How to slice bread?

[shireen]

Since I got a bread machine a couple of months ago, i've been baking my own bread and been very pleased with the results. Well, almost. I can't seem to slice an even slice of bread. One end always comes out thicker than the other. That's a bit difficult with sandwiches when one side of the bread is the width of two slices and the other is a sliver of bread.

Any special tips and tricks to improve my bread-cutting skills or special bread knives that guide the hand in cutting an even slice?

[Duer 157099]

1. For me, patience and a good knife

It seems that I have to wait a day for two for the bread to become easier to slice. And then I have to use a certain serrated knife I have that has a long (10-12" or so) blade and just go really slooooooow and carefully. If I'm careful and the bread is the correct texture, I can get really good thin uniform slices.

But I'm sure there are other ways, too.

[Warpy]

3. I actually have better luck with a super sharp Chinese cleaver

It's easier to see exactly where the plane of the blade is headed.

I have a really good serrated bread knife but I just never use it.

[csziggy]

2. This sort of thing makes it easier to get even slices

I need to get another one - I had an all wood one which got disgusting after a few years. When I tried to wash it, it came apart - the glue was water soluble and there were no nails.

And a good long knife helps. The best knife I have for slicing bread is actually a wedding cake knife I bought at a restaurant supply store. It is serrated, long and washable in the dishwasher - something I prefer. Oh - it was pretty cheap, under $10.

[pengillian101]

4. Serrated knife and lay the loaf on its side,

When I used to bake bread, I would lay the loaf on its side, which is soft and use a serrated bread knife. Worked slick.

The crust is difficult to cut bread slices from the crusty top. Flip the loaf over on its side and it will be a breeze with a serrated edge knife.

[ginnyinWI]

5. my in laws gave me a slicer years ago

When I want to get it just right I get out the slicer. That's the only way I know to slice homemade bread thin enough for sandwiches. I have no idea what one costs now--this is in a white plastic housing--I think they got it from Penney's or somewhere.

[shireen]

6. Presto bread slicing guide?

I found it during my google searches. Apparently, they're not made anymore but you can find them (used and new) for sale on Ebay. I'm bidding on one right now. They look pretty good, and the reviews I've read have generally been positive.

[surrealAmerican]

7. I just use a standard serrated bread knife.

The "trick" is to position your loaf where you can see the top (for starting your cut), and the side of the loaf (for keeping top to bottom of the slice even).