Whether you have a large collection of knives or just need some extra storage, a knife block can be an effective way to keep them organised.
There are many DIY plans out there to help you create your own. We’ve found a few that are perfect for beginners, or for experienced woodworkers looking to hone their skills.
1. Make a template
If you’re looking for a way to organize your knives and save space in your drawers, you should definitely consider making a custom knife block. Besides being convenient, these storage devices can also help you prevent injuries when storing your kitchen knives.
The best knife blocks are designed to store knives of various sizes in a single configuration, so you don’t have to worry about missing a specific blade when you want it. They usually come with slots for small and large knives, plus a sharpening steel and scissors.
Some blocks, like this one from Pilot’s Workshop, make the process of storing your knives super easy by using bamboo skewers to hold them in place. They look really neat, and you don’t have to cut grooves for every knife!
2. Cut the wood
This easy knife block uses a slanted design to make it comfortable to use. It also keeps knives sharper and away from small fingers.
The plan includes a helpful list of materials and tools, plus clear instructions complete with photographs. It’s a great project for beginners to woodworking.
To rout the grooves in the knife block, position a 3/4” straight bit in your router table and set the fence 7/16” away from it (Photo 1). Rout the narrow set of grooves, then move the fence an additional 1/2″ away from the bit. Continue routing the grooves, making them wider as you go.
3. Make the dividers
A reader recently sent us the following project: a custom knife block for her teeny tiny kitchen. She opted for something that would display her prized knives in style while also keeping her counters tidy and germ free. Using a wood veneer she had on hand she created a modern looking storage solution that can be customized to fit her specific needs. Having a sleek design to boot, this unit has 19 slots for her favorite kitchen tools and comes with a functional hilt that will keep your prized knives straight. She also opted for a sand finish to help the wood breathe. It takes only a few minutes to install, making it the perfect addition to any teeny tiny kitchen. This is a great project to do with the kids too!
4. Make the slots
A knife block is a great way to store knives and keep them within easy reach. They come in a variety of different styles, including wood, glass, and options with rubber or plastic rods to sharpen knives.
A universal knife block typically has slots for a paring knife, steak knife, bread knife, chef’s knife, sharpening rods, and a meat cleaver. They’re ideal for a kitchen with limited counter space and are usually inexpensive.
They’re not as convenient to use and tend to get dirtier than a drawer because moisture and crumbs can collect in the slots. Some knife blocks, however, are designed to fit directly into a countertop.
5. Build the base
Depending on your space limitations and needs, you can build the base for a knife block that’s designed to fit a standard drawer. This plan will help you create a four-tier knife block that’s practical and stylish, with separate tiers for long knives and short knives, plus a place to hold scissors. It also includes a useful ledge that will hold your recipe book in a tidy position.
This plan is perfect for beginners who want to get into woodworking. Its instructions are clear and easy to follow, and there’s plenty of photos to explain each stage. It also has a handy cut list and product recommendations, so you can find all the tools you need to make this project work. It’s a great way to learn some basic joinery techniques and save money on a high-quality project.