By Timothy Hales | Updated: September 12, 2021
Finding a proper place for storing knives can become a challenge in a small kitchen. Even though a few knife sets come with beautiful wooden or stainless storage blocks, these blocks still hoard the counter space. This is where kitchen knife magnets seem like the best space-saving option. These knife magnets are large enough to hold knives of all sizes safely and securely. Plus, they are also an attractive way to display your knife collection!
Magnetic knife strips and magnetic blocks are strong and durable, and for safety purposes, they have neodymium magnets hidden on the inside. These kitchen knife magnets are made of wood or stainless steel and are a universal holding tool for kitchens. According to most people, magnetic accessories are the best and safest solution for kitchen knife storage.
Types of knife magnets
1. Magnetic Strip
If your present knife storage system just isn’t ‘cutting’ it, a magnetic knife strip could be the perfect solution for you. You won’t need to put your fingers at risk by going through a knife drawer, and you’ll have extra storage space.
Magnetic strips are also more hygienic than knife blocks and can help reduce countertop clutter. They come in many different versions as size, magnet strength, construction materials, and mounting methods vary to fit everyone’s needs.
The length of a magnetic knife strip can vary from anywhere between 8 inches to 30 inches. Longer strips are perfect for displaying your impressive knife collection. However, if you have limited space or a smaller set of knives, a shorter magnetic knife strip should also do the trick.
If you need to store only smaller knives, magnet strength may not be your biggest concern. But when it comes to larger, heavier knives like meat cleavers, a strong magnet is necessary.
To get a good idea of just how strong a particular model of kitchen knife magnet is, just scan through user reviews online.
Almost all magnetic knife strips are relatively easy to install. So, let’s quickly look at the different methods of installation:
- Magnetic: Strips that come with magnets installed at their backside are by far the easiest to place. Simply attach the strip to the side of your fridge or any metallic surface, and you will be all set.
- Mounted: A few magnetic knife strips require mounting on a wall or cabinet with screws. This mounting usually requires drilling screws through pre-drilled holes or hanging the strip onto screws that you must first attach to a wall.
- Adhesive: Some magnetic strips come with adhesive strips on the back that can stick onto just about any surface.
Magnetic strips that are made from stainless steel tend to be the easiest to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth should be enough. For wooden magnetic knife strips, it’s safest to use wood-friendly furniture polish. However, in any case, make sure to dry the strip before replacing your knives.
You can store knives in many different ways. For example, you can keep yours in a dedicated knife drawer or block. While these options are fine, they can cause your blades to become dull, or they might be occupying precious real estate in your kitchen.
Magnetic knife strips that are mounted give you extra counter or drawer space and prevent knives from scratching against surfaces and each other, resulting in their edges remaining sharp. Additionally, they allow you to quickly access your blades when it is time to cut, whether you’re scaling a fish, shucking an oyster, or carving a chicken.
2. Knife block
A magnetic knife block artistically showcases fine cutlery, unlike traditional knife blocks. The knife block adds simplicity and elegance to your counter while still providing cooks with a hygienic knife storage option.
While traditional blocks store knives in slots, magnetic knife blocks securely hold knives on their exterior. Different knives are easily identified, and they have super-strength hidden magnets that can hold a variety of kitchen knives securely. This allows you to reach the knife easier, quicker, and safer.
Magnetic knife blocks vary in size and are double-sided, so knives stick to them on both sides.
These blocks have a powerful magnet embedded in them which runs down the front center. Therefore, the knives are secured in place by the various segments.
These blocks make retrieving or putting back a knife easy by using a simple twist and pull motion. In comparison to a traditional block, the magnetic knife block takes up less counter space. Additionally, they are more hygienic because of the flat surfaces and the open design.
Magnetic knife blocks are easily cleaned using a damp cloth. Also, as there are no closed areas, you can easily reach all parts.
Most magnetic blocks are popular for their sturdy construction, strong magnetic field, and beautiful display.
They have a robust and stable feel as all pieces are carefully glued to give a smooth finish. The magnets are centered and strong, making it possible to hang knives straight, regardless of their sizes.
The smooth surface of magnetic blocks is perfect for protecting the blade and adds to the ease of cleaning the block. Furthermore, the blocks are practical for the safe storage of knives and boost any kitchen’s aesthetic. Various blocks are also made of ash, available in olive, black, or rich Makassar ebony. All of these add a beautiful look to your kitchen.
What types of knives work with knife magnets?
The blades of most knives are magnetic, and they stick to knife magnets by themselves. However, knives made of ceramic or plastic are not magnetic, so they do not adhere to knife magnets.
Remember to make sure which type of knife you are using before attaching it to the kitchen knife magnet for your safety.
The advantages of using a kitchen knife magnet
With all prolific collections, there comes the point when storage becomes an issue. This holds for everything, whether you collect postage stamps or limited-edition sneakers. It’s unquestionably true for kitchen knives, too. Storing your knives is all about keeping them separated to retain their mint condition for maximum usage.
Kitchen knives require their own space. Correctly storing them prevents them from rattling against other objects and ruining their sharp edges. Yes, their blades eventually dull, but that should be from actual use, rather than sitting in a heavily jostled drawer.
Therefore, using a knife magnet has some significant advantages:
- Your knives retain their sharpness longer
- You will never grab the wrong knife
- You get more room in your drawers and on your countertop
- Your fingers remain safe from getting injured while rummaging through a drawer
- Your kitchen knife magnet is also more hygienic than traditional knife storage
Do magnets damage knives?
A lot of cheap kitchen knife magnets are available in the market. It may be tempting to buy one if aesthetics isn’t your priority, especially when seeing many good customer reviews. The trick, however, lies in their permanence.
These cheap magnetic knife holders are made from either metal or woodgrain-imitation materials. They also contain smaller, weaker magnets. Therefore, they are naturally cheaper but are just a waste of money because soon you will have to buy a new one.
The better the woodcut and the magnets, the more expensive the kitchen knife magnet will be. Magnets of the highest quality are those made from neodymium.
You’ll also be better off getting one that has the magnets embedded in a slab of wood rather than have the risk of the blade getting all scraped up by being dragged across a strip of metal.
Metal surfaces aren’t best suited for blade edges. Magnetic holders that are well designed either have their wooden part thicker or higher than the metal cover. Due to this, the knives never touch the cover.
Thus, you will not need to worry about slipping. As the knives will not slip and slide, there is little chance of them getting damaged. If your knife blade does get damaged, you can reshape and sharpen the knife on a whetstone.
Conclusion
Inaccurate storage of knives causes the blades to become dull and blunt, which can be unsafe and risky.
Luckily, there are multiple different ways to store knives safely. For example, you can store them in knife sheaths, blocks, strips, rolls, and magnet holders. Kitchen knife magnets are ideal for saving on space in the kitchen, they offer a surface that’s easy to clean, and they’re much safer than your traditional knife drawer.
Effective and proper knife storage requires keeping the knives and blades separate to ensure they stay in a perfect state. When you store your knives this way, they don’t end up knocking against other cutlery that can destroy their sharp edges.
So be safe and keep your knives safe too!