Knife Storage

Knife Storage

Proper knife storage extends the life of your knife.

Our favorite way to store blades is the knife block. We also like the magnetic strip for homes without children, pets, and the accident prone. Sheaths are fantastic for drawer and mobile storage for the chef on the go. Then of course there are the cases and bags for the portable culinary cutlery experience.

Knives should not be stored loose in a drawer. When knives are stored loosely they have a chance to strike against the blades of the other knives causing nicking and damage to the blades beyond what is considered normal wear.

Rubber banding your blades together to keep them from moving around is not a good form of storage. The rubber as it ages causes damage to the blades, and having yor blades pressed in together bows the blades, also causing damage.

If you do not have the counter space for a knife block, the wall space for a magnetic strip, nor the money to purchase individual sheaths for your blades try some flattened out paper towel rolls. Instead of letting your blades knock against each other keep the cardboard tube to store each knife. Use a sturdy scissors and cut the tube to it's needed length. Wrapping paper tubes, also, work rather well. Where the make shift sheaths are not all that pretty they still do the job.

The point here? Store your knives where the blades don't hit against each other or destructive surfaces while not in use, or really in use for that matter.

Knife Blocks

Knife Blocks come in many shapes, sizes and materials to match any kitchen decor and use.

Knife blocks, like the magnetic knife strip and sheaths are one way to properly store your knives. It is important to take good care of kitchen knives since they can last for years if they are properly maintained. By using a knife block, cooks can ensure that blades are not damaged by being knocked around. It is also important to ensure that knives fit all the way into a knife block; if part of a blade protrudes, it can be very unsafe.

If you are purchasing a block for your countertop, remember to get one with feet so that the block will not sit in puddles of sauces, grease, or other spills.

A basic knife block simply consists of a piece of wood with slots of varying sizes to insert knives securely. The knife block can also prevent warping of blades while they are stored, and it makes knives convenient and easy to access. A knife block can also be a great safety tool, as it gets knives out of drawers and off of counters and into an organized location.

Knife Block Safety and Design

For people who are especially concerned about safety, some knife blocks have child locks which need to be opened before a knife can be removed. These locks also prevent knives from falling during earthquakes, and they ensure that curious pets cannot injure themselves on knives either. Some kitchen suppliers also sell blocks which can fit into drawers, which can be convenient in a kitchen with limited space. This can also be safer, as the drawer can lock or tightly latch to prevent unauthorized access. Cooks who prefer a leaner design can purchase magnetic strips which are designed to mount to walls or cabinets; the magnet holds knives against the strip and they can quickly be removed when they are needed. The block may be designed to sit on the counter, or mount to the kitchen wall. Such knife blocks can also be built into kitchen cabinets or kitchen islands. Other materials may be used as well, although wood is a good choice because it will not nick blades as they are inserted.

Edge Up Edge Down

How do you store the knives in your knife block? Do you store them cutting edge up or cutting edge down? I believe in edge up knife storage. With many knife blocks being made of materials other than wood nicking of blades is much more prevalent. We have knives that are now 3rd generation in use; and this is due in part to edge up knife storage. Where edge down knife storage is much more optically pleasing, (which is why photographers use edge down for sales), with the curve of a nice handle it is not good for the knife blade’s edge. Think about it with edge down knife storage you are hitting and storing the blade’s edge on the knife block’s surface. This is one reason many people choose wooden blocks, like wooden cutting boards – there is less nicking on the blade’s edge.