The Biggest Knife Storage Mistake Almost Everyone Makes
Sharp knives are easier to use, more accurate, and less prone to slipping, making them safer than dull knives. While regular sharpening and honing can keep your knives sharp and ready for use, there are ways to reduce the rate at which your knives become dull, such as learning how to store them properly.
When your knives have a proper storage space you can keep your blades protected so that they don’t dull between uses, increasing both the longevity of the blade and the safety of the knife. We spoke to an expert chef about knife storage to discover the best storage methods for your knives and what to avoid when you are putting your knives away.
Why Proper Knife Storage Matters
Proper knife storage is crucial to maintain blade sharpness, prevent damage, extend the tool's lifespan, and ensure safety. Storing knives improperly, such as by tossing them loose into your utensil drawer, leads to dulling, nicks, or chips caused by friction with other utensils, while also creating serious safety hazards when reaching into drawers.
Bruno Lopez, executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, says that “safety is the primary reason for proper knife storage. Knives are the most important tools in any kitchen, but they must always be sharp and handled with respect. Proper storage protects the blade, maintains its edge, and most importantly prevents accidental cuts when reaching for or handling the knife.” Additionally, by protecting your high-end knives, you protect your investment in these high-quality tools.
Related: These Everyday Items Can Sharpen Your Knife in Minutes
The Best Ways to Store Knives
Best Overall: Magnetic Knife Strip
Magnetic knife strips are excellent for preserving blade sharpness and saving counter space by storing knives on a wall, backsplash, or under cabinets. For the best results, mount the strip securely with screws, place it in a location away from children, and position knives with the spine toward the magnet and blade facing away to prevent damage. This method of knife storage ensures that all knives, regardless of size, can be stored safely in a location that is easy to access and clearly visible.
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Best for Safety: In-Drawer Knife Organizer
One of the best ways to store knives in a drawer when you have a home with kids is by using a dedicated in-drawer organizer, such as a bamboo block, slotted tray, or silicone holder, which keeps blades separated, protected from damage, and safe for handling. These options keep countertops clear and prevent knives from dulling against each other, but they also keep your knives out of sight and out of reach, so your kids don’t accidentally grab them.
Best for Easy Access: Knife Block
Knife blocks are an excellent storage solution. They're widely used because they protect blade edges from dulling, organize your knives for easy access, and prevent damage that may otherwise be caused by banging the knives against other utensils in a drawer. However, depending on the knife block, you may have difficulty fitting knives of every size due to the limited slot sizes. Additionally, knife block slots can trap bacteria, especially if you put your knives away when they are not completely clean or fully dry.
Best for Travel: Knife Roll or Case
Knife rolls and cases are the best portable storage solutions, protecting edges from damage while offering organization for chefs on the go. Knife rolls are ideal for flexibility and compact storage of multiple knives, while cases provide superior, rigid protection and impact resistance. A knife roll or a case has individual slots for each blade, always ensuring your knives remain clean, dry, and properly stored for maximum safety.
Best Budget Options: Blade Guards and Sheaths
Blade guards and sheaths can be effective for knife storage because they prevent blades from dulling or chipping against other utensils, while improving safety by covering sharp edges. They protect the blade from damage and are also ideal for storing unique or specialized knife shapes. “After knives are properly cleaned and sanitized, using blade guards is one of the safest ways to store them, especially in home kitchens. Blade guards protect the cutting edge and help prevent injuries while handling or storing the knives,” notes chef Lopez.
Related: How a Knife’s Steel Type Affects Sharpening
How to Store Knives in a Drawer
Safely storing knives in a drawer requires organizing them with a dedicated in-drawer block, sheath, or rack to protect blades and prevent injuries. Chef Lopez mentions that “if knives are kept in a drawer, they should never be loose. Blade guards or the original packaging are the best options because they protect the blade and prevent accidental contact with the edge when reaching into the drawer.” Here's how to properly store knives in a drawer, step-by-step.
- Remove all items, then clean and dry the drawer thoroughly. If you want, you can also add a rubber mat to prevent knives from shifting.
- Sharpen dull blades and ensure all knives are completely dry to prevent rust.
- Measure the width, depth, and height of the drawer, especially if you plan to use a pre-made or DIY in-drawer block.
- Choose a storage method, including an in-drawer knife block, a magnetic drawer organizer, knife guards/sheaths, or even a knife roll/case.
- Insert your knives into the organizer with the cutting edge facing downward or away from the drawer opening to prevent injuries. Keep the blades separated and place heavier knives at the bottom.
- Do not overcrowd the organizer. Arrange knives by size or function, keeping handles easily accessible, and ensure that blades do not touch one another.
Related: Stop Ruining Your Knife Edge—Pick the Right Sharpening Stone With This Guide
How to Store Knives Without a Block
There are many ways to store your knives safely in your kitchen. “A knife block is not the only option. Blade guards, knife rolls, and drawer organizers are excellent alternatives, and they allow knives to be safely stored in drawers without damaging the blade. The key is always protecting the cutting edge and preventing unnecessary contact with other utensils,” says chef Lopez.
You can also use magnetic strips and under-cabinet racks to keep your knives stored safely when not in use. Magnetic strips save counter space and keep knives accessible, while under-cabinet racks keep them separated from other utensils and secure. Always avoid storing loose knives in drawers.
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Common Knife Storage Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding simple knife storage mistakes will go a long way to ensuring that your knives remain sharp and undamaged between uses. “One of the most common mistakes is tossing knives loosely into a drawer with other utensils. When different blade sizes are mixed together, it becomes very easy to reach in and accidentally grab the sharp edge, which can lead to serious cuts,” notes chef Lopez.
Another mistake to avoid is storing your knives while they are still wet or dirty, since the moisture and residue can cause the blades to rust or accumulate bacteria. You should also avoid letting the blades touch each other when you store them and using the wrong slot size in blocks, since this can dull your blades. Additionally, knives should never be left loose on the counter. Not only is this unsafe, but it also leaves the knives exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture.
Related: How To Use a Honing Steel To Keep Your Knives Razor-Sharp
Best Knife Storage Setup
The best knife storage setup prioritizes blade protection, safety, and accessibility, with magnetic strips or magnetic blocks generally considered the superior option for keeping edges sharp and preventing damage. They allow for hygienic, quick-drying storage that keeps counter space clear.
Executive Chef Lopez explains that “a knife block on the counter or a magnetic strip mounted on the wall are both excellent options. They keep knives organized, accessible, and protected while ensuring the blade maintains its edge.” If you are looking to have a balanced storage setup based on usage, then it’s recommended to use a magnetic strip for daily knives, a drawer organizer for less used knives, and a knife roll to store your specialty blades.
Related: The Secret to Razor-Sharp Knives Most Home Cooks Skip
FAQs
What is the best way to store knives?
The best way to store your knives is by using a magnetic strip or an in-drawer organizer. These methods keep the knives safe from damage, organized, and readily accessible for when you need to use them.
Is it bad to store knives in a drawer?
It can be harmful to your knives to simply toss them into the drawer without protection, so make sure you have an appropriate setup to keep the blades safe from damage and dulling before storing them in the drawer, such as an in-drawer organizer or a knife guard/sheath.
Do knife blocks dull knives?
Traditional knife blocks can dull knives over time. The constant friction of sliding metal blades against wood during insertion and removal wears down the edge, particularly if the knife rests on its sharp edge within the slot. To reduce this risk, invest in a horizontal knife block instead of a vertical knife block, or opt for a different knife-storage method.
Should knives be stored blade up or down?
When you are storing your knives, they should always be placed with the spine down and the blade up to protect the edge of the blade. The only exceptions to this are if you have a countertop knife block or an in-drawer knife block where the blade slides into a groove to hold it in place.