FAQ
General Questions
Where is it made? Is this drop shipped?+
Every bread knife is cut, engraved, and finished by hand in our Wisconsin wood shop. We do not import any products; everything is handmade in small batches.
Do you have a physical store? Where can I find you in person?+
We do not have a retail storefront. We sell online and in person at farmers markets and craft shows around Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. Follow us on Instagram @loreto_studio_woodworking to see where we will be next.
Is your wood finish non-toxic?+
Yes. Every piece is finished with food-grade mineral oil which is completely non-toxic and safe for direct contact with food and drink. Nothing we use will ever leach into your food.
I saw a similar bread knife elsewhere — is it the same?+
No. While the style may be similar, every Loreto Studio piece is an original design, handmade by the same people who designed it. When you order from us, you are getting the genuine article made by hand in our Wisconsin shop, finished with care, and backed by our guarantee.
What is your return policy?+
We offer free, no-questions-asked returns within 30 days on all non-custom items. If it is not right for you, send it back for a full refund, and return shipping is on us. Because personalized and custom-engraved pieces are made just for you, they are final sale and cannot be returned.
Do you offer a warranty?+
Yes! Every Loreto Studio piece is backed by our Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee. If anything ever fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, we will repair or replace it free of charge. We stand behind everything that leaves our shop.
What if my order arrives damaged?+
We pack every order carefully, but if something arrives damaged, contact us within 7 days with a photo and we will send a free replacement right away.
How fast will I receive my order?+
We process and ship every order within 24 hours, via USPS or UPS. Personalized or custom-engraved orders ship just as fast.
- Economy shipping: arrives in 3–5 business days
- Express shipping: arrives in 1–2 business days
Free shipping on orders over $70.
Bread Knife Questions
How does it work, and how do I use it?+
Hold the loaf steady with one hand and the knife in the other, and cut with a smooth back-and-forth motion: push forward, then pull back, letting the serrated blade saw through the crust. There is no need to press down; long, relaxed strokes and almost no downward pressure are all it takes. Let the serrations do the work. As you reach the bottom of the loaf, lightly continue the same motion to finish the slice. You can also lift the loaf slightly to cut cleanly through the bottom.
What can I cut with it?+
Built for crusty artisan loaves, but it handles just about any bread:
- Sourdough boules and rustic country loaves
- Baguettes and ciabatta
- Soft sandwich bread and brioche
- Bagels and rolls
How big is it?+
- Overall length: 17 inches
- Blade length: 10.75 inches
- Maximum slice width: 1 inch
- Thickness: 0.75 inches
What is the difference between the two shapes?+
Both shapes use the same blade, but the difference is the bow above it, and it comes down to both looks and feel:
- Busy Baker: a straight bow whose flat edge acts as a guide while you cut, helping you cut clean, even slices every time.
- Cozy Curve: a curved bow that lets you cut slightly thicker slices, and lends itself well to bagels, buns, and rolls.
A large part of the choice is simply aesthetic. Pick the shape you love.
Is there a right-handed and a left-handed version?+
Yes! The knife comes in both a right-handed and a left-handed version, and the difference is real. The two are mirror images of each other: the blade-mounting holes are drilled on opposite sides of the wood handle, so the entire knife is reversed. Because the blade is thinner than the wood handle, a knife built for one hand will not cut cleanly through the loaf when used in the other: you cannot simply flip it around. Choose the version that matches your dominant hand when you order. Your choice also determines which side the design sits on, and the engraving always faces up on the top side either way.
Do I need to sharpen or replace the blade?+
The blade is serrated stainless steel, which holds its edge for years of regular use. There is no routine sharpening to keep up with, and you should never run it through a pull-through sharpener meant for straight edges. If you ever have an issue with the blade, please reach out to Loreto Studio and we will get you a new blade right away. The blade is secured to the handle with two screws, so it's easy to replace!
How do I clean it?+
Hand wash only. Wipe the blade with warm water and a little mild soap, then dry it immediately with a towel. Never put it in the dishwasher and never let it soak in water. The handle is natural bamboo, and prolonged moisture or dishwasher heat will damage the wood.
Do I need to oil it?+
Your knife arrives finished with food-grade mineral oil and is ready to use. To keep the bamboo rich and protected, re-oil the handle with food-grade mineral oil about once a year, or any time the wood begins to look dry or pale. Wipe on, let it soak in, and buff off the excess.
What is it made of? Is it food safe?+
The handle is premium three-layer bamboo, finished entirely with food-grade mineral oil. The blade is stainless steel. Every material that touches your bread is food safe.
Can I personalize it with engraving?+
Yes. We CNC-carve your text directly into the handle in one of three styles:
- Elegant: flowing formal script
- Cottage: warm, relaxed lettering
- Modern: clean contemporary type
Personalization allows up to 50 characters and makes the knife an unforgettable wedding, housewarming, or holiday gift.