Xinzuo 5" Ji Bread Knife
A compact serrated Ji knife for bread, tomatoes, and delicate skins — 67-layer Damascus in a size that fits any board.
Pros
- +Serrated edge glides through crusty bread and soft tomatoes without crushing
- +Short 5" blade is easy to control and store
- +12Cr18MoV core at HRC 60±2 holds a working edge well
- +Ebony handle and stainless bolster match the rest of the Ji line
Cons
- −Too short for large loaves or baguettes — best for everyday bread rolls
- −Serrations make touch-up sharpening slower than a plain edge
- −Not a replacement for a full-size bread knife in a busy kitchen
Full review
Design
This is essentially a Ji series butter knife: 67-layer Damascus cladding over a 12Cr18MoV core, with a fine serrated edge and the same ebony-wood handle and stainless bolster used across the line. The blade is thin and slightly flexible, with a rounded tip that keeps it safe for in-hand work like buttering or spreading.
Edge retention
The 12Cr18MoV core is rated at HRC 60±2, which is more than adequate for a serrated knife that mostly sees bread, tomatoes, and citrus. Serrations hide dullness longer than a plain edge, so in practice it stays usable for months of home cooking before it needs attention.
Ergonomics
At 5 inches and under 100 g, the knife is light and easy to maneuver. The handle is the same comfortable octagonal-ish shape found on larger Ji knives, so it feels familiar if you already own one. Balance sits near the bolster, making it feel secure in a pinch grip.
Value
$56 is a fair price for a Damascus-clad serrated knife with a wood handle. It is not an essential first purchase, but it is a nice complementary piece once you already have a chef knife or bunka from the Ji series.
Specifications
| Brand | Xinzuo |
|---|---|
| Series | Ji |
| Type | Bread |
| Blade Material | 67-layer Damascus |
| Core Steel | 12Cr18MoV |
| Core Hardness | HRC 60±2 |
| Blade Length | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Handle Material | Ebony wood + stainless steel |
| Certification | CE/EU, CIQ, LFGB |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Price | $56 |
A capable small serrated knife that fills the gap between a paring knife and a full-size bread knife.
Buy on AliExpress
