The Best Way to Store Kitchen Knives
As one of the most important tools in the kitchen, it’s important to take the best care of your knives to ensure that they remain sharp - and therefore safe.
Whether you have a few kitchen knives or a whole collection of them, you have probably thought about what the best way is to store your knives. Ultimately, this all depends on personal circumstances, including how many knives you have, and how much space you have in your kitchen.
But one thing is for sure: proper knife storage will help to maintain the integrity of your knives and extend their lifespan. Whilst it might seem easier to just pop them in the drawer, you will not regret investing in a form of knife storage. A form of knife storage will not only help maintain the performance of your knives but also allow you to store them more neatly and access them more easily.
There are many different options available to store your kitchen knives, but which ways are more of a help than a hindrance? In this article, we take a look at how to store your kitchen knives, highlighting what to look for in knife storage, as well as the best ways to store your knives safely without having to worry about accessibility - or aesthetics!
In this guide:
- The Intro
- What to Look For in Knife Storage
- Knife Bags and Cases
- Knife Blocks
- Drawer Knife Holders
- Knife Sheaths
What to Look For in Knife Storage
When it comes to knife storage, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the key aspects to look for in knife storage solutions:
- Safety: Look for options that securely hold the knives in place and protect their blades, preventing accidental cuts and injuries
- Blade protection: The storage should offer proper blade protection to prevent the knives from coming into contact with other utensils or surfaces that could damage or dull the blades
- Easily accessible: A knife storage solution should keep knives organised, and the knives should be easy to remove and put back into the storage without hassle
- Size: Choose a knife storage option that fits your current knife collection and allows for some growth in case you plan to add more knives later
- Counter space: If you opt for a knife block or magnetic strip, consider how much counter space it will occupy and make sure it fits well in your kitchen layout
- Durability: Invest in a high-quality storage solution that will stand the test of time. Durable materials and well-constructed designs will ensure the storage remains functional and safe for years to come
How to Store Your Kitchen Knives – The Best Methods
Now let’s go into some more detail about forms of knife storage.
A Magnetic Knife Rack
Not got a lot of countertop space or simply want to have your knives easily accessible, a magnetic knife rack is a perfect solution.
Available in any size to fit any space you require, the magnetic strip can be placed anywhere on the wall in a kitchen. The blades of the knives are attracted to the magnet, keeping the knives held in place, but allows for the quick removal for ease of access.
Another benefit of a magnetic strip to hold your knives is that you can put as many knives as you need on it. Sometimes you may need a knife that you didn’t realise you would need, so rather than fumbling around in an unorganised drawer and potentially injuring yourself in the process, why not have all your knives on display and ready to use?
The magnetic strip also reduces the risk of blunting the knife edge during storage. If improperly stored, the edge can dull, making the knives less effective and, therefore, more dangerous. The sharp edge doesn’t touch anything on the magnetic strip, leaving the edge crisp and sharp.
Our Best-Selling Magnetic Knife Rack
The Global G4240 magnetic knife rack stands out as a sleek and space-saving solution, elevating both the organisation and aesthetic of your culinary workspace. Shop the Global G4240.
Knife Bags and Cases
Although they may seem like a more professional solution, knife bags and cases can be ideal for even the most casual of cooking enthusiasts. The mobile nature of a bag or a case means that they can be easily transported and put away when they’re not needed.
Perfect for those with kitchens which can’t spare any drawer space, but need more security than a magnetic strip or knife block (in a kitchen where children have access to, for example). Knives can be taken from the case or bag and replaced when they’re finished with. No drawers for kids to accidentally open, or knives on display for them to reach for.
They’re also the perfect solution for those who prefer using their own tools if they are cooking elsewhere. Easy to pack up and keep compact, if you’re a real cooking-enthusiast who regularly attends courses or enjoys cooking for friends and family, it is definitely worth investing in a knife bag or case to keep all your blades safe and sharp and, more importantly, all together.
Our Best-Selling Knife Case
The Wusthof Empty 12 Slot Knife Case offers both professional chefs and home cooks a secure and portable haven for their blades. Shop the Wusthof Empty 12 Slot Knife Case.
Knife Blocks
Knife blocks are usually the first solution you think of when the topic of storing knives arises. So why have we left it to near the end of our guide?
Knife blocks can be a good storage solution, but they can be restrictive if you have a large number of knives, or a hindrance if you have a small countertop area to work with. Also, even if you currently have a suitable number of knives for a knife block, you may want to buy additional knives in the future, which would require a different knife storage solution. However, if you don’t envisage buying more knives anytime soon and are just looking for one set of knives with a set number of blades, they could be the ideal solution.
The blocks keep the knives accessible and safely hide the blade within the block. It is important to make sure that the knives are placed in the block carefully, however, as the cutting edge can easily be dulled if the blade has pressure on the sharp edge.
If you are intending to keep the number of knives you own the same, then a knife block can be a reliable, cost-effective solution.
Our Best-Selling Knife Block
The KAI Shun Knife Block merges exquisite craftsmanship with practicality, providing a stunning countertop display. Keep your cherished knives safe with the Kai Shun Knife Block.
Drawer Knife Holders
If you prefer to keep your knives away from prying eyes, or need to keep them out of sight for safety, you may opt to use a drawer to store them in.
While it is generally not advisable to keep knives in a drawer due to the increased chance of blunting the blade as they roll around and bump into each other, there are holders which are specifically designed to keep knives in place and safe.
These holders are often made up of a divider with small sections and drawer fixture where the blade sits, keeping the knives in a horizontal position and in place so that they stay still. The handles of the knives are usually rested on a block to keep the blade from resting on the bottom of the drawer.
Our Best-Selling Knife Drawer Knife Holder
The Robert Welch Signature Knife Storage Drawer is a luxurious bamboo-accented drawer which embodies elegance and efficiency. Shop the Robert Welch Signature Storage drawer.
Knife Sheaths
Knife sheaths are a great option for those who have knives which don’t fit into their existing knife storage options, or simply if they only have a few kitchen knives in their possession which may not require a whole different storage solution. After all, if you’re only going to have a chefs knife and a paring knife, you won’t need to buy a whole knife block or case to store them in.
These sheaths simply slide over the blade to protect it from damage and equally protect you from getting injured when rummaging around in a drawer to find them. They’re also a good idea if you use a bag or a case as extra protection.
Depending on your needs, there is a knife storage solution for everyone – you just need to determine what you need from your storage. Do you need it to be accessible, or can it be stored away until you need to use it?
Our Best-Selling Knife Sheath
The Global Leather Knife Sheath provides a secure and stylish home for your knife, enhancing its durability while adding a touch of elegance. The Global Leather Knife Sheath is available in small for blades up to 11cm long, medium for blades up to 16cm long, large for blades up to 18cm long and extra large for blades up to 20cm long.
Are You Looking for Some Guidance on Kitchen Knife Storage?
At Kitchen Knives, we’re here to help you find the perfect solutions for all your kitchen knife needs. If you need help, or just need more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. We’re happy to help in any way we possibly can.