What type of knife is best for slicing bread?

A serrated knife is specifically designed for slicing bread due to its unique blade characteristics. The blade features a series of small, sharp teeth that can effortlessly saw through the crust of the bread without crushing the soft interior. This design allows for a clean cut while preserving the texture of the bread, making it ideal for artisan loaves, sandwich breads, and other baked goods with a crust.

Using a chef's knife, while possible, may result in tearing or squishing the bread, especially with softer varieties. A paring knife, being smaller and designed for precision tasks like peeling or trimming, doesn't provide the necessary leverage or cutting surface for effectively slicing bread. A filleting knife is tailored for fish preparation and lacks the appropriate blade shape and tooth structure to handle bread. Thus, the serrated knife stands out as the optimal choice for bread slicing.