A knife block set is one of the most popular items in the kitchen, used frequently for everyday cooking and food preparation. Unlike standalone knife sets, a knife block offers an attractive design element to your kitchen benchtop and is the best way to store your knives and ensure they maintain and retain their sharpness.
Benefits of Using a Knife Block
- Protects knives from damage: Designed to hold multiple knives in an upright position, knife blocks prevent your knives from coming into contact with each other and becoming damaged.
- Adds style to your kitchen: high-quality block knife sets add a creative design touch to your kitchen, especially when on display on your kitchen benchtop as a feature.
- Allows easy access to your knives: Your knife block provides convenience when cooking by making all essential knives easily accessible. This saves you time from having to search through drawers for the right blade every time.
- More affordable: If you have a new kitchen or you're looking to replace old knives, you may find that there is significant money saved when you purchase a knife block that comes with a range of knives including chef knives or kitchen shears at a fraction of the cost than if you were to purchase each individual knife on its own. Keep an eye out for knife block sales and buy a knife block set online to maximise your savings.
Different types of knife blocks
Knife blocks are available in a variety of styles and materials, so you can find one that fits your kitchen décor and needs. Here are some of the different types of knife blocks available:
Wooden Knife Blocks: Wooden knife blocks are the most common type of knife block. They are usually made of hardwood, such as oak or walnut, and feature slots for each knife. Wooden knife blocks also come in colourful finishes to suit your kitchen aesthetic. For example, you may choose a black knife block to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen counter or a white knife block to brighten up your home. Wooden knife blocks are attractive and durable, and they can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Clear Knife Blocks: These knife storage solutions are made of clear materials such as acrylic or glass, allowing you to see the knives that are stored in them. The clear panels allow you to easily see which knives you have and where they are located. However, these knife blocks may not offer as much protection for your knives as traditional blocks, as they do not have the same level of cushioning and support.
Magnetic Knife Blocks: Magnetic knife blocks are a great option for those who want to keep their knives visible and easily accessible. A magnetic knife holder features a magnetic strip that holds the knives in place. They are usually made of wood or metal, and they come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Universal Knife Blocks: A universal knife block is a type of knife block that is designed to hold a variety of different knives, regardless of their shape or size. This eliminates the need to search for the right slot or space to store each knife, making it easier to quickly and safely store your knives after use.
Drawer Knife Blocks: These blocks are a great way to keep your knives organized and out of sight. These blocks feature slots for each knife and are designed to fit in a kitchen drawer.
What knives are included in a knife block set
The knife block sets in Australia typically include a variety of knives suited for different tasks in the kitchen. The most common knives included in a knife block set are a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a utility knife, a bread knife, and a carving knife.
Chef's Knife: This is the most versatile knife in the kitchen, and it's great for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Santoku Knife: A Japanese-style knife similar to a Chef's Knife, but with a flatter blade and a different shape that makes it well-suited for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
Paring Knife: A smaller knife used for peeling, trimming, and other small cutting tasks.
Serrated Bread Knife: A long, serrated knife used for slicing bread and other baked goods.
Utility Knife: A medium-sized knife used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables.
Some knife set and block may also include additional knives such as a filleting knife, carving knife, or boning knife, as well as kitchen shears and honing steel for sharpening the knives. It's important to review the knife set with your block before purchasing it to ensure that it includes the knives you need for your kitchen tasks.
The best knife block brands we love
- If you are a home cook who wants a reliable set of Japanese knives in a modern design knife block, we suggest looking at Global Knives. These knives are made from patented stainless steel known as Cromova which is lightweight, incredibly resistant to stains and maintains a sharp edge. They also feature their iconic dimpled handles that are very comfortable to hold. We have an incredible range of Global knife blocks available including our most popular Ikasu and Takumi styles. These knife blocks offer incredible quality knives at an affordable price point that is hard to match.
- Scanpan is a Danish brand known for producing high-quality knives and kitchen tools that are both stylish and functional. Loved by chefs all over the world, Scanpan knife blocks are made to fit Scanpan knives perfectly to ensure optimal protection. If you are looking for high-quality kitchen knives that look good and perform well, Scanpan will be a good choice.
- For those who also appreciate Japanese knives but do not wish to compromise on their quality and sharpness, while also knowing how to maintain and care for high-carbon, delicate knives, Shun should definitely form part of your consideration. The Shun Classic Knife block is a very popular choice as it features stunning Damascus-style blades that are forged by hand with their traditional Japanese polished Pakkawood handles.
- Customers that prefer German knives for their strength, rigidity and strong weight should consider a Wusthof knife block. Made in Solingen, the ‘City of Blades’, in Germany which is a town with a rich history, famous for sword and knife making and the epicentre of most German knife manufacturers. Used by chefs globally including Gordon Ramsay, their tempered knives undergo a 40-step process ensuring their durability and performance for years to come.
- Furi is a brand of high-quality knives that are known for their sharpness, durability, and ergonomic design. If you are looking for stylish knife blocks to complement your contemporary kitchen, then Furi knife blocks will make a lovely choice.
Factors to consider when choosing a knife block set
When choosing a knife block for your kitchen, consider the knife combinations, size, material, and the types of knives you currently own before making your choice.
- Knife block combinations: The first consideration when choosing a block knife set is the combination of knives that the knife block comes with. Most knife block sets tend to come with the most commonly used knives like chef knives, utility knives, paring knives, and a large bread knife.
- The size of the knife set block: If you have a large benchtop to provide lots of space to access, selecting a large knife block that is angled diagonally offers you ease from which to select knives while also making it a feature in your kitchen. If you have a smaller kitchen space, you may wish to consider a knife block that is more rectangular so that it is more space-efficient and can sit flat against the wall on your benchtop.
- The material choice of the knife block: Choosing the type of knife block that will suit the style of your kitchen. We offer a range of wooden knife block sets in both light and dark shades as well as painted steel and acrylic knife block options. As a rule of thumb, selecting one that contrasts with your benchtop such as a dark wood knife block on a light colour benchtop or vice-versa will stand out more if intended.
- The brand and types of knives you currently own: While there is no rule that suggests you mustn't buy a different brand of knives from what you currently own, it may be helpful to select a brand you are familiar with that can complement your current knife collection when choosing a knife block. This is especially helpful if you wish to buy a knife sharpener designed for one brand of knives.
Other accessories to consider when purchasing knife blocks:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way do you put a knife in a block?
Store your knives with the spine side down in your knife block to prevent your blades from going dull due to coming in contact with the block. This ensures your blades are not subject to pressure while stored.
Do I need to clean a wooden knife block?
Yes! Keep your wooden knife block in pristine condition by cleaning it once a month. Simply shake out any debris from the block, then wash with dish soap and warm water. Let it dry completely, then apply wood-safe mineral oil on your knife block to prevent it from cracking over time.
