Which kitchen tool is best suited for cutting through the crust of bread without squishing it?

The best tool for cutting through the crust of bread without squishing it is a bread knife. A bread knife typically features a long, serrated edge designed specifically to handle the tough outer crust while allowing the softer interior to be sliced cleanly. The serrated blades grip the crust and saw through it, providing a clean cut that maintains the bread's structural integrity.

In contrast, a chef knife and a utility knife have straight blades that are not as effective for this purpose. They may compress the soft interior of the bread more than a serrated blade would. A paring knife is even more suited for precision tasks with small fruits and vegetables rather than slicing larger items like bread. Thus, the unique design of the bread knife makes it the most suitable choice for this task.