Carrying a $400 Japanese gyuto, a cleaver, a paring knife, and a honing rod in a plastic grocery bag is how good blades get chipped. I learned that the hard way back in culinary school, and it is exactly the problem the best chef knife rolls and bags are built to solve. After comparing eight of the most recommended options on the market for 2026, I want to walk you through what actually holds up under daily line-cook abuse and what looks better on Instagram than it performs in a real kitchen.
Our team looked at leather, waxed canvas, plain canvas, and nylon options ranging from $19.99 up to nearly $95. We paid close attention to the things that matter when you are sprinting to a catering gig at 5 a.m.: knife capacity, edge protection, strap durability, water resistance, and how the roll actually feels loaded up with steel. Reddit threads from r/Chefit and r/chefknives shaped a lot of our thinking, because those conversations cut through marketing copy fast.
Whether you are a culinary student buying your first carry setup, a private chef who needs to look polished in front of clients, or a competition cook hauling 20+ knives across state lines, there is a roll on this list built for your situation. Let’s get into the picks, starting with the three that impressed us most.
Our Top 3 Tested Knife Rolls for 2026
Out of the eight rolls we evaluated, three separated themselves from the pack based on a balance of material quality, capacity, and value. These are the ones we would actually buy with our own money.
Aaron Leather Goods 10-Pock…
- Premium buff calf leather
- 10 pockets
- 10-year warranty
- Holds 18 inch knives
HERSENT Waxed Canvas 11-Slo…
- Waxed canvas
- 11 slots
- Holds 18.8 inch knives
- Buckle closure
- Four colors
QIQU 24-Slot Canvas Knife Bag
- 24 slots
- Puncture resistant canvas
- Shoulder strap
- Holds 17 inch knives
Comparing the Best Chef Knife Rolls and Bags in 2026
Here is the full lineup side by side so you can quickly scan material, capacity, and rating. Every product below has been individually reviewed in the sections that follow.
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Aaron Leather 10-Pocket Roll
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Rustic Town Buffalo Leather Roll
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ELIZO Full Grain Leather Roll
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Angus Stoke Buffalo Leather Roll
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JOINDO Double Layer Waxed Canvas Roll
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HERSENT Waxed Canvas 11-Slot Roll
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QIQU 24-Slot Canvas Bag
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Ergo Chef 5-Pocket Bi-Fold
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1. Aaron Leather Goods 10-Pocket Knife Roll – Handcrafted Premium Carry With a 10-Year Warranty
Leather Knife Roll Storage Bag, Elastic and Expandable 10 Pockets, Adjustable/Detachable Shoulder Strap, Travel-Friendly Chef Knife Case (Dark Brown, Leather)
Buff calf leather
10 elastic pockets
Holds 18 inch knives
10-year warranty
Detachable shoulder strap
Pros
- Handcrafted buff calf leather with vintage buckle closure
- Stretchable elastic pockets accommodate various handle sizes
- Zippered accessory pouch for tools and steels
- Backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty
- 2193 reviews with 87 percent 5-star ratings
Cons
- Heavier at 4.9 pounds than canvas alternatives
- Premium price point
This is the roll I would personally buy if I were investing in a carry setup I wanted to last a decade. Aaron Leather Goods stitches each roll by hand from buff calf leather, and the craftsmanship shows the moment you pick it up. The dark brown leather has that broken-in vintage feel from day one, and the two classic buckles cinch the roll tight enough that nothing shifts in transit.
Inside, the 10 elastic pockets stretch to accommodate everything from a slim paring knife up to an 18-inch slicer. That elasticity matters more than people realize, because rigid canvas slots force you to fight wide Western handles. The zippered pouch on the side is perfect for a honing rod, thermometer, peeler, or kitchen shears.
What pushes this to the top of our list is the 10-year manufacturer warranty. Almost no knife roll brand stands behind their product that long. With 2193 reviews and an 87 percent 5-star rating, real chefs are confirming that this roll survives professional kitchens, catering gigs, and years of travel.
Leather Quality and Aging
The buff calf leather used here is full grain, meaning the top layer has not been sanded down or corrected. That translates to a denser, more puncture-resistant surface that develops a patina rather than wearing out. After a year of daily use, expect the leather to darken and soften without losing structural integrity.
Unlike canvas, leather does not absorb cooking odors or grease the same way. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps the exterior looking presentable for client-facing private chef work.
Capacity and Pocket Layout
Ten pockets sound modest compared to the 24-slot QIQU, but the elastic design lets you carry wider tools comfortably. Most chefs fill 6 to 8 slots with primary knives and reserve the rest for a honing rod, peeler, and shears. The zippered pouch adds the equivalent of two more storage spaces.
The roll handles knives up to 18 inches long, which covers virtually every chef knife, slicer, and even a salmon blade on the market.
Portability and Strap System
The detachable shoulder strap clips onto web handles and lets you carry a fully loaded roll hands-free. At 4.9 pounds empty, this is not a featherweight option, but the leather distributes the load better than thin canvas straps that dig into your shoulder.
2. Rustic Town Genuine Leather Chef Knife Roll – Full Grain Buffalo Leather With Brass Hardware
RUSTIC TOWN Leather Knife Roll Storage Bag | Elastic and Expandable 11 Pockets with Tool Pouch | Adjustable/Detachable Shoulder Strap | Travel-Friendly Chef Knife Case Roll (Walnut Brown)
100% full grain buffalo leather
11 knife slots
Heavy duty brass buckles
Easy-carry handle
3.53 pounds
Pros
- 100 percent full grain buffalo leather construction
- Holds 11 knives plus accessories like shears and rods
- Heavy duty brass buckles for secure closure
- Easy-carry handle built for daily transport
- 91 percent 5-star rating from 634 reviews
Cons
- Premium price above 80 dollars
- No shoulder strap included
The Rustic Town roll is the one chefs reach for when they want old-school butcher-shop aesthetics without paying Boldric prices. Made from 100 percent full grain buffalo leather, this roll has the heft and presence of a tool that belongs in a professional kitchen, not a dorm room.
Eleven slots give you room for a complete knife kit plus a few accessories. The brass buckles close with a satisfying weight, and the integrated handle makes hand-carrying comfortable even when the roll is fully loaded.
Buffalo Leather Construction
Buffalo leather is denser and more abrasion-resistant than typical cowhide. That extra density is what gives this roll its sturdiness and the rich feel multiple reviewers mention. The leather arrives slightly stiff and breaks in over the first few weeks of use.
Capacity for Working Chefs
Eleven slots cover the full working set most line cooks and catering chefs need: chef knife, santoku, paring, boning, slicer, bread knife, petty, cleaver, plus space for shears and a honing rod. Reviewers consistently note the slots handle both Western and Japanese handles without issue.
Who This Roll Suits Best
This is an excellent gift roll for culinary students graduating into their first professional kitchen, or for executive chefs who want to look the part when walking into a client’s home. The lack of a shoulder strap is the main trade-off versus the Aaron Leather option.
3. ELIZO Leather Knife Roll Bag – Compact 4-Slot Roll With Saddle-Stitched Edges
ELIZO Leather Knife Roll Bag Professional Chef Knife Case, Durable Knife Sheath Holder, Cooks & Culinary Tools Carrying Storage, Portable Knife Wrap – 4 Slots
Premium full grain leather
4 dedicated slots
Thick suede interior
Drawstring closure
1 lb lightweight
Pros
- Premium full grain leather with thick suede interior
- Puncture resistant suede flap protects blades and fingers
- Saddle-stitched edges for long-term durability
- Compact 17 x 14 inch size at only 1 pound
- USA-owned brand with satisfaction guarantee
- 87 percent 5-star rating
Cons
- Only 4 slots limits total knife count
- Drawstring closure less secure than buckles
The ELIZO roll is the answer for chefs who carry a small, curated kit and want premium materials without lugging a full bag. At just one pound, this is one of the lightest leather rolls we tested, and the 87 percent 5-star rating across 402 reviews tells us buyers are extremely happy with the quality.
The four slots are intelligently sized: two for medium-to-large knives, one for smaller knives, and one specifically for a honing rod. The thick suede interior protects blade edges and your fingers when reaching in.
Saddle-Stitched Construction
Saddle stitching uses two needles and a single thread, which means if one stitch breaks the rest hold. This is the same technique used on high-end leather goods that last decades. Cheaper machine-stitched rolls unravel after a single broken thread.
Ideal Knife Kit Size
Four slots is not a limitation if your everyday carry is a chef knife, paring knife, serrated utility, and a honing rod. Many Reddit chefs on r/Chefit advocate exactly this minimalist approach. If you routinely carry 8 or more knives, look at the Aaron or Rustic Town instead.
Drawstring Closure Trade-Off
The drawstring rolls up and ties securely, but it is not as locked-down as a buckle or zipper system. For kitchen-to-kitchen transport this works fine, but for air travel we would add edge guards for extra insurance.
4. Angus Stoke Genuine Leather Knife Roll – 7-Slot Buffalo Leather Classic
Knife Roll Bag Genuine Leather – Chef`s knife bag 7 slots – Leather Knife Case Sam (dark-brown/antique)
High quality buffalo leather
7 pockets in different widths
Two buckle closure
16 x 15 inches
Classic sleek design
Pros
- High quality buffalo leather looks and feels premium
- Seven pockets in varying widths for different knife sizes
- Two buckle closure keeps knives secure during transport
- Classic sleek design that ages well
- 73 percent 5-star rating with strong leather quality feedback
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Knife slots not elastic so wide handles may fit tight
Angus Stoke brings a German engineering sensibility to the leather knife roll category. The Sam model measures 16 by 15 inches and uses high quality buffalo leather that reviewers describe as both durable and good-looking. The two-buckle closure is simple and secure.
Seven pockets in different widths let you organize a working chef kit without forcing a cleaver into a paring-knife slot. This is a thoughtful detail that cheaper canvas rolls often get wrong.
Variable-Width Pocket Design
The slot widths range to fit everything from a thin filet knife to a wider santoku handle. This eliminates the common complaint of wide Western handles jamming into narrow slots. You trade the elasticity of the Aaron Leather roll for more structured organization.
Leather Aging and Patina
Buffalo leather ages the way good leather should: darker, softer, more character. Multiple reviewers comment on how the roll looks better after six months than it did out of the box. This is a buy-it-once option if you can find it in stock.
5. JOINDO Double Layer Waxed Canvas Knife Roll – Leather Straps and Metal Buckles
JOINDO Knife Roll with Leather Straps and Metal Buckles, Double Layer Waxed Canvas Knife Bag, Large Chef Knife Bag with Handle and Shoulder Strap
Double layer waxed canvas
9 slots each 7.5 inches deep
Leather handle and straps
Zinc alloy buckles
Includes blade tip protectors
Pros
- Double layer waxed canvas resists water and punctures
- Nine slots sized from 1 to 4 inches wide
- Leather handle and adjustable shoulder strap included
- Side zip pocket for accessories and tools
- Comes with blade tip protectors
Cons
- Larger size feels bulky when not fully loaded
- Heavier than single-layer canvas rolls
The JOINDO roll is the bridge option between budget canvas and premium leather. Double-layer waxed canvas gives you the water resistance and durability of canvas with a more refined look thanks to leather straps and gold-tone zinc alloy buckles.
Nine slots give you room for a working kit, and the included blade tip protectors are a nice value-add that other rolls in this price range do not include. The shoulder strap and leather handle give you two carry options.
Double-Layer Waxed Canvas Performance
Waxed canvas is what Reddit chefs on r/TrueChefKnives consistently recommend for durability and water resistance. The double-layer construction here means a knife tip is far less likely to poke through, and a sudden rain shower on the walk to your car will not soak your blades.
Slot Depth and Knife Compatibility
Each slot is 7.5 inches deep, which covers most chef knives and slicers. Slot widths range from 1 to 4 inches, so you can fit a paring knife next to a wide cleaver handle. The 10-inch top flap folds over the knife spines for extra protection.
Value Compared to Leather Alternatives
At roughly one-third the price of the Aaron Leather roll, the JOINDO gives you a similar look and most of the same functionality. You trade the 10-year warranty and patina-aging leather for water-resistant canvas and a side zip pocket.
6. HERSENT Waxed Canvas 11-Slot Knife Roll – Budget-Friendly Workhorse With Massive Review Base
Chef’s Knife Roll Bag,Waxed Canvas Knife Cultery Carrier,Portable Chef Knife Cases,Knife Pouch Holders With 10 Slots Plus 1 Zipper Pockets Can Hold Home Kitchen Knife Tools Up To 18.8”
Waxed canvas construction
11 knife sleeves
Holds knives up to 18.8 inches
Two buckle closure
Available in four colors
Pros
- 11 sleeves hold a complete working knife kit
- Holds knives up to 18.8 inches long including slicers
- Cut and puncture resistant waxed canvas
- Available in blue grey tan and army green
- 2172 reviews with 74 percent 5-star ratings
Cons
- May not fit oversized custom knife handles
- Canvas is thinner than double-layer options
The HERSENT roll is the budget pick we recommend most often to culinary students and home cooks who want a serious carrier without spending leather money. With 2172 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most battle-tested knife rolls on Amazon.
Eleven sleeves give you room for a full set of knives plus a few accessories. The waxed canvas is cut and puncture resistant, and the roll comes in four colors so you can match it to your kitchen gear.
Waxed Canvas at a Budget Price
Getting waxed canvas at this price is impressive. The wax treatment makes the canvas more water-resistant and stiffer than untreated canvas, which helps the roll hold its shape when loaded. You will need to rewax the canvas every year or two to maintain water resistance.
Knife Capacity and Length
Eleven slots with support for knives up to 18.8 inches covers everything a working chef would carry. The two-buckle closure keeps everything tight during transport. Multiple reviewers mention using this roll for catered events, BBQ competitions, and culinary school.
Color Options and Aesthetics
The four color options (blue, grey, tan, army green) are unusual at this price point. Most budget rolls are black-only. If you want your roll to stand out or color-coordinate with your knife kit, HERSENT gives you that flexibility.
7. QIQU 24-Slot Canvas Knife Bag – Maximum Capacity at a Budget Price
Chef Knife Bag With 24 Slots Cutlery Knives Holders Protectors, Kitchen Travel Cooking Tools, Portable Canvas Knife Roll Storage Bag Chef Case for Camping or Working with an Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Puncture resistant canvas
24 slots
Holds knives up to 17 inches
Adjustable shoulder strap
0.91 lbs lightweight
Pros
- 24 slots offer the most capacity on this list
- Puncture resistant 14.63 ounce thickened canvas
- Lightweight at just 0.91 pounds
- Adjustable shoulder strap included
- Holds knives up to 17 inches including tang
Cons
- Slots only fit small to medium knife handles
- Canvas material less premium than leather
For chefs who carry an extensive kit, the QIQU 24-slot bag is the value champion. At a price that barely covers a single premium knife, you get a puncture-resistant canvas roll that holds two dozen blades and tools, plus an adjustable shoulder strap.
The 24 slots are designed for small to medium handles, which makes this bag ideal for culinary students and home cooks with Japanese-style knives. If your kit is heavy on wide Western handles, look at the elastic-pocketed Aaron Leather instead.
Massive Capacity for the Price
Twenty-four slots is more than any other roll on this list. You can fit a complete knife set, a full set of utensils, thermometers, pens, and a notebook. This is the roll competition cooks and catering chefs reach for when they need everything in one carrier.
Thickened Puncture-Resistant Canvas
The 14.63-ounce canvas is meaningfully thicker than budget nylon rolls. This is the same category of canvas used in high-end tool rolls. Double stitching at the seams keeps the slots from tearing under load.
Portability and Weight
At just 0.91 pounds, this is the lightest roll on the list, which is impressive given the capacity. The adjustable shoulder strap is the carry method of choice when the roll is fully loaded with 20-plus tools.
8. Ergo Chef 5-Pocket Bi-Fold Knife Case – Lightweight Nylon for Minimalist Travel
Ergo Chef 5 Pocket Chef Knife Case Roll Bag Bi-Fold (Black) Lightweight – Durable Nylon / Polyester Blend– Perfect for the Busy Traveling Chef
Nylon polyester blend
5 elastic pockets
Bi-fold design
Zipper closure
6.4 ounces
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at just 6.4 ounces
- Five elastic pockets secure knives of varying sizes
- Bi-fold design packs flat for travel
- Name tag area for identification
- Well-known Ergo Chef brand with 1308 reviews
Cons
- Only 5 pockets limits total knife count
- Edge guards not included
- Nylon less durable than canvas or leather
The Ergo Chef bi-fold is the most portable roll on this list. At just 6.4 ounces, it is the roll you throw in a backpack or suitcase when you only need to bring a few blades. The Ergo Chef brand is well-known in the culinary world, and the 1308-review base reflects that trust.
Five elastic pockets hold a working kit of chef knife, paring, serrated utility, boning knife, and a honing rod. The zipper closure is more secure than a simple tie, and the bi-fold design packs flat for travel.
Nylon Polyester Blend Trade-Offs
Nylon and polyester blends are lighter and cheaper than canvas and leather, but they are also less puncture-resistant and wear out faster. For an occasional travel roll, this is fine. For daily line-cook use, expect to replace it every 12 to 18 months.
Ideal Use Cases
This roll shines for culinary students moving between classes, private chefs traveling with a small kit, or home cooks who want to bring knives on vacation. The name tag area on the back is a thoughtful touch for shared kitchen environments.
What to Add for Full Protection
Ergo Chef does not include edge guards, and we strongly recommend adding them. A set of plastic blade guards for 10 to 15 dollars transforms this from a light-duty carrier into a serious travel setup.
How to Choose the Best Chef Knife Roll or Bag for Your Kit
Choosing the right knife roll comes down to matching the carrier to your actual daily use, your knife collection, and your budget. Here is how we think about the decision after testing these eight options.
Leather vs Waxed Canvas vs Plain Canvas vs Nylon
Material is the single biggest factor in both price and longevity. Full grain leather (Aaron Leather, Rustic Town, ELIZO, Angus Stoke) lasts the longest, ages the best, and offers the most professional appearance. Expect 5 to 10-plus years of daily use. The trade-off is weight and price.
Waxed canvas (HERSENT, JOINDO) hits the sweet spot for most working chefs. It is water-resistant, puncture-resistant, and significantly lighter than leather. Plan to rewax every 12 to 24 months and expect 3 to 5 years of daily use.
Plain canvas (QIQU) is budget-friendly and holds up well for occasional use. It absorbs water more readily than waxed canvas but is thicker and more puncture-resistant than nylon.
Nylon and polyester blends (Ergo Chef) are the lightest and cheapest option. They are best suited for occasional travel or as a backup roll, not for daily professional use.
Knife Capacity and Slot Sizing
Count your knives before buying. As a rule, buy a roll with 20 percent more slots than your current kit, because knife collections grow. If you carry wide Western handles (Wusthof, Victorinox, Henckels), look for elastic pockets (Aaron Leather, Ergo Chef) or variable-width slots (Angus Stoke). Narrow Japanese handles fit comfortably in any roll on this list.
For maximum capacity, the QIQU 24-slot bag is unmatched. For a curated kit, the ELIZO 4-slot roll forces intentional selection and keeps weight down.
Portability: Handle, Strap, or Backpack
How you carry matters more than people realize. A shoulder strap is essential if you carry more than 8 knives, walk long distances, or use public transit. Handles work for short carries from car to kitchen. If you also carry a laptop, tablet, or change of clothes, consider a knife backpack (Chef Sac makes a popular option) instead of a roll.
For air travel, look for buckle or zipper closures and add individual blade guards. Drawstring closures can shift during baggage handling.
Water Resistance for Transit
Waxed canvas and leather both shed light rain better than plain canvas or nylon. If you commute on foot or by bike in wet weather, prioritize waxed canvas (HERSENT, JOINDO) or treat plain canvas with a fabric waterproofing spray. Leather rolls can be treated with leather conditioner that adds water resistance.
Warranty and Brand Reputation
Most knife rolls ship without a warranty. The Aaron Leather 10-year warranty is exceptional in this category. ELIZO offers a satisfaction guarantee from a USA-owned business. Beyond that, look at review count and 5-star percentage as proxies for long-term durability. Rolls with thousands of reviews (HERSENT at 2172, Aaron at 2193, Ergo Chef at 1308) have proven track records.
Budget Tiers and What to Expect
Under 25 dollars, expect plain canvas or nylon with 5 to 24 slots and a one to two year lifespan. The QIQU and HERSENT are the standouts here. From 30 to 50 dollars, you get waxed canvas or entry-level leather with better hardware and a three to five year lifespan (JOINDO, ELIZO, Angus Stoke). Above 80 dollars, you are buying full grain leather that should last a decade (Rustic Town, Aaron Leather).
FAQs
What is the best knife roll for professional chefs?
For working professional chefs, the Aaron Leather Goods 10-Pocket Knife Roll is our top pick. It combines handcrafted buff calf leather, 10 elastic pockets that fit knives up to 18 inches, a detachable shoulder strap, and a 10-year manufacturer warranty. It has 2193 reviews with an 87 percent 5-star rating from real chefs using it in daily service.
How do I choose a chef knife bag?
Choose a chef knife bag by matching material, capacity, and portability to your needs. Start with material: leather lasts longest, waxed canvas balances weight and water resistance, and nylon is lightest for occasional travel. Then count your knives and add 20 percent for capacity growth. Finally, decide on a carry method: shoulder straps for heavy kits, handles for short carries, and backpacks if you also carry a laptop.
What features matter most in a knife roll?
The five features that matter most in a knife roll are puncture-resistant material to protect fingers and blades, properly sized slots that fit your knife handles without forcing, a secure closure (buckle, zipper, or tight drawstring), a carry method that handles the loaded weight, and water resistance for commuting in wet weather. Reinforced stitching and a warranty are bonus indicators of long-term durability.
Are knife rolls better than knife bags?
Knife rolls are better for chefs who want a compact, lightweight carrier that lays flat for fast access at a station. Knife bags and backpacks are better when you also need to carry a laptop, tablet, change of clothes, or larger tool sets. Rolls typically hold 4 to 24 knives and pack smaller, while bags offer more accessory storage at the cost of bulk.
What is the best budget knife roll?
The best budget knife roll is the QIQU 24-Slot Canvas Knife Bag at under 20 dollars, which offers the most capacity of any roll on our list with puncture-resistant 14.63-ounce canvas and an included shoulder strap. The HERSENT Waxed Canvas 11-Slot Roll is a close second if you prefer waxed canvas and a smaller capacity.
How many knives fit in a standard knife roll?
A standard knife roll holds between 4 and 11 knives. Compact rolls like the ELIZO carry 4 knives for minimalist kits, mid-range rolls like the Angus Stoke and JOINDO carry 7 to 9, and high-capacity rolls like the Aaron Leather, Rustic Town, and HERSENT carry 10 to 11. Specialty rolls like the QIQU extend up to 24 slots for competition cooks and caterers.
Final Verdict: Which Chef Knife Roll Should You Buy in 2026?
If you want a roll that lasts a decade and looks better with every year of use, go with the Aaron Leather Goods 10-Pocket Knife Roll. The 10-year warranty and 2193-review track record make it the safest long-term investment on this list.
If you want professional-grade storage at a working chef’s price, the HERSENT Waxed Canvas 11-Slot Roll gives you the best balance of capacity, durability, and value. The QIQU 24-Slot Canvas Bag wins on raw capacity and is unbeatable for competition cooks and catering chefs on a tight budget.
For culinary students, the Ergo Chef bi-fold is the lightest travel option. For private chefs and gift-givers, the Rustic Town buffalo leather roll and ELIZO full grain leather roll bring the polish that client-facing work demands.
Whatever you choose from our roundup of the best chef knife rolls and bags for 2026, add a set of edge guards if your roll does not include them. The roll protects the knives from each other, but the guards protect the edges from everything else.
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