Bread knives

Serated bread knives appear to be an invention of the thirties or forties. Prior to that, the blade took on more of a carving knife shape and was sharpened to keep its cutting ability.

Carved turned handles were popular with bread writ large. More highly prized were handles carved with sheaves of wheat. Some manufacturers fashioned carved bread knives out of steel, too.

Serated knives were accompanied by plain simple handles in a variety of finishes: Vintage polished wood or bone were followed by the bright blues and reds of the sixties.