How to Store Knives Properly: 6 Types of Knife Storage

There are several different kitchen knife storage options that you can choose from to keep your knives sharp and clean when you’re not using them. Here are six of the most common knife storage solutions:

1. 1. Edge guards: Using individual edge guards—which are plastic sheaths that go over the blades of your knives—is a great way to store your knives in the cutlery drawer while preventing injury. Edge guards also prevent your blades from dulling.
2. 2. Knife blocks: A knife block is a wooden block with individual slots carved into it for different knife types. A universal knife block will typically include slots to fit a paring knife, steak knife, sharpening rods, bread knife, chef’s knife, a meat cleaver, and kitchen shears. This countertop storage option is typically made of wood, but there are also glass knife blocks and options with rubber or plastic rods that you can use to sharpen your kitchen tools.
3. 3. Drawer knife blocks: Drawer knife blocks or knife bars fit into your kitchen drawers, with individual slots for your knife blades. Knife organizer drawer inserts are great for keeping your knives organized, protected, and out of sight.
4. 4. Leather knife rolls: Leather knife rolls is a storage accessory made from leather, featuring slots to fit various knife sizes. A leather knife roll protects the blades of your kitchen knives and easily rolls up for drawer storage. It is a popular choice for professional chefs to store and transport their knife sets to work.
5. 5. Magnetic knife strip: A magnetic knife holder is a practical option for saving counter space in your kitchen. These strips mount on your wall to provide your set of knives with a magnetic surface to which they can stick. Install magnetic strips on the wall above your kitchen workspace, and your knives will hold against the wall in a flat row.
6. 6. Magnetic knife blocks: This storage option is similar to a standard knife block but does not feature slots. The knives stick to the sides of the magnetized block, meaning the cutting edges are less likely to get damaged moving in and out of knife slots.

Poor storage can damage your knives and possibly lead to personal injury, which is why properly storing your knives is so important. Keeping these tools unsheathed in your drawer in the same compartment as other cutlery can cause minor nicks and dents that are difficult to repair and can also quickly dull your knives.

Here are some tips and techniques to consider when storing knives at home:

1. 1. Choose the right storage method. Magnetic knife strips or drawer blocks are the best options for keeping your kitchen counter space clear. Drawer docks take up drawer space, but they free up counter space (unlike knife blocks) and make your knives easily accessible.
2. 2. Consider cleanliness. Wooden knife blocks (just like wooden cutting boards) can become breeding grounds for yeast and mold if you don’t dry or clean your knives properly. The cleanest way to store your knives is in a drawer block or a magnetic strip. Knives kept on magnetic strips might also attract food splatter depending on how close your magnetic bar is to your food preparation area.
3. 3. Consider convenience. A countertop block or magnetic strip is the best choice for convenience. Knives kept in these storage units are within arm’s reach so that you can use and put them away easily.
4. 4. Select a block with sharpening features. Some countertop knife blocks and knife docks actively sharpen your knives. Look for storage blocks specifically designed to protect and sharpen your knife collection if sharpness is your priority.
5. 5. Store knives blade-up. Whether you’re using a knife block or an in-drawer knife sheath, always rest your knife on the opposite side of the blade. Resting your knife on its sharp edge will dull it.

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