For most people, a cake knife is more of an afterthought than a necessity. But for professionals, hobbyists, and cake enthusiasts, it’s a requirement.
Without a cake knife, you’ll rarely achieve an even, clean slice of cake. It’s longer than a regular kitchen knife, allowing you to cut a whole 8, 9, or 10-inch cake across the center in one fell swoop. To say that it’s convenient doesn’t give it enough justice!
In this article, I’ve reviewed some of the best cake knives you’ll find today, with individual pros and cons. I’ve also included a must-read guide on choosing the right cake knife for your next event.
Let’s get right into it!
Our top 3 Cake Knives for Formal Events & Parties
Chosen for their quality and overall functionality, these cake knives are genuine must-haves in every baker’s kitchen, professional or otherwise.
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Editors Choice
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Red-Hit Cake Knife Cutter and Spatula – Best Overall
Sleek, simple, and elegant, the Red-Hit Cake Knife can be used for every event under the sun, whether it be a wedding, engagement, or anniversary. It’s made from premium-quality stainless steel and equipped with a sturdy handle to ensure precise, controlled cuts with every use.
The handle is ergonomic, non-slip, and heat-resistant, so no matter how many cakes you cut, you won’t have to worry about slipping or cramping.
The Red-Hit cake spatula is serrated on one side, allowing you to cut, dig, and slice various cakes, fruit tarts, and pies, as well as lasagne, flatbread, and quiche.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Heat resistant
- Multi-purpose functionality
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use, especially for fondant cakes and pastries with hard crusts
Kutler Professional Cake Slicer with Serrated Edge – Best Value
The Kutler Cake Slicer is crafted from high-carbon stainless steel for maximum performance and durability. It’s available in 10 and 14-inch blade variants, with the handle measuring 5 ½ inches separately.
The handle is textured, non-slip, and ergonomic for easy use and grip. With it, you can glide through the cake with the highest control and precision.
The blade is designed to stay sharp for a significant amount of time, so you won’t have to worry about the tedious process of sharpening it.
Pros
- Non-slip handle
- Extra-long blade, making it suitable for large, wedding-type cakes
- Serrated edge allows it to cut through pies, pastries, and bread
Cons
- Susceptible to rust, so extra maintenance is needed
Lenox Cake Knife & Server Adorn Set – Best Premium Pick
The Lenox Cake Knife is one of the best-looking cake knives you’ll find. It’s simple yet luxurious, accented with a gorgeous ribbon motif. It’s the perfect choice for weddings, anniversaries, and similar high-end events, where presentation goes a long way.
This two-piece set is made of high-quality steel and plated with real silver to further enhance its appearance. The knife measures approximately 8 ¾ inches long, totaling 14 inches including the handle. The cake server is around 13 inches with a handle.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the only issue I have with the Lenox Cake Knife is its weight, which measures around 11 ounces (0.7 pounds). This is to be expected from silver-plated cutlery, but it’s certainly not the best choice for cutting a lot of cake.
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Solid construction
- An excellent option for engraving
Cons
- Above-average price point
- Not the sharpest; only suitable for cutting cakes and other soft treats
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cake Knife
Here are some of the biggest factors to consider when looking for the perfect cake knife:
Blade Length
Cake knives come in varying lengths, from seven inches to well over 15 inches.
For regular cakes, a knife measuring 8 to 10 inches will work nicely. For larger cakes, like wedding cakes or three-tier birthday cakes, search for a knife that passes the 12-inch threshold.
Longer knives allow you to cut through the cake in one stroke without damaging it.
Handle
The handle of a cake knife isn’t as important as, say, the handle of a chef’s knife or sashimi knife. However, you still want to search for a cake knife with good ergonomics. This is especially true if you’re planning to cut through multiple cakes at a time.
Most cake knives have plastic handles, but there are a selected few made of silver, crystal, or even brass. Cake knives with special handles further enhance the presentation of your cake-cutting table.
Straight Edge vs. Serrated Edge
Cake knives feature either a straight edge or a serrated edge. Serrated-edge cake knives are suitable for cutting soft cakes, while serrated-edge knives are made for cutting fondant cakes, pies, pastries, and bread.
If you’re unsure of the type you need, opt for a knife with a 2-in-1 cutting and slicing function. For lefties, you may want to search for a double-serrated edge cake knife for more comfortable use.
Weight
The cake knife should feel well-balanced in your hand: not too light nor too heavy. If the knife is too light, it’s often an indication of poor material. If it’s too heavy, it can be too tiresome to use.
Your cake knife should weigh no more than 12 ounces (0.75 pounds) and no lighter than 7 ounces (0.4 pounds).
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my guide on some of the best cake knives worth your money!
The cake knives above were chosen for their quality, construction, and overall value, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
If I had to choose, I’d say the best cake knife is the Red-Hit Cake Knife Cutter, followed by Kutler Professional Cake Slicer with Serrated Edge. Both cake knives are multi-purpose, allowing you to use them for cakes, pies, breads, and pastries.
The Lenox Cake Knife & Server Adorn Set is more suited for fancy events and soft cakes, so while not as flexible as the other two, it’s undoubtedly an eye-catcher. Once you’ve used the set, you can engrave it to remember the event for years to come.
