Magnetic Racks
Magnetic racks are a fantastic space saving way to store knives. Racks need to be attached to the wall and this is most commonly done using screws however this is not very renter friendly so, while less secure, they can be mounted using double sided tape as an alternative. Magnetic racks are a great storage option to show off all of your knives and see exactly which blade you are reaching for when cooking. Using a rack is one of the most hygienic ways to store your knives and is favoured among professionals.
Blocks
Blocks come in all different shapes and sizes and are one of the most popular ways to store kitchen knives in the kitchen. Your knives must be clean and dry before they are stored in a block as some can be difficult to clean. Many brands produce their own blocks, but many ‘universal’ blocks are also available. Knife blocks have to be practical for ease of use and protect the blades however a well-designed block can also act as a centrepiece in any kitchen and show off your knives!
Many knife brands also produce their own Knife blocks, and they are usually configured to fit their own knives best as there is a certain uniformity of design and house style, so this is something to consider when purchasing your knife block.
Things to look out for with blocks:
Check that there is a way to clean the blocks, sometimes the slots can get dirty.
Check that the block will fit the size of the knives you want to put in. Some blocks do not fit knives over a certain length or width.
Check that you like the look of the block. Is it stylish is it trendy, will it look good in your kitchen?
Chef’s Wallets, Cases and Bags
These are specially designed bags for transporting knives around. These are excellent for keeping your knives safe whilst on the move and will often feature special knife slots to keep your knives separate and protected from damage. They can come in a variety of materials like canvas and Leather. The most secure cases are made from Kevlar and nylon, with zips that even the sharpest knives will not escape from. These are particularly useful for professional chefs who travel a lot and want to keep the tools of their trade close at hand.
Sayas/Knife Guards
Knife guards are protective sheaths that fit over knives. They can be useful for storing knives inside chef’s wallets, or in drawers, preventing the blade from getting scratched by other items stored with it. Good sheaths will cover the blades securely and can be made from various materials including Leather and Plastic. A Saya is a traditional Japanese wooden sheath that dates to the time of the samurai and accompanied their katana swords. Each Saya was carved bespoke to their individual sword for a perfect fit to ensure the blade did not float in the sheath and damage the expert polish on the surface of the katana. Nowadays you can find universal fit sheaths and guards however you will still need to consider the length and width of your knife to fid the appropriate fit.
Drawer Racks
The least common storage solution. These racks fit into drawers where the knives can be stored standing on the bolster or with the blade placed into slots. The main advantage of these systems is keeping the knives hidden and out of the reach of children while protecting them from being damaged by other items in the drawer.