What distinguishes a bread knife from other types of knives?

A bread knife is specifically designed with a serrated edge, which is ideal for slicing through the crust of bread without crushing or tearing the soft interior. The serrations allow the knife to grip and cut through the tough exterior more effectively, making clean, even slices possible. This design is distinctly different from other types of knives, which may feature straight blades that are not equipped to handle the texture and density of bread crusts.

The choice highlighting a serrated edge is crucial because it directly addresses the functionality of the knife in relation to its intended use. Other types of knives, such as a chef's knife or paring knife, have different blade designs that would not be as effective for slicing through bread, particularly artisanal loaves with thick crusts or soft interiors.