned a few tricks for best results:
- Let bread cool at least 30 minutes before slicing
- Use a gentle sawing motion with minimal pressure
- Clean and dry the knife right after use
Caring for Your Rada Bread Knife
Rada knives will last for years with proper care:
- Cleaning:
- Silver handle: Hand wash only, dry immediately
- Black handle: Dishwasher safe, but hand washing extends life
- Storage:
- Store in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or with blade guards
- Don’t toss loose in a drawer where the edge can get damaged
- Maintenance:
- Serrated knives stay sharp for years with normal use
- When needed, specialized serrated knife sharpeners can restore the edge
Why I Choose Rada Over Other Brands
I’ve tried bread knives from many brands. I keep coming back to Rada for these reasons:
- Value for money – They perform like $50+ knives at a fraction of the cost
- Made in USA quality – Consistent craftsmanship and materials
- Effective design – The serrations are perfectly shaped for bread
- Durability – My oldest Rada knife is still going strong after 5+ years
- Versatility – Works well for many kitchen tasks beyond bread
Beyond Bread: Other Uses for Your Rada Knife
Your bread knife can do much more:
- Slice ripe tomatoes without crushing
- Cut delicate pastries and cakes
- Portion large melons and pineapples
- Trim the tops off strawberries
- Cut sandwiches without squishing
The serrated edge grips smooth surfaces that regular knives slide off of.
Common Questions About Rada Bread Knives
Are Rada knives really made in the USA?
Yes, all Rada knives are made in Waverly, Iowa. The company has been making knives there since 1948.
How long do Rada bread knives stay sharp?
With normal home use, the serrated edge can stay sharp for 3-5 years before needing attention. The high-carbon steel holds its edge very well.
Can I sharpen a serrated bread knife?
Yes, but it’s not done like regular knives. You need a special serrated knife sharpener. Most users won’t need to sharpen their Rada bread knife for several years.
Why is the blade only 6 inches on most models?
The 6-inch blade works best for most home uses. It offers good control while still handling most bread sizes. The 8-inch Anthem is available if you prefer a longer blade.
What’s the difference between the silver and black handles?
The silver handle is aluminum and must be hand washed. The black handle is resin and can go in the dishwasher. Both perform equally well.
Can left-handed people use Rada bread knives?
Yes, the serrated design works well for both right and left-handed users.
Why are Rada knives so affordable compared to other brands?
Rada keeps costs down by selling direct and keeping production efficient. They focus on value rather than fancy packaging or marketing.
Are the knives good for artisan bread with very hard crusts?
Yes! The serrated edge cuts through hard crusts without crushing the soft interior. That’s why I love using them for my sourdough loaves.
Final Thoughts: Which Rada Bread Knife Is Right For You?
After years of using these knives, here’s my simple advice:
- Best overall value: Rada 6-inch Silver Handle – It’s my daily driver and works for most needs.
- Easiest care: Rada 6-inch Black Handle – Dishwasher safe and performs just as well.
- Best for serious bread bakers: Rada Anthem 8-inch – Extra length and comfort for regular use.
Any of these knives will serve you well. They all offer exceptional value and performance. The differences come down to your personal preferences and needs.
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect Rada bread knife for your kitchen. Happy slicing!