Let’s face it. We’re all tired of mangling and smashing fresh bread and crusty loaves of bread like sourdough while attempting to cut. What if I told you that you can stop the madness by using a fiddle bow bread knife to cut bread?
In a Hurry? Check out Etsy for the best selection of Handmade Fiddle Box Bread Knives!
If you’ve never heard of this type of knife then don’t worry – you’re in the majority. We’ve got you covered by providing everything you need to know about this cool, unique knife.
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What Is a Fiddle Bow Knife
You may be shocked to know that the first fiddle bow knife I owned was one that I actually made! Yes. I was in a beginner’s woodworking class and this was one of our projects.
The fiddle bow knife for cutting bread resembles a violin or fiddle bow – hence the name. They are usually approximately 15 – 16 inches total in length.
These intricately designed knives are almost always handmade. The handle/ material of the knives will be made of a hard natural wood.
Some of the most common wood materials are Cherry, Walnut, Oak, and Mahogany. The Out of the Woods of Oregon company uses locally sustained Oregon Red Alder to make the handles for their fiddle bow bread knives.
Fiddle Bow Bread Knife Blades
Attached to the fiddle bow knife with screws is a 10 – 11 inch serrated stainless steel blade for cutting. The blade is the same one used in commercial bread slicers.
The great thing about this blade is that it will never need to be sharpened. But don’t worry – you aren’t stuck with the original blade. If you want to replace it for some reason you can purchase replacement fiddle bow bread knife blades online.
How To Use a Fiddle Bow Bread Knife
The comfortable handle design and the serrated blade makes the fiddle bow knife more of a bread saw than a bread knife. It’s the only knife I feel confident enough to use for cutting bagels that aren’t pre-sliced.
The space between the blade and the handle is about a 1.5 inch space known as the cutting (or slicing) channel. This channel allows you to make thin slices up to thick Texas toast slices.
The fiddle bow bread knife is one of the best knives for crusty bread, sourdough and baguettes – all breads that can be cutting nightmares. It can even handle fresh, hot bread right out of the oven!
Easy Steps To Using Fiddle Bow Bread Knives
Step 1:
Grab the bread you wish to slice
Step 2:
Place the bread on a solid surface such as a cutting board. The best board to use is a high-quality wooden board since you’re essentially using a bread saw.
Step 3:
Determine the bread slice thickness you’d like
Step 4:
Hold the bread knife horizontally and securely in your dominant hand with the blade downwards
Step 5:
Hold the bread securely with your non-dominant hand
Step 6:
Once the thickness is lined up securely in the slicing channel, use a sawing motion to easily cut your bread
Why You Should Buy A Fiddle Bow Bread Knife
The advantage of a fiddle bow knife is that it can be used to easily cut even slices of any type of bread you throw it’s way. This can be a great option for the elderly or anyone else with weak or arthritic hands.
Additionally, let’s look at the design of these knives. They’re absolutely gorgeous and the quality easily withstands the test of time.
Lastly, fiddle bow knives aren’t just for cutting bread. You can also use them for cutting other foods that you routinely need to slice evenly. Check out the examples below that I also use my fiddle bow bread knife to cut:
Other Foods to Cut Using a Fiddle Bow Knife
The fiddle bow knife can be used to cut other foods, from fruit to meats (such as brisket).
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Pineapples
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Brisket
- Steak
- Ham
Fiddle Bow Knife Disadvantages
First, the comfortable grip provided leads to the first disadvantage. The grip of most designs are geared towards a right-handed person.
The blade is only serrated on one side, therefore, the knife cannot just be simply flipped over and used by a left-handed person. However, there are options designed for lefties.
Second, because of the length of the blade teeth, there’s the danger of accidentally cutting yourself. There’s always the risk of cutting oneself when using any kind of knife.
Read our full review of the Best Knives To Cut Bread Easily
However, because the teeth of fiddle bow knives are larger and more sharp than other bread knives the potential injury can be more severe. For this reason, you should take extra precautions and avoid distractions while cutting with a fiddle bow type of knife.
Lastly, fiddle bow knives may not cut all the way through tall bread loaves. It’s usually fine for the average sourdough loaf or baguette. However, the wood portion of the fiddle bow knife can get in the way of the blade cutting all the way through.
Conclusion
So, should you buy a fiddle bow bread knife? I’d say yes because they’re a great kitchen accessory that can be useful to cut bread, fruits, vegetables and meat.
Ready for a bread bow knife of your own? Check out Etsy for the best selection of Handmade Fiddle Box Bread Knives!
Before you buy one, consider whether or not the disadvantages listed above are deal breakers for you. If not, then go ahead and make a fiddle bow bread knife your newest kitchen accessory!
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