Hi all:

I wonder if anyone has come across the following etiquette problem (or am I the only person on the forum suffering from OCD?).

When invited to dinner parties (holidays, get togethers, etc.), I'm often asked to bring one of my homemade loaves.  Now of course, I'm pleased as punch to do so - but as I'm ready to walk out the door, loaf wrapped snugly in a basket, I stop and wonder - Should I bring a bread knife???? 

It's just a fact that most people buy their bread pre-sliced (not, "on-the-hoof", as I like to call it), and they do not have a decent knife for slicing a crusty sourdough boule.  The tearing with one's own hands is a charming methodology sometimes, if one has a baguette.  But it does tend to destroy your larger, bulkier loaves.

My point being - is it insulting to bring my own knife?  I don't think I would be offended if someone brought a good knife to my house for a cooking event.  Frankly, I'd appreciate it, since knives are such important and personal tools in the kitchen.

Just wondering if anyone else has come across this scenario.

peace & love!

karladiane