Best-Knife-Block

The 10 Best Knife Block for Safer Knife Storage

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Not only is the knife block a solution for storing knives securely, it also reduces the risk of damage to blades (and fingers!) which can occur when you store your knives in a drawer. Using a knife block also ensures that all of your knives are in easy reach while you are preparing food, yet not quite so easy to reach by smaller family members.

Knife blocks are available as traditional countertop designs, in-drawer and as magnetic blocks. In this article, we take an in-depth look at these main types of knife block and consider both their advantages and their disadvantages, especially in the context of child safety. We also take a look at a range of knife blocks on the market to assist you in choosing the best knife block for your kitchen.

Best Pick

Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block

The Noble Home & Chef in-drawer bamboo knife block is our best pick, sealed with food grade lacquer and able to store 12 knives and a sharpening steel in a standard sized drawer.

Budget Pick

Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo in Drawer Knife Block

The Bellemain in-drawer bamboo knife block is our budget pick for storing up to 16 knives in your kitchen drawer.

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Knife Blocks


1. Noble Home & Chef In-Drawer Bamboo Knife Block  

Highlighted Features

  • An in-drawer knife block suitable for standard sized drawers
  • Made from MOSO bamboo, it measures 17" long, 9" wide and 2" tall and will take up to 16" long knives
  • This has 12 slots plus a slot for a sharpening steel
  • Has been finished with a food-safe lacquer and can be washed with soap and water

Suitable to fit in standard sized drawers, the Noble Home & Chef in-drawer bamboo knife block contains 12 knife slots and an extra slot for a sharpening steel. This block is designed to take knives edge down and the knife slots have been tested with different knife brands. The larger slots will take up to 16" long knives and these are further apart to allow for the larger handles.

Made from high grade and renewable MOSO bamboo which has been sealed with an FDA approved food-safe and water resistant lacquer, this block measures 17" long, 9" wide and 2" tall. As the bamboo is sealed, it can be washed with soap and water, but not cleaned in the dishwasher.

The odd buyer has received a block which has not been constructed properly and there can be some rough edges which may need a little attention. It can also be more awkward to remove the steak or smaller knives from the block as these sit flush to the top of the block.

Pros

  • In-drawer block
  • Takes 12 knives and sharpener
  • Fits standard drawers
  • Bamboo
  • Lacquered

Cons

  • Quality control may not always be the best
  • Some buyers have received blocks with rougher edges
  • It can sometimes be awkward to remove the smaller knives

2. Bellemain 100% Pure Bamboo in Drawer Knife Block 

Highlighted Features

  • An in-drawer knife block measuring 17" long by 5.3" wide by 2" tall
  • Constructed from MOSO bamboo it is designed to fit in standard sized drawers
  • Able to store up to 16 knives blade edge down
  • Can be cleaned with soap and water

Able to store up to 16 knives of different sizes blade edge down, the Bellemain in-drawer bamboo knife block fits in a standard kitchen drawer. Measuring 17" long by 5.3" wide by 2" tall, this is made from MOSO bamboo. This block can be cleaned with soap and water and should be oiled occasionally to extend its life. Some buyers have struggled to fit 16 knives into this block and like any knife block, it may not always fit all sizes or styles of knives while still allowing the drawer to close properly.

Pros

  • In-drawer block
  • Takes 16 knives
  • Made from bamboo
  • Washable

Cons

  • May not always fit 16 knives in it
  • With larger knives/handles there is a risk that you may not be able to close the drawer properly
  • Should be oiled occasionally to maintain the bamboo

3. Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block

Highlighted Features

  • This angled countertop knife block measures 10.2" long by 9.2" high and 4.8" wide
  • It has 20 slots to take a variety of knives and accessories such as a sharpening steel
  • Has rubber feet on the base to prevent it from slipping
  • This bamboo effect block can be cleaned with a cloth

The countertop Cook N Home bamboo wood knife block contains 20 slots for holding commonly used knives, including a cleaver, a chef’s knife and accessories such as a sharpening steel up to 9" in depth. This angled block measures 10.2" long by 9.2" high and 4.8" wide and should be cleaned just by wiping over with a cloth. This block also has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from slipping.

Some buyers have been disappointed to find that this block is not made from natural bamboo as advertised, instead, it is a bamboo veneer, and there can be a risk of it cracking over time. Some owners have also found that the slots are not wide enough to take the larger chef’s knives.

Pros

  • Countertop knife block
  • 20 slots
  • Bamboo
  • Holds knives and accessories
  • Has non-slip rubber feet

Cons

  • Made of a bamboo veneer rather than solid bamboo
  • Slots are not always wide enough to take larger knives
  • There is a chance of it cracking over time

4. Kapoosh Dice Knife Block 

Highlighted Features

  • A universal countertop knife block measuring 10.5" high, 5.5" wide and 7.5" deep
  • Can take a variety of knives with blades up to 8" long
  • Contains patented food-grade plastic flex rods that conform to the shape of the blades
  • The rods are top-rack dishwasher safe

The light oak wood grained Kapoosh dice knife block is a countertop knife block designed for universal knife storage. This angled rectangular block contains patented food-grade plastic flex rods that conform to the shape of and hold knives with blades up to 8" long in place. The flex rods can be removed from the block and washed on the top rack of the dishwasher.

This block stands 10.5" high, 5.5" wide and 7.5" deep, and blades can be inserted anywhere in the block and at a variety of angles. The design of this also means it can take more knives than standard knife blocks which have pre-marked slots. This comes with a one year limited warranty.

Over time, the flex rods can become bent or get pushed down towards the base which makes it difficult to insert knives and although the rods are dishwasher safe, it is not always easy to clean and put back together.

Pros

  • Countertop knife block
  • Universal storage
  • Stores knives up to 8" long
  • Food-grade flex rods
  • One year warranty

Cons

  • The rods become bent or pushed down over time
  • Not always easy to clean

5. Kuhn Rikon Vision Knife Block 

Highlighted Features

  • Countertop knife block made from transparent plastic measuring 8.25" wide by 8.5" high by 2.75" deep
  • Has a flexible inlay to store knives and shears up to 8" long
  • The base is weighted to prevent to block from tipping
  • This block can be dismantled for cleaning

The Kuhn Rikon Vision knife block is a transparent countertop knife block with a flexible inlay which can take different sizes of knives and shears up to 8" in length. The inlay can be removed to clean the block and the base of the block is weighted to prevent the block from tipping over. This measures 8.25" wide by 8.5" high by 2.75" deep.

The odd buyer has commented that the flexible inlay is not as heavy duty as expected and if this block does get knocked over, there is a risk of the plastic cracking. Although the inlay holds larger knives in place well; smaller knives can slide about as there is not enough tension in the inlay to hold them in place straight.

Pros

  • Countertop block
  • Transparent
  • Takes knives/shears up to 8" long
  • Weighted base
  • Dismantles to clean

Cons

  • There is some risk of damage to the plastic if the clock is tipped over
  • The inlay does not hold smaller knives in place as well
  • Some buyers consider the inlay could be heavier duty than it is

6. Wusthof 35 Slot Grand Block 

Highlighted Features

  • A countertop knife block containing 35 storage slots
  • This will store up to nine chef’s knives, 14 other knives, a pair of kitchen shears, a cleaver, meat fork and sharpening steel
  • Made from natural wood it measures approximately 13" long by 7.75" wide and 10.4" high
  • Has non-slip rubber feet to prevent slipping and provide stability

Made from natural wood, the Wusthof grand block has 35 slots to store a variety of knives and other accessories. This countertop block will store up to nine different chef’s knives (including those with wide blades), eight steak knives and 14 other knives, as well as space for a cleaver, meat fork, kitchen shears and a sharpening steel.

This wooden block also has four rubber feet to prevent it from slipping and provide stability and it measures approximately 13" long by 7.75" wide and 10.4" high, although this larger block may not fit your smaller knives quite as well as it does larger ones.

Some buyers have received this block damaged and have been unsure as to whether this damage is from manufacturing or poor packing for shipping, and there may be some other minor quality control issues. There can also be some confusion as to whether this block is covered by the manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty.

Pros

  • Countertop block
  • 35 slot
  • Natural wood
  • Non-slip rubber feet

Cons

  • Uncertainty as to whether this comes with a lifetime limited warranty from Wusthof
  • There can be some minor quality control issues
  • Smaller knives may not fit in this block as well as larger knives

7. Kapoosh Urban Universal Knife Block

Highlighted Features

  • An aqua blue colored contemporary and universal knife block
  • This slimline design measures 9" long by 9" high by 2" wide and can hold blades up to 8" long
  • Contains food-grade flex rods that shape to blades and will not chip or dull them
  • The flex rod insert can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher

The Kapoosh Urban knife block is a contemporary design in aqua blue color. This slimline block measures 9" long by 9" high by 2" wide and will store blades of up to 8" long. This knife block is a universal block and contains food-grade flex rod inserts that conform to the shape of the blade and will not dull or chip the edge. The flex rod insert is also removeable and can be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher. This block also has non-slip rubber feet for safety.

The flex rods can become bent over time which can make it more difficult for them to hold the knives in place. The rods can also be looser around the top of the block which means they will not hold smaller knives as securely as the larger ones.

Pros

  • Universal knife block
  • Flex rod storage
  • Contemporary design
  • Slimline

Cons

  • The flex rods are prone to bending over time and with use
  • May not hold smaller knives as well as the rods can become looser around the top of the block

8. Boker Magnetic Block 

Highlighted Features

  • A countertop magnetic block measuring 11.25" by 10" wide and 6" deep
  • Comprises seven panels which are black colored wood
  • Will hold seven knives, including larger knives
  • Has a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer

The Boker magnetic block (30400) is a countertop block comprising seven wooden panels which contain magnets to allow knives to stick to the side of the block. This black block can hold seven knives, including larger ones, and measures 11.25" by 10" wide and 6" deep. This also comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Knives can only be placed around the front of the block which does limit its storage capacity and some owners have found that the block scratches easily and when it is scratched, the color underneath the black finish can show through.

Some buyers have also noted that the magnets appear to be placed centrally on each panel which means each knife has to be placed carefully and centrally when returned to the block.

Pros

  • Magnetic block
  • Countertop
  • Wooden
  • Holds seven knives
  • Lifetime limited warranty

Cons

  • This can only hold seven knives around its outer due to magnet placement
  • The black finish of the block can scratch easily
  • Extra care is needed when replacing knives to ensure they attach properly to the magnetic area

9. Artelegno Magnetic Knife Block 

Highlighted Features

  • A magnetic countertop knife block designed and made in Italy
  • Measuring 9.84" by 4.9" by 8.25" it contains five ‘layers’ and can store 10 knives up to 11.6" in length
  • Produced from sustainably harvested beechwood through green friendly manufacturing processes
  • Is finished with a stain resistant and food-safe lacquer

The countertop Artelegno magnetic block is designed and made in Italy by green-friendly manufacturing processes. Made from sustainably harvested solid beechwood which is finished with a food-safe and stain resistant lacquer, this angled knife block measures 9.84" by 4.9" by 8.25" and it comprises five ‘layers’ and positions for ten knives up to 11.6".

The odd buyer has found this block can be too top heavy and more at risk of tipping if used to store heavier knives. It will only also store ten knives maximum as the magnets just run down each side of the layers.

Pros

  • Magnetic block
  • Countertop
  • Holds 10 knives
  • Made in Italy
  • Green manufacturing
  • Sustainable beechwood

Cons

  • There is more risk of this tipping if used to hold larger/heavier knives
  • This can only store 10 knives due to the position of the magnets

10. Cutlery and More 25-slot Walnut Universal Knife Block 

Highlighted Features

  • A universal knife block to store 14 knives, eight steak knives, shears, carving knife/fork and sharpening steel
  • Made from solid wood with a real walnut wood veneer
  • This angled block measures 12.5" deep by 9.75" high by 6.5" deep
  • Has rubber feet to prevent it from slipping on the countertop

Containing 14 universal knife slots, the Cutlery and More walnut angled knife block is made from solid wood with a real walnut wood veneer. This block also has a slot for a sharpening steel, kitchen shears, carving knife and fork and eight slots for steak knives.

It measures 12.5" deep by 9.75" high by 6.5" deep and has rubber feet to prevent any slipping on the countertop. Some buyers have been disappointed with quality of the finish of this block, especially where the slots have been drilled out and have found that these can be on the rough side.

Pros

  • Countertop knife block
  • Universal
  • Solid wood
  • 22 knife slots plus accessory slots
  • Non-slip rubber feet

Cons

  • Some owners have found the finish of this block to be less than ideal
  • The wood around the slots may also need some fine sanding or finishing

Things to Consider Before Buying A Knife Block

Keeping knives in the drawer with other silverware not only increases the risk of blunting or even damaging the blades, but of also catching your fingers when you are taking things out of the drawer. Using a knife block keeps your knives all together and is a key way to help keep knives away from small and inquisitive fingers.

Safety of The In-Drawer Knife Block

In-drawer knife blocks are usually designed to fit into a standard kitchen drawer. An in-drawer knife block contains individual and different sized slots for knives. Most of these store the knives cutting edge down for extra safety, although some designs will store them blade edge up to minimize damage to the blade edge.

If you do have younger kids at home, then a blade edge down in-drawer block can be safer when used in combination with a suitable drawer child lock, locking hasp or padlock.

Advantages and Disadvantages of The Countertop Knife Block

Often made from natural or synthetic woods, the countertop knife block contains measured slots to take particular sized knives. You may want to take some time and measurements before buying a new block to make sure that as many of your knives – if not all of them – will fit in the new block.

Some countertop blocks will also have slots for additional tools such as poultry shears and sharpening steel, which means you can keep them all together.

If a countertop block is wood, then it can be difficult to select the right knife when you are using it; especially if your knives have the same handles because they are made by the same manufacturer and have similar sized handles.

Traditional wooden countertop blocks are also difficult to clean and there can be the chance of moisture building up inside the block which can then cause mold to grow in the slots. Storing a wooden block away from direct heat and moisture sources such as the stovetop and sink can help reduce moisture build up, as can making sure your knives are always thoroughly dry before returning them to the block.

A wooden countertop block, or any other type of wooden knife block can cause some blunting of knives over time. Each time you take a knife out and return it to the block, the cutting edge runs over the wooden surface. To try to avoid this, when you take and replace a knife in the block, keep the backside or spine of the knife pressed against the wood rather than the cutting edge of the blade.

Some countertop blocks are made from clear plastic or acrylic, and these types of block make it easy for you to select the correct knife, as well as suiting more contemporary kitchens.

If you own a knife set from a particular manufacturer then it is worth checking if that manufacturer also makes knife blocks and as these are often sized to take the knives manufactured by that company.

Other types of universal countertop knife blocks are those which contain flex rods or thin polypropylene strands. These blocks can store any type or size of knife – up to the manufacturer’s recommended length – and unlike other types of knife block, you can also use these to store ceramic knives. When you insert a knife into one of these types of block, the flex rods part and bend to hold the blade in place.

These blocks are often made from wood or synthetic materials and can be taken apart so you can clean the flex rods, although over time, the rods will bend and can break which means it becomes harder to insert knives.

Countertop blocks can be on the larger side and as they are often diagonally spaced to allow you to remove knives easily, they can take up a lot of countertop space, although the design of angled blocks means you can place the block in a locked high wall cabinet away from kids - while still allowing you to take knives out and replace them safely.

Those blocks with top slots do not take up as much room as angled blocks and also keep the handles higher and away from younger family members, although there can still be the risk of them reaching for the block and managing to tip it over. These top slot styles are more difficult to store in a high cupboard as you will need to take the block out to remove and replace the knives.

The Magnetic Knife Block

Often made from wood or synthetic materials a magnetic knife block is ideal for storing knives as well as other metal kitchen utensils. Magnetic blocks are available as countertop blocks and as wall mounted blocks or strips. For a wall mounted magnetic block, you will need suitable wall space available for this type of block.

Magnetic blocks contain strong magnets or magnetic strips which allow the steel blade to firmly attach to the block. One advantage of magnetic blocks is that you can always see every part of the knife, so you always get the one you want. This is also a problem though with kids around, as if they reach to touch a knife on a magnetic block there is a much greater risk that they will cut themselves, or even, that they can fully dislodge the knife from the block.

Because blocks are often fully magnetized, there is some freedom as to exactly where on the block you place your knives and when selecting a magnetic block, it should be strong enough to hold the knives to the block but should not ‘snap’ the knife to it when you place it on the block. If the magnets are too strong, there is more risk of chipping the blade. When you place a knife on a magnetic strip, you should also ensure the spine of the blade hits the magnetic block first rather than the cutting edge.

When you want to remove a knife from a magnetic block, just hold the handle, twist and pull it away from the block, taking care not to dislodge any knives next to it. Magnetic blocks may put pressure on the tang of a knife when you remove it from the block, so if your knife does not have a tang the magnets can cause some extra stress to the stability of the knife over time.

Magnetic blocks are sometimes made of metal, but a metal block could cause scratches to the side of the blade compared to wood, which will not damage a blade.

Magnetic blocks are usually easy to maintain. They do not collect grime or food debris in the way that a traditional block can, and they just need wiping over with a damp cloth. If a magnetic block is natural wood, an occasional oiling with a food safe oil (such as olive oil) will revive the wood.

Magnetic blocks cannot be used for ceramic knives - even the handles have been metalized for safety - as the magnetic attraction is not strong enough to hold a ceramic knife.

Magnetic blocks are never the best solution when there are kids in the house, unless placed in a suitable cupboard which is mounted high and/or has a suitable lock on it.

A magnetic block or rack may be handy on the countertop when preparing food though. Placed at the back of the countertop or on the wall, a magnetic block can be used as a temporary hold for a knife for the few seconds that you need to put it down for while adding food to the pan. This may be safer than leaving it on the cutting board and in reach of small fingers.

Some magnetic knife blocks and wooden blocks are also under-cabinet blocks. These attach as a cubby underneath an upper kitchen cabinet. Like any under-cabinet fittings, you do need the clearance under the cupboard to be able to take the knives out and replace them safely. These types of block do not usually come with child-proof fittings, but you may be able to attach one to it.

Conclusion

This article has reviewed the different types of knife block available as well as considering which are the safer options when there are children in the home. Unfortunately, no knife block is ever fully child-proof, but a combination of the right block along with child locks and storage height, can help keep knives out of reach of curious fingers.

We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that you can now choose the safest and the best knife block for your home – whether you prefer an in-drawer design, the strength of a magnetic block, or the traditional wooden block.
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Riley Anderson

Riley runs a small foodservice business that supplies restaurants with new commercial equipment, tab...

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