A serrated knife earns its place in the block right alongside your chef's knife, especially once you're dealing with crusty bread, delicate cake layers, or slippery-skinned tomatoes and citrus. This 10-inch blade is Misen's longest serrated option, and the extra length matters here — it lets you draw through a whole loaf or layer cake in fewer strokes, which means fewer crumbs and cleaner slices. The AUS-8 Japanese steel and wave-style serrations are built to saw through tough crusts without crushing the soft interior underneath.

The sloped bolster gives your fingers a natural pinch grip and keeps them clear of the blade, which is especially reassuring on a long knife like this one. If you're rounding out your knife roll, a paring knife handles the small, precise jobs this blade isn't meant for, while a 3-piece knife set is worth a look if you want serrated, chef's, and paring blades to match. This knife also comes in other finishes, like the black version, if you prefer a different look on your counter.

Care is simple: hand wash and dry it right away, skip the dishwasher, and plan on sharpening every 4-6 months to keep those serrations cutting cleanly instead of tearing.