Messermeister Oliva Elite 9” Scalloped Bread Knife - Fine German Steel Alloy Blade & Natural Mediterranean Olive Wood Handle - Rust Resistant & Easy to Maintain

I have to say, I've been very resistant to purchase any knives other than Japanese made knives, however, considering that japanese manufacturers don't typically make a bread knife, I decided to go with a german knife (there is logic in this, germany is known for its bread and therefore they must have good bread knives). I was very surprised when I received this knife to see the craftsmanship, it is very light and has an amazing blade, not like other german brands I have seen in stores, where the lighter knives are cheaper and feel like the handle is hollow. This is sturdily built, cuts deep and smooth, and looks beautiful. If you buy any german brand of cutlery, Messermeister is the one I have found to be the nicest.Definitely the best bread knife I have had. And I cannot get over how awesome it looks in my knife block, with the mix of other japanese wood handle knives.

Do not put in the dishwasher - it will ruin the olive wood. This knife is perfectly balanced, sharp, and well designed. I can tell I will be using this for many years to come.

Like the other reviewer I usually prefer Japanese knives, but I'd prefer a European brand for bread knives. This looks beautiful with my other wood-handled knives. Appropriately enough, it also cuts bread, or anything else you happen to place in front of it. I almost cut off the end of my thumb while cutting up some stale baguette for croutons, but not to worry, I still made the croutons despite the bleeding.

Be sure to inspect your knife upon delivery. Mine, which was sourced by DaSalla’s through Amazon was clearly a counterfeit. Not only was the font of the etching wrong, The information etched on the blade is also completely incorrect. The handle is also pretty clearly not the high quality olive wood It should be and the fit of the handle to the blade is substandard as well. Luckily, I already own several knives from this collection and spotted the differences almost immediately. Beware if this is your first knife from the Oliva line. The packaging looks to be direct from Messermeister but the knife is complete crap. Would avoid buying anything from DaSalla’s. They either were complicit or have really slipshod quality control.