Have you decided to place your knives in a knife block? Or simply to optimize your kitchen equipment? Keep your knives close at hand? The KnifeLeader team gives you its advice on choosing a knife block!
First of all, why buy a knife block? A knife block allows you to store your knives very securely. It also allows you to have your knives at your immediate disposal, as they are essential tools for your culinary preparations. Last but not least, the knife block allows you to showcase your kitchen knives and give your kitchen a professional, aesthetic look.
There are several types of block:
Universal blocks (plastic fiber basket)
Classic blocks of different materials: wood, bamboo, plastic, fiber, even cement or silicone.
Magnetic blocks
Plastic fiber blocks (or black straws) are often used for ceramic knives, but you can also use them for steel knives, as they pose no problem and will not damage your ceramic knives. The special feature of this knife block is that it can easily be used with knives of different brands, regardless of blade thickness or height.
Universal blocks are mainly made of polypropylene fiber with a thermoplastic rubber coating. They're ideal for any knife with a blade no longer than 20cm. You can still store knives with larger blades, but part of the blade will be visible and the aesthetic appeal will be diminished.
These knife blocks are durable and long-lasting, and thanks to their fibers, your blades won't be scratched. What's more, thanks to the flexibility of the fibers, you won't have to worry about your knives colliding. In most cases, the plastic fibers are removable, so you can clean your knife block from time to time to remove any roughness or deposits.
Classic blocks, unlike universal blocks, have pre-defined slots to accommodate certain types of knives.
In fact, you won't be able to place just any knife in your block; everything will depend on the size of the slot in your knife block, its length as well as its height. It's important to choose your block according to the knives you own, because if you choose a classic knife block, you may not be able to fit all the knives you already have or those you want to buy. They are designed for well-defined knives.
Magnetic blocks are also available, enabling you to safely display your knives while giving your kitchen a designer touch. Magnetic blocks are available in beech, bamboo, ash and pear wood. Please note, however, that magnetic blocks cannot be used for ceramic knives, which have no steel to adhere to the block.
Ideally, you should choose a knife block from the same brand as your kitchen knives, as this allows you to keep the brand's own design and build up your knife range with a brand accessory. But please note that this is not an obligation! Most kitchen knives have equivalent blade thicknesses and heights. So you can choose a knife block from one brand and buy kitchen knives from another.
However, if you want to make life less difficult for yourself, you can of course choose to buy a block with kitchen knives, as many brands do to highlight their ranges. This is often a good deal, as the price of the block with knives is always less than if you were to buy the products individually.
Some blocks even allow you to place your sharpening steel, cutting board, poultry shears and scissors in the block, so you can optimally equip your kitchen. Thanks to these specialized slots, you'll be equipped like a chef for all your favorite recipes!
To maintain your blocks, we recommend washing them by hand. Dishwashers are not recommended for these products, as they can damage them and no longer protect your knives. A little soap and water is all you need to get your blocks clean. For wooden knife blocks, you can also use an oil to give your material an extra shine.
With these few tips, we hope we've helped you choose your knife block, full or empty, in different materials!
Find all our wooden knife blocks on KnifeLeader.eu, as well as all the others!
