Arbol
Bread Knife
This is a handmade bread knife crafted by master woodworker Stéphane Dumont. It features a sharp, hardened steel serrated blade and a genuine wood handle available in three wood varieties. The knife measures 16.25 inches (41 cm) long, 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide, and 0.75 inches (1.8 cm) tall, and can be used with either hand by changing the blade side. Each piece is unique and handmade in Rivière-Ouelle, Kamouraska.
- Material
- Genuine wood and hardened steel
- Category
- Home & Garden > Kitchen & Dining > Kitchen Tools & Utensils > Kitchen Knives
Color
Size
Specifications
Handcrafted bread knife with a genuine wood handle and a sharp hardened steel blade, designed for ambidextrous use and made in Quebec.
Sharp hardened steel blade; ambidextrous design by switching blade side; handmade in Quebec; available in three varieties of genuine wood; each piece unique.
- Material
- Genuine wood and hardened steel
- Secondary
- wood
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Dimensions
- 16.25x1.5x0.75 in
- Category
- Home & Garden > Kitchen & Dining > Kitchen Tools & Utensils > Kitchen Knives
Additional Attributes
- handmade
- durable
- functional
- aesthetic
- genuine wood handle
- hardened steel blade
- ambidextrous
- unique piece
- made in Quebec
Product Insights
Arbol's artisan Bread Knife, handcrafted in Quebec, pairs a curved blade that glides through crusty bread for even thick slices—while restricting slice width and requiring practice—with a reversible mechanism for left-handed use and a detachable design that never needs resharpening per the manufacturer. Its wood handle, available in cherry (darkens over time), maple (hardest, improves balance), or walnut (resists moisture), demands careful maintenance: no submersion and periodic oiling. Often purchased as a gift, this functional tool is also displayed as art, balancing superior slicing performance with the trade-offs of a unique shape and specialized care.
Verified claims
- Left-handed reversal
- Blade reverses by unscrewing from the handle and reattaching on the opposite side.
- Cleaning
- Blade detaches for thorough cleaning via the same screw.
- Wood character
- Cherry darkens dramatically; walnut has swirling grain; each handle is unique.
- Handle performance
- Maple handles are hardest and improve balance; walnut handles resist moisture.
- Maintenance
- Do not submerge the wood handle and oil it every few months.
- Wood characteristics
- Wood handles in walnut, cherry, or maple: cherry darkens, maple resists dents, walnut resists moisture.
- Artisan appeal
- Buyers proudly display this knife as art and celebrate its Quebec artisan heritage.
- Blade system
- Blade reverses for left-handed use, detaches for easy cleaning, and the manufacturer states it never needs resharpening.
- Slicing performance
- Glides through crusty bread without crushing, producing even thick slices.
- Blade mechanism
- Blade reverses for left-handed use and detaches for cleaning.
- Balance and control
- Maple handle option shifts balance toward hand for better control.
- Slice width
- The curved design restricts slice width for larger loaves.
- Maneuverability
- The curved shape requires practice for smooth sawing.
- Edge access
- The blade cuts cleanly to the heel, eliminating wasted crust.
- Heel cut
- Blade reaches heel, leaving no uncut crust on slices.
- Left-hand use
- Blade side reverses to correct cutting plane for left-handed users.
- Gift story
- Handcrafted in Quebec, Canada, and frequently purchased as a gift for holidays.
- Design & function
- Unique curved design complements superior bread slicing, with reversible blade for left-handed use and blade that detaches for thorough cleaning.
- Wood care
- Wipe wood handle with damp cloth and mild soap, dry immediately, oil every few months.
- Blade care
- Hardened steel blade never needs resharpening per manufacturer; detachable for cleaning.
- Wood properties
- Walnut offers better moisture resistance, maple is hardest, cherry darkens over time.
Product record
- Title
- Bread Knife
- Brand
- Arbol
- Price
- 45 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Choosing a wood handle: walnut, cherry, or maple
- Cherry undergoes the most dramatic color shift of the three, darkening from a warm pinkish-brown to a deep mahogany within a few years of light exposure, while walnut darkens only subtly and maple remains relatively stable — so the handle you buy is a starting point, not the final color.
- Walnut has a higher natural oil content than cherry or maple, lending it a modest built-in moisture resistance that — while no substitute for regular oiling — gives it a slight edge in steamy kitchens or near a dishwasher.
- Maple's Janka rating of approximately 1,450 lbf makes it roughly 50% harder than cherry (~950 lbf) and significantly harder than walnut (~1,010 lbf), so a maple handle resists dings and dents from drawer storage and daily kitchen bumps noticeably better than the other two options.
- Because maple is denser than walnut, a maple handle adds a touch more mass that shifts the balance point toward the hand — this can make the blade feel lighter at the tip, a difference that matters if you prefer a more handle-heavy, controlled sawing motion on crusty loaves.
- Walnut's open grain captures a swirling, high-contrast figure that deepens over time, cherry's fine, straight grain matures into a smooth, satiny surface, and maple's tight, subtle grain stays pale and uniform — the choice shapes both the knife's initial look and the tactile feedback it develops with use.
How the ambidextrous blade mechanism holds up
- The absence of a bolster or guard, a natural consequence of the screw-on construction, leaves the entire blade edge usable right to the heel, so slices can be completed cleanly without the final inch of crust left uncut by a protective shoulder.
- Because the blade is held by a screw rather than a permanent tang, it can be fully detached for cleaning, reaching the crevice where flour and crumbs normally lodge in fixed-knife bread knives — a maintenance advantage that follows directly from the ambidextrous design.
- Reversing the blade side for left-handed use is only meaningful if the blade has an asymmetric grind, which means left-handed users get a corrected cutting plane that eliminates the steering common to one-sided serrations — a rare accommodation in bread knives.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Single-piece curved wooden frame with a thin taut metal cutting wire spanning between the two ends; the wooden surface has a stained finish and a burned or engraved brand name near one end.
- Overall shapeLong, gently curved slender frame with both ends rounded; the frame is thin in cross-section and tapers slightly toward the lower-right end.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.88 (high) - Material and finishSingle-piece wood with a smooth, stained surface showing subtle grain and a satin or low-sheen finish.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.18 · w 0.60 · h 0.66 (high) - Cutting elementThin taut metal wire forming the cutting edge, stretched along the inner curve of the frame between the two ends.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.18 · w 0.86 · h 0.60 (high) - Attachment hardwareSmall metal fasteners visible at both ends where the wire is anchored to the wooden frame.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.03 · w 0.14 · h 0.10 (medium); x 0.80 · y 0.64 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Brand marking“Arbol”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.52 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Knife photographed against a plain light neutral background with soft directional lighting from the upper left creating a faint diagonal shadow; image cropped to include the full length of the knife at a diagonal orientation.
- Background and stagingUniform light gray or off-white textured wall or backdrop filling the frame.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft directional light from the upper left produces a faint cast shadow of the wire on the background following the wire's diagonal path.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.20 · w 0.80 · h 0.56 (medium) - Shot compositionKnife placed diagonally from top-left toward bottom-right, centered within the frame with all of the product visible.
Colors
stained walnut brown· wooden frame#5B3D32metallic silver· cutting wire#ABA39D- Overall shapeLong, gently curved slender frame with both ends rounded; the frame is thin in cross-section and tapers slightly toward the lower-right end.
- 02
Product
A single long serrated bread knife shown diagonally; a narrow scalloped stainless blade set into an elongated wooden body that forms a continuous wooden handle and spine.
- Overall geometryLong slender knife with a continuous wooden spine forming the handle and back, and a serrated metal blade running along the lower edge; pictured diagonally from top-left to bottom-right.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.03 · w 0.94 · h 0.94 (high) - Handle material and finishSingle-piece dark brown wood handle and spine with smooth, satin finish and visible wood grain; handle tapers slightly toward the butt end.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.58 · w 0.37 · h 0.29 (high) - Blade type and edgeLong narrow metal blade with pronounced scalloped serrations along the cutting edge visible as repeating rounded teeth.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.20 · w 0.74 · h 0.52 (high) - Blade attachment hardwareSmall metal rivet or screw visible near the bolster area where blade meets wood, and another fastening near the butt end; both appear as circular metal fasteners set into the wood.
2 regions
x 0.21 · y 0.14 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.59 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high) - Brand or mark on handle“Small stamped or engraved word printed on the wooden spine near the handle area.”Partial
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.50 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (medium) - Blade finishPolished matte metallic finish on blade with slight reflectivity and a thin flat recessed area where blade meets wood.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.22 · w 0.68 · h 0.44 (high)
Other
Knife photographed on a light textured neutral background with soft, even lighting and a faint soft shadow; composition is diagonal and centered within the frame.
- BackgroundSmooth off-white or very light gray textured surface filling the frame behind the knife.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft even lighting with a faint diffuse shadow cast beneath the knife toward the lower-left side.
- Shot compositionProduct placed diagonally from top-left to bottom-right, centered with generous negative space around it.
Colors
dark walnut brown· wooden handle and spinestainless silver· serrated blade- Overall geometryLong slender knife with a continuous wooden spine forming the handle and back, and a serrated metal blade running along the lower edge; pictured diagonally from top-left to bottom-right.
- 03
Product
Close-up of a serrated metal bread-knife blade in front of a curved wooden handle; shallow depth of field with blade edge in focus and handle blurred.
- Serrated blade edgeStainless-looking metal blade shown in close-up with regularly spaced scalloped/serrated cutouts along the cutting edge; the serrations form semi-circular scallops with sharp inner notches.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.40 · w 0.65 · h 0.50 (high) - Blade surface finishBlade face appears polished but shows fine directional tool marks or slight surface texture running along the blade length.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.38 · w 0.45 · h 0.30 (medium) - Curved wooden handleRounded wooden handle visible behind the blade, medium-dark brown wood grain with a smooth finished surface and a gentle curve following the blade.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.05 · w 0.88 · h 0.44 (medium) - Focus plane and occlusionShallow depth of field: central portion of the blade is sharply focused while the handle and areas toward the top-right and bottom-left are noticeably blurred.
Other
Studio-style close detail shot on a neutral textured surface with soft directional lighting producing gentle highlights and soft shadows.
- Background surfaceNeutral light grey textured surface under the knife, visible in lower half of image.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.60 · w 0.60 · h 0.35 (high) - Shot compositionDiagonal composition with the blade running from lower-left toward upper-right and the handle running roughly parallel behind it; tight crop focusing on detail.
- Lighting and depthSoft, diffused lighting with subtle specular highlights on the blade and minimal hard shadows; strong bokeh blur on out-of-focus areas.
Colors
polished silver· blade#CBCDD2walnut brown· handle#54423C- Serrated blade edgeStainless-looking metal blade shown in close-up with regularly spaced scalloped/serrated cutouts along the cutting edge; the serrations form semi-circular scallops with sharp inner notches.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
49 total49 reviews · out of 5
Beaux cadeaux fait au Québec
Beaux cadeaux fait au Québec offert à un Terre-neuvien qui l’a beaucoup apprécié. Original!
Love the look
Love the look of it. Blade is sharp. There is some practical disadvantage to this design because you're limited in the width of the slice you can cut. For this reason you'd probably also need a traditional bread knife. But I love this product for the look and design, and that it's handmade in Canada.
Feels like handcrafted Beautiful product!
Feels like handcrafted Beautiful product!
Wow! Il coupe très bien
Wow! Il coupe très bien et en plus il est magnifique! Fait au Québec!
Pas exactement ce à quoi
Pas exactement ce à quoi je m'attendais, mais je suis quand même satisfaite et c'est mieux qu'un simple couteau à pain.
Je l'ignore.
Je l'ignore.
Beau et coupe très bien
Beau et coupe très bien
Efficace!
Efficace!
Very lovely! Will be a
Very lovely! Will be a Christmas gift, I'm sure they'll enjoy.
Ma fille a adoré
Ma fille a adoré
Very artistic bread knife
Very artistic bread knife
Très beau. Je viens d'en
Très beau. Je viens d'en commander un autre pour un cadeau à Noël. Merci à la compagnie Arbol, ébéniste de Kamouraska pour son beau travail. Exceptionnel Pauline
Can’t live without it.
Makes cutting bread fun.
Très beau produit québécois. La
Très beau produit québécois. La couleur noyer est riche et belle.
Belle qualité
Tres beau!!
Very nice
Very nice
Coupe très bien
Coupe très bien
Très bon achat!
C'est un très bel objet! Je le donne en cadeau pour Noël et aimerais bien en avoir un également ! La livraison a été plus rapide que prévue.
Très satisfaite, il coupe très
Très satisfaite, il coupe très bien et en plus est joli
Couteaux
Parfait !
Bread knife
It is gorgeous ❤️
Très bel article fait par
Très bel article fait par un artisan de chez nous et avec une belle présentation.
Gorgeous.
Gorgeous.
Un excellent achat. Bravo à
Un excellent achat. Bravo à nos artisans d'ici.
Très belle finition du bois.
Très belle finition du bois. Se tient bien dans la main. J'aime bien encourager les artisans d'ici.
Purchased this as a gift
Purchased this as a gift & was very happy with the quality. Works very well & love that it's made in Canada!
semble efficace
semble efficace
Super beau
Super beau
Bread knife
I've been using the ARBOL bread knife for a year now and I have to say it's become my favourite knife. I love that it is hand made in Canada. The craftsmanship is beautiful and if anyone is looking for a truly unique give, this is the one.
Beautiful
Have always wanted a bread knife and this one is beautiful and slices like a charm.
bien construit et très coupant.
bien construit et très coupant.
Mon appréciation
Belle qualité du travail. Très heureuse de l'initiative de Simons de collaborer avec les artisans d'ici
Je l'adore!
Je l'adore!
Beau et bonne lame
Beau et bonne lame
Beau et bon.
Il travaille aussi bien qu’il est beau
Très beau produit qui fonctionne
Très beau produit qui fonctionne bien
Beautiful product but the slice
Beautiful product but the slice was larger then I expected so a returned it.
Very difficult to use, manouver.
Very difficult to use, manouver. The design is unique however not practical. Have to really turn the knife to get the blade in the right position to work.
très utile
très utile
Très joli et coupe très
Très joli et coupe très bien, mais blest pas conçu pour une gauchère. Je devrai dévisser et tourner la lame. Peut être aurais-je dû lire davantage avant d'acheter
Élégant
Élégant
Un produit québécois tout a
Un produit québécois tout a fait convenable
Coupe très bien.
Coupe très bien.
Très bon produit
Beau et efficace
Love it!
Super sharp and so easy to slice thick even slices!
Pas encore essayé mais le
Pas encore essayé mais le couteau est bien fait.
Conforme à ma demande. Il
Conforme à ma demande. Il correspond à celui que j'avais acheté dans les années 1980 à St-Jean-Port-Joli.
Bread knife
There is something very special about this knife. Beautiful construction & follow through with something so simple yet so elegant. I love the look, the feel, the style . A solid 10 from our home to yours. This knife if counterart when not in use. Obsessed with how good it is for what it is. If you love bakery bread, Then you need this knife. Not a gadget ,it is a kitchen must have.
Purchased as gift. Will be
Purchased as gift. Will be appreciated, looks beautiful
Q&A
4 answered- What are the three varieties of genuine wood available for the bread knife?
- The three varieties of genuine wood are walnut, cherry, and maple.
- How should the wood handle be maintained and cleaned to prevent damage?
- Clean the wooden handle by wiping it with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. Never submerge the knife in water or put it in the dishwasher. To prevent drying, apply food-safe mineral oil or wood oil every few months.
- What type of steel is used for the blade and how well does it retain sharpness over time?
- The blade is made from hardened steel. According to the manufacturer, it is very sharp and does not need to be resharpened.
- How does the ambidextrous design work to switch the blade side?
- To switch the blade side for left- or right-handed use, simply unscrew the blade from the handle and reattach it on the opposite side.