Stop Making This Knife Storage Mistake and Get a Magnetic Knife Holder Instead

Whether you prepare meals daily or just like to whip up snacks from time to time, chances are you own at least one kitchen knife that you enjoy using. You may have even more than that — there are so many different kinds that come in handy when cooking, from small paring knives to huge butcher’s knives and meat cleavers. As a former cook and someone who shops for and tests out kitchen items for a living, I have dozens of knives hanging out in my kitchen at any given moment, and if they aren’t organized, my space can quickly become dangerous. I’m here to tell you that where you store your knives and how you maintain them are just as important as having ones you love to use.

If you have a random drawer in your kitchen full of knives, that’s a surefire way not only to damage your knives, but to eventually hurt yourself. I see it all the time, and I never hesitate to point it out. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: Just grab a magnetic knife holder.

Aomiesen Magnetic Knife Block

This super handsome, understated acacia wood block has a double-sided magnet, so you can store knives, kitchen shears, honing rods, and more on each side. The block has an anti-skid base so you won’t risk knocking it over and harming your knives or yourself. It’s also big enough to hold a solid group of knives, but it’s not going to take up a ton of space with its 4- x 12- x 10-inch build. It’s an ideal piece of organizational gear to keep on your counter, kitchen island, or shelf. 

Modern Innovations 16-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar

If a wood stand doesn’t work in your space, you could always go with a magnetic strip on your fridge, wall, or backsplash — I have two of these Modern Innovations strips on the side of my fridge and they’re excellent. The magnets are incredibly strong, and knives always stay exactly where I stick them.

There are a lot of great reasons to pick up a magnetic block or strip. For one, if you have knives you’re proud of, like a fancy Japanese chef’s knife or a sharp, snazzy santoku knife, it’s not only OK to show them off — it’s a good idea! And more practically, a magnetic block prevents you from reaching blindly into a drawer full of loose knives (which sounds like something from a horror movie, honestly), and it also saves your knives from being chipped, scuffed, or getting dull from sliding around. 

Traditional wooden knife blocks can also be a good solution, but you do risk your blade rubbing against the wood and dulling when you take the knife out and put it back in; with a magnet, however, the blade has almost no contact with anything. In my experience, my magnetic knife racks have had virtually no visual effect on my knives at all, which is great for their longevity.

Whether you’re trying to prevent injury, preserve your knife quality, or want to show off your favorite blades, getting a knife block is a marvelous idea. Grab this acacia wood rack or my go-to stainless steel option while both are on sale.

Shop More Knife Storage

HMagnets Premium 17-Inch Magnetic Knife Holder

Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block

Hoshanho Magnetic Knife Strip

Joseph Joseph DrawerStore Knife Organizer

At the time of publishing, the price was $30.