If this isn’t your first time to come across our reliable write-ups about knives, this also wouldn’t be the first time that you’d read about our assertion for you all to get high-quality pieces that aren’t just functional but also beautiful and long-lasting.
You have also probably seen this as a common tip in our reports: one way to protect your kitchen investments is to store them properly.
Here are the most common
Conventional Countertop Blocks
This is a block with slits on top where you can slide the blade of your knives into. It is the most popular because of several reasons:
• The pieces are within reach
• The blades are well-protected because these are kept in individual slots
• The whole set can be moved when needed
• It comes in various sizes, materials, and colors so you’ve got a lot to choose from.
Drawback:
Most designs are quite bulky and take a bit of space, especially if your workspace isn’t that large.
Brand Options:
Zwilling Super
In-Cabinet Trays or Docks
While placing your knives inside the drawers is safer especially if you have young kids, this is not advisable because the pieces could rattle around and against each other when you’re opening and closing the drawer.
But with this nifty in-drawer storage with slots, the blades lay flat in the slots and are kept from dulling caused by the accidental clattering against the wood and other metals.
Drawback:
Most designs available have fixed measurements and might not readily fit in standard-sized drawers (it will be smaller)
Brand Options:
Wusthof 7-Slot Wooden Tray, OXO Good Grips Organizer, Oceanstar In-Drawer Bamboo Organizer
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!
Wall or In-Cabinet Magnets
A favorite among the minimalistic crowd, this features a magnetic strip that can hold steel knives and other metallic items.
Although it comes in various styles – plain grey or silver band or covered in thin wood veneer – this is usually mounted on the wall closest to the food prep area.
However, other people install this inside their drawers so that the knives can lay flat on the surface but won’t clatter like they normally would when cabinets are opened and closed.
Drawback:
Unless you buy a really good brand, your knives might just fall off the strip which is quite dangerous. Also, most of those really good brands are quite pricey.
Brand Options:
Cucino Magnetic Strip (adhesive), Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Magnet Bar, Premium Dark Walnut Magnet
Wall Hangers or Slots
Just like magnetic strips, this is affixed on the wall for convenience, blade protection, and user safety.
Different variants can be found in the market today:
• Hooks on adhesive bars
• Rods that can be drilled close to the wall
• Metal racks with individual slots on top
Drawback:
Usually made of metal, these hangers may blunt the blades every time it gets pulled out or inserted back in.
Universal Holders
This is similar to the conventional
Instead of the carved spaces, the block is filled with flexible rods made of plastic (much like that children’s toy kinetic sand) which will adapt to any piece that is pierced through it.
This is becoming all the rage these days because it is a real ‘one size fits all, especially for home cooks who buy knives per piece instead of per set.
Drawback:
This can be incredibly expensive.
Brand Options:
Cook N Home Natural Bamboo Holder, Mantello Stainless Steel Universal
Bag or Rolls
Commonly seen among chefs,
Although this comes in various fabrics, the design is pretty standard: a long piece of sturdy cloth with individual pockets for the handles and a top flap that can be folded over the whole set. Once covered, this can be rolled and then secured with laces or a button.
Drawback:
This is not a convenient option for home cooks.
Brand Options:
Ayasa Canvas Roll Bag, Elite Chef Waxed Canvas
Sheaths
The oldest type of protective casing for blades is the sheath.
And this is still the favorite among campers, hikers, and people who love the outdoors in general because they can just bring one or two knives, keep them in sheaths, and then place them in their backpacks or slung in their belts safely.
Drawback:
These are best made to order because sheaths, whatever material was used for it, will only work if it is snug around the blades.
Let’s Recap
Here’s a quick look at all the
| Space | Usability | Sanitation | Safety | Price | |
| Countertop Blocks | Bulky | For all | Hard to clean | Very safe | Fair |
| In-Cabinet Trays or Docks | Substantial | For all | Moderate | Very safe | Fair |
| Magnetic Strips | Compact | For all | Easy to clean | Good enough | Pricey |
| Wall Hangers and Slots | A bit bulky | For all | Easy to clean | Good enough | Fair |
| Universal Holders | Substantial | For all | Hard to clean | Very safe | Pricey |
| Rolls or Bags | Compact | For a few | Easy to clean | Very safe | Fair |
| Sheaths | Compact | For a few | Hard to clean | Very safe | Pricey |
What Should You Get?
On top of the aspects noted in the chart above, the most important consideration is the number and type of knives that you use daily.
For example, if you only have the five essentials and have no plans of adding to them, a magnetic strip or a universal handle would work well for your simple and sparse air.
But if you have a wide array of blades, go for those 20-slot
The important thing here is that you have a good place to keep your knives well-protected.
Ryan Leavitt
Hi my name is Ryan Leavitt a Marine Corps Veteran and currently an over the road trucker (Long Haul). I am no expert chef but am enjoying preparing my own meals on the road and testing all the different knives.
We give these knives a quick twirl and review, and then we pass them on to a few lucky home chefs!