Slicer knives

Knives mounted on pins have diameter of the dowels from 3.0 to 5.0 mm, and the hole cutters from 4.5 to 5.5 mm, depending on the slicer model. Thanks to the precise adjustment of the attachment diameter, the knife operates without play or vibration.

In the bakery sector slicer disc is a term used interchangeably with band knife, so when looking for a replacement, it is worth checking both terms. Don't see your model listed? Bagmash makes customised knives for slicers for any device, including older and less popular designs. 

How do I choose a slicer blade for the type of bread?

Choosing the right slicer blade depends on the type of bread and how intensively the machine is used. Not every blade will work equally well for cutting soft wheat rolls and hard sourdough rye bread. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

Knives for bread slicers Rye and hard-skinned breads require a blade of high hardness and wear resistance. A knife that is too soft will quickly lose its sharpness on contact with the crispy crust, leading to tugging and uneven slices. This is why knives made of special steel alloys, such as those offered by Bagmash, perform much better here than cheaper substitutes.

Wheat bread and rolls are less demanding on the blade, but even here precision is important. Too much pressure or a blunted blade can squash soft flesh instead of slicing it, especially with freshly baked bread. 

Also of importance is shape and density of serration of the blade. Blades with finer, more densely spaced serrations perform better on soft wheat bread and rolls, where precision cutting is more important than strength. The coarser serrations are more effective at overcoming the hard crust of rye bread and sourdough bread, reducing resistance to entry into the loaf.

Multigrain breads and extras (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts) wears out the blade more quickly because the hard particles act as an abrasive. When slicing this type of bread intensively, it is worth checking the condition of the knife more often and not delaying replacement.

A practical rule of thumb: the harder the crust and the more hard the attachments, the more important it is to have a high hardness of blade steel. Select the knife suitable for your slicer model from the table above and make sure that the mounting dimension matches the parameters of the machine.

How do I maintain my slicer blades so that they last as long as possible?

Correct maintenance of slicer knives can extend their service life several times over. Neglect of cleaning and care is the most common reason for premature blade wear in bakeries and factories.

Daily cleaning is an absolute must. After each working shift, the blades should be cleaned of crumbs, dough residue and flour. This is best done with a soft brush or damp cloth, without aggressive chemicals that can damage the structure of the steel. Never leave wet knives without wiping them dry, as this promotes corrosion even in high-quality steels.

Storage and assembly are equally important. Knives should be stored in a way that protects the blade from knocks and scratches. Whenever assembling, make sure that the pins or fixing holes are properly seated and that the knife is not stressed asymmetrically, as this leads to uneven wear and breakage.

Sharpening of slicing knives is a task for a specialist or service centre. Banded blades have a strictly defined grinding angle and attempting to sharpen them yourself without the right equipment usually ends in the destruction of the knife. If a blade that has been regularly maintained starts to leave uneven slices or tug at the bread, this is a signal that it is time to replace it or have it professionally resanded.

3 maintenance rules to remember:

• Clean the blade after each shift, don't wait until the end of the working day
• Always install the knife according to the specifications of the slicer manufacturer
• Don't put off replacing a worn blade, a dull blade destroys the bread and overloads the slicer mechanism

Uneven cutting and knife jamming in the slicer - where do they come from and how do I fix them?

Blade jamming i uneven slices These are the most common operating problems in bakery slicers, and most of them have simple causes. Before you call for service, check the list below.

Why does the knife jam in the slicer?

• Incorrect installation - the most common cause. If the pins or fixing holes are not properly matched to the parameters of the slicer, the knife will work under tension and jam when cutting. Always check that the knife mounting size matches the specifications of the machine.
• Unsuitable knife for slicer model - Each device has a precisely defined distance between fixings. A difference of even a few millimetres causes errors in the operation of the blade.
• Accumulation of crumbs and dirt in the guide mechanism. Regular cleaning of the interior of the slicer eliminates this problem.
• Wear on the drive mechanism - if the problem occurs suddenly after a long period of normal operation, the cause may be wear and tear on the mechanical components of the slicer, not the knife itself.

Why are the slices uneven?

• Blunt blade - the most obvious cause. Instead of cutting, the knife starts pushing and tearing the bread.
• Loose knife attachment - Even a small amount of play results in blade vibration during cutting and skewed slices.
• Inadequate thickness set on the slicer - check that the cutting thickness adjuster has not been adjusted during operation.
• Bread that is too hard or unevenly baked - A crust that is much harder than the flesh causes the knife to change direction when entering the loaf.

If the problem persists after checking all of the above points, contact Bagmash Service. Early fault diagnosis is always cheaper than replacing the whole mechanism.

Custom slicer blades - individual blades for each model

Bagmash makes bespoke slicer knives, even for rare and older models of equipment that are not in the standard range. If your slicer is from a less popular manufacturer or is an older design, simply send us the necessary dimensions or blade design and we will take care of the rest.

This is a particularly valuable solution for bakeries working on tried and tested, older machines, where original spare parts are difficult to find or cost significantly more than custom production. Knife made for a specific model of slicer works more precisely, more safely and longer than a mismatched replacement.

How do I order slicer knives from Bagmasz?

Ordering slicer knives from Bagmasz is quick and easy - with orders placed by 12 noon, we dispatch the goods the same day. This way, you can avoid production downtime even if you suddenly need to replace a blade.

Terms of order:

• Orders placed by 12:00 are dispatched the same day
• On purchase two or more sets of slicer knives free shipping
• Knives can be ordered to individual specifications

Contact us:

• E-mail: sekretariat@bagmasz.com
• Telephone: 43 824 33 00

Frequently asked questions about slicer knives

How do I find out which slicer blade fits my machine?

Check three parameters: the distance between the fixings (in mm), the type of fixing (dowels or holes) and the size of the fixing (diameter of the dowels or holes in mm). You will find all these details in the specification table above. If your model is not on the list, please contact Bagmasz, we can make a custom knife.

How often should bakery slicer knives be replaced?

The frequency of replacement depends on the intensity of use and the type of bread being cut. With daily use in the bakery, the blades need to be checked every few weeks. A signal for replacement is jerking of the bread, uneven slices or a noticeably higher resistance when cutting.

Are the knives for a rye bread slicer different from those for wheat bread?

Yes. Rye bread with a hard crust requires blades with higher steel hardness and coarser serrations. Knives designed for soft wheat bread have finer serrations for a cleaner cut without squashing the flesh.

Are a slicer blade and a band knife the same thing?

In industry practice, these terms are used interchangeably and mean the same working element of a slicer. When looking for a replacement, it is advisable to check both terms so as not to miss out on available offers.

Does Bagmash ship slicer knives the same day?

Yes, orders placed by 12 noon are dispatched the same day. When purchasing two or more sets of slicer knives, shipping is free of charge.