Master Shin's Anvil #57 Bread Knife
Best non-serrated bread knife for home bakers seeking artisanal precision.
Experience the artistry of Master Shin's Anvil with this exquisite Bread Knife, a product of South Korea's oldest blacksmith, established in 1845. This knife features a non-serrated carbon steel blade, meticulously handcrafted for exceptional sharpness and a clean, smooth slice through any bread. The elegant handle, made from your choice of chestnut or oak wood, offers a comfortable and secure grip. Embracing a traditional minimalist aesthetic, this durable, one-of-a-kind piece is a functional work of art designed to last for years.
$310.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
68
/ 5007
#68 in Kitchen Knives
Price vs Category Average
+132%
Above average
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
/ Carbon Steel
Who it's for
- Home bakers slicing delicate, crusty artisan loaves
- Collectors valuing heirloom quality and lasting edge retention
- Professional chefs preparing large volumes of bread
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe tools
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking affordable kitchen essentials
- Home cooks lacking access to professional sharpening services
Performance breakdown
Slicing Precision
Non-serrated carbon steel delivers clean, crush-free cuts through crusty loaves.
Edge Retention
High-carbon steel holds a razor-sharp edge significantly longer than stainless alternatives.
Ergonomic Comfort
Natural wood handle provides a secure, balanced grip for extended kitchen tasks.
Build Integrity
Hand-forged construction ensures a robust tool built to last generations.
Maintenance Demand
Requires diligent hand washing and oiling to prevent carbon steel oxidation.
Aesthetic Appeal
Minimalist design highlights the raw, authentic beauty of traditional blacksmithing.
Key Specs
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Handle Material
Chestnut or Oak Wood
Blade Length
9.25 inches
Handle Length
4.75 inches
Edge Type
Straight Edge
Care
Hand wash only, dry completely, sharpen on whetstone
Features
- Non-serrated blade for clean slicing
- Exceptional sharpness for superior cutting
- Handmade by a Korean master blacksmith
- Traditional minimalist aesthetic
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Unique, one-of-a-kind piece
- Comfortable wood handle
What customers say
Customers view Master Shin's Anvil #57 Bread Knife as a luxury utility item, often calling it an heirloom. The core praise centers on unparalleled cutting performance, effortlessly slicing through tough crusts while preserving soft interiors. Reviewers also appreciate the excellent balance and ergonomic design, which ensure a comfortable, controlled experience during use. The hand-forged aesthetic resonates with those valuing traditional craftsmanship. Despite the initial investment, the knife offers excellent long-term value due to its robust build and exceptional edge retention. While specialized care is required, owners readily accept this for such a superior, specialized instrument.
Know before you buy
Unlike traditional serrated knives that tear bread, this carbon steel blade uses extreme sharpness to slice through crusts cleanly. This results in less crumbling and a smoother finish on delicate loaves.
Carbon steel is prone to rust, so it must be hand-washed and dried immediately after every use. We recommend occasionally applying a food-safe mineral oil to the blade to prevent oxidation.
Both woods are durable and provide a secure grip, but they differ in aesthetic and grain pattern. Chestnut is generally lighter in color with a softer texture, while oak is denser and features a more prominent, rugged grain.
No, this knife should only be sharpened using a whetstone. Because it is a high-quality, handcrafted tool, a whetstone allows you to maintain the specific edge geometry intended by the blacksmith.
Yes, the 9.25-inch blade provides ample length to slice through large sourdough boules or long baguettes in a single, fluid motion.
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