Quick answer: Choose a sharp knife with a blade of about 25 to 30 cm, and a server that is stable and comfortable to lift with. Cut with a gentle sawing motion, straight down, and wipe the blade between slices. For buttercream or soft icing, warm the blade briefly and dry it before each cut.
A cake knife and server are used once and seen by everyone. Getting the slices neat makes the cake look better, and it is easier than most people think.
Choosing the knife
- Length: a blade of about 25 to 30 cm reaches across most round and square cakes without sawing the whole way.
- Sharpness: a sharp knife cuts cleanly with less pressure. A dull knife drags and squashes the sponge.
- Handle: choose a handle that is comfortable to hold with a firm grip. Ceramic and wood-effect handles look elegant, but they should be wiped and dried rather than left in water.
Choosing the server
A server with a wide, flat blade supports the whole slice. A narrow server can break a soft sponge. If you are cutting a sponge with a soft filling, choose a server with a slightly wider base.
How to cut a clean slice
- Start with a clean, dry knife. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe the blade between cuts.
- Mark the slices lightly with the tip of the knife before cutting through.
- Cut straight down, using the length of the blade in a gentle sawing motion. Do not press down hard.
- Wipe the blade clean after each slice.
- Lift each slice with the server, supporting the base.
Tips for buttercream and fondant
Soft icing can drag. Run the blade under warm water for a few seconds, dry it completely, and then cut. Repeat between slices if needed. For fondant, a sharp knife and a single clean stroke usually work best.
Tiered cakes
Cut the outer edge of the tier first, then work inwards. Keep the knife vertical so the layers stay aligned. If the cake is a wedding cake, the bottom tier is often cut for guests and the top tier kept for the anniversary, so check with the baker first.
How many slices?
As a rough guide, a 20 cm round cake gives about 12 to 16 slices. A 25 cm round gives about 20 to 24. Portion size depends on the cake, so adjust for richer, denser cakes, which need smaller slices.
Choosing a gift set
A gold-finished cake knife and server with marble handles makes a practical gift for a wedding, an anniversary or a housewarming. Check the listing for the blade and handle dimensions, and look for a gift box if you need one. Our rose marble set, black marble set, green marble set and white marble set are each sold as two pieces.
Looking after the set
Wipe the blades dry after cutting and wash them by hand. Wipe ceramic handles and dry them at once, and do not leave the set soaking. For more on care, see how to care for stainless steel cutlery.
