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Looking for a solid storage solution for your knives? Finding the right home for high-quality knives—whether it's a knife block, magnetic strip, or something else entirely— is more than just a question of kitchen organization. The right knife storage can help your knives stay sharper longer—and help your kitchen look sharper too.
There are three basic ways you can store your knives: On the wall, in a drawer, or on the counter. The good news is, there are storage products that can help you make each scenario work for you and your knives. As artisan knife maker Bob Kramer told me: “If you take care of them, the knives will do what they’re supposed to do, and that is cut.”
Magnetic Knife Strip: Messmeister Magnetic Knife Holder Bar
If you have the space, a magnetic knife strip mounted on the wall above your counter is a great way to store your knives. It's Kramer's preferred method, because all your options are always in clear view. And unlike some of the other storage methods, a magnetic strip enables you to see every inch of every knife, so you won't have to go searching for the one you want. When picking a magnetic knife strip, keep a few things in mind: You want the magnet to be strong enough to hold your knives securely, but not too strong that the magnetic force will snap the knife to the bar. "If the magnet's too strong and you're not careful, there's a slim chance you could chip the knife," Kramer explains. To protect your blade from the dreaded "knife slap," make sure the first thing to hit the magnet and leave the magnet is the blunt backside of the blade rather than the sharp cutting side.
Drawer Knife Block: Bamboo Knife Dock with Cork Lining
Bamboo Knife Dock with Cork Lining
If you have little kids at home, chances are they might want to play with the "shiny swords" on display on the wall. So knife magnets probably aren't a go in some kitchens. That's why Kramer uses in-drawer storage for knives in his house. Out of sight, out of danger, right? But you don't want to let knives just rattle around in a drawer—you need to protect your fingers and the knife blades by holding your knives in place. For maximum flexibility, look for an in-drawer knife holder with slots that can fit a range of knife sizes. Some in-drawer storage units come with specifically-shaped slots or grooves for specific brands or types of knives, but if you have your own diverse collection from a variety of knife makers it can be frustrating to try to make your knives fit in these set slots.
Edge Guards: Noble Home & Chef Universal Knife Guards
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Another great solution for tucking your knives safely inside a drawer? Edge guards. These felt-lined sleeves protect your knives from banging around haphazardly in the drawer, ensuring sharp, scratch-free blades. The sheaths are made of BPA-free, non-toxic plastic and range in size from four to 11 inches. They're a favorite of staff writer Kendra Vaculin, whose tiny kitchen prevents any alternative knife storage solutions. Reviewers and Kendra can both attest: knives will not cut through these durable guards and never need to be replaced.
Countertop Knife Block with Top Slots: Wüsthof Designer 13-Slot Knife Block
If you have counter space to spare and want to keep your knives within easy reach of your work surface, a countertop knife block is the best option in terms of knife storage ideas. But unless you want to be confined to the limited slots of a knife block set, don't bother with the one that comes standard with a set of knives. If you've been building your own diverse collection of knives (as you should be), you'll want a block without pre-sized slots in it. Many countertop knife blocks are diagonally shaped so you can slide knives in and out at an angle, but these take up more space. To save space and for a cleaner, more elegant look, choose a block with slots at the top instead. Again, how you place and remove the knives will help protect the sharpness of your blade: When you slide the knife in and out of a slot, press the back side of the knife against the wood instead of the sharp side.
A Stylish Alternative: Mercer Culinary Genesis Tempered Glass Block
If your kitchen has a modern or contemporary aesthetic, consider this sleek, see-through knife block made of glass and stainless steel. It takes up a minimal amount of counter space, and is perfect for cooks with a pared-down knife collection. The transparency also aids accessibility: at a glance, you can see exactly which knife you're grabbing. This block is also available in wood with glass panels
The Best Standard Knife-Block: J.A. Henckels International Knife Block
If you have a more limited kitchen knife collection and are just looking for a new knife block with ready-to-go slots, try this knife organizer from Henckels International. The top slot is big enough to fit a meat cleaver, and it also has a tiny slot for your paring knife, as well as a place for your kitchen shears. Henckels has options ranging from 10 slots to 19 slots.
