For serious home cooks and culinary enthusiasts, a well-stocked knife collection is essential. But storing a large set safely and accessibly requires the right solution. A quality knife block is more than just a storage unit; it protects your investment, keeps blades sharp, and organizes your countertop for maximum efficiency.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect block for an extensive knife set. We’ve curated options ranging from spacious universal holders for your existing collection to complete sets from top brands. Whether you prioritize traditional slots, modern magnetic design, or a set that comes with everything you need, you’ll find a solution that fits your kitchen’s style and your storage requirements.
The Best Knife Blocks for Large Collections
- Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block
- Cooks Standard Acacia wood Knife Block Holder
- XYJ Extra Large Magnetic Knife Block
- Henckels International Statement 20 Piece Set
- TUO Sharp 8 Piece Wooden Knife Block Set
- Cangshan S1 Series 6-Piece German Steel Set
- WELLSTAR 18-Slot Kitchen Knives Block
- HENCKELS Forged Premio 19-pc Knife Block Set
- Cuisinart C77SS-19P Normandy 19 Piece Set
- Home Hero 20-Piece Knife Block Set
Cook N Home Bamboo Knife Storage Block
This Cook N Home block offers a simple and effective solution for organizing a large knife collection. Crafted from natural bamboo, it is a durable and visually appealing addition to any kitchen countertop. With 20 slots, it provides ample space for a variety of blades.
The universal slots are designed to be wider, at 2.2 cm, accommodating most commonly used knives and accessories. The slots are deep enough to securely hold knives with blades up to 9 inches long, making it suitable for chef’s knives, steak knives, and even a cleaver. This is an excellent choice if you already own a set of knives and need a dedicated storage block.
Cooks Standard Acacia wood Knife Block Holder
For those with an even more extensive collection, the Cooks Standard block provides 25 slots. It is constructed from acacia wood, known for its strength and attractive grain, which adds a touch of natural elegance to your kitchen. This block is built to last and look great while doing it.
The x-large capacity means you can store nearly your entire cutlery arsenal in one place. It is designed as a universal holder, with slots of various widths to securely house chef’s knives, steak knives, wide blades, long knives, and a cleaver. Each slot is deep enough to accommodate blades up to 9 inches, ensuring your tools are stored safely.
XYJ Extra Large Magnetic Knife Block
If you prefer a modern storage solution, this magnetic block from XYJ is a standout option. Made from natural acacia wood, it features a strong built-in magnetic strip that holds your knives securely in place on your countertop. This design eliminates the need for slots, offering greater flexibility.
The double-sided magnetic design effectively doubles the storage capacity, allowing you to hold at least 10 knives depending on their size. This can be a major space-saver. It is suitable for all kinds of stainless steel kitchen knives, scissors, and honing steels, though it is not recommended for ceramic blades. This method of storage also helps protect blade edges from unnecessary contact.
Henckels International Statement 20 Piece Knife Block Set
This comprehensive set from the renowned Henckels brand provides everything you need to get started. It includes 20 pieces, featuring a wide array of knives from paring and utility knives to a santoku, chef’s knife, and bread knife, plus steak knives and kitchen shears. The block is designed to house the entire set neatly.
The knives are designed for professional-level sharpness, ensuring precision and effortless cutting. As a self-sharpening set, the blades are maintained each time you withdraw or return them to the block, which helps keep them in optimal condition. This is an ideal all-in-one solution for a household that values convenience and quality.
TUO Sharp 8 Piece Wooden Knife Block Set
The TUO Fiery Phoenix series combines high performance with striking aesthetics. This 8-piece set is forged from German high-carbon stainless steel, which provides rust resistance and easy resharpening. The blades are hand-polished to an extremely sharp 18-degree angle per side for precise cutting.
The set includes a cleaver, santoku, chopping knife, utility knife, paring knife, honing steel, and shears, covering most kitchen tasks. The handles are made from ergonomic Pakkawood with a woodgrain finish, offering a comfortable and secure grip. This set is a great balance of professional quality and accessible pricing.
Cangshan S1 Series 6-Piece German Steel Forged Knife Set
Cangshan’s S1 Series is for those who appreciate precision engineering. Each knife in this 6-piece set is hand-crafted and forged from X50CrMoV15 German steel, ensuring incredible durability, stain resistance, and exceptional edge retention. The blades undergo a specialized heat treatment to maintain their strength.
Included are an 8″ chef’s knife, 8″ bread knife, 7″ santoku knife, 5″ serrated utility knife, and a 3.5″ paring knife. The angular solid walnut wood block is designed to house each knife perfectly, making it both a functional storage solution and a beautiful kitchen centerpiece. The blades are hand-sharpened to a precise 16-degree angle.
WELLSTAR 18-Slot Kitchen Knives Block
The WELLSTAR block is designed for maximum utility and a modern look. It features 18 slots in total: 16 for knives, plus dedicated slots for kitchen scissors and a sharpening steel. It is constructed from strong rubberwood with a black finish that fits contemporary kitchen decor.
A significant benefit is the built-in two-stage knife sharpener, allowing you to maintain your blades without needing a separate tool. The slots are varied, with a wide 3.23-inch slot for a Chinese cleaver and narrower slots for steak knives. Four anti-skid rubber feet on the bottom provide stability and protect your countertops.
HENCKELS Forged Premio 19-pc Knife Block Set
This HENCKELS set offers the quality of forged construction in a comprehensive 19-piece package. The set includes a wide variety of knives, such as paring, utility, boning, santoku, bread, and chef’s knives, along with eight steak knives, a sharpening steel, and shears. The wood block has an elegant cherry finish.
The knives, except for the stamped steak knives, feature fully forged blades with a full tang and are triple-riveted for durability and balance. The block is designed to hold all pieces with no empty slots, presenting a complete and organized set on your counter. This is a robust set built for daily use.
Cuisinart C77SS-19P Normandy 19 Piece Cutlery Block Set
Cuisinart’s Normandy set is a popular choice known for its reliability and complete offering. This 19-piece set is made from high-carbon stainless steel, which provides precision and resistance to staining. The blades are precision-tapered, gradually narrowing to a fine, sharp edge for effective cutting.
The ergonomically designed stainless steel handles offer comfort and a secure grip during extended food preparation sessions. As a full block set, it organizes all the included knives and accessories in one convenient location. It represents a solid value from a trusted kitchen brand.
Home Hero 20-Piece Knife Block Set with Sharpener
This Home Hero set is a comprehensive solution that includes a sharpener built directly into the block. The 20-piece collection is designed to cover all basic and advanced kitchen cutting tasks, making it a great starter set for a new home or an upgrade.
Having a built-in sharpener adds significant convenience, allowing you to easily maintain the sharpness of your blades without requiring a separate tool. The block keeps everything organized and within reach, contributing to a efficient and tidy kitchen workspace. It is a functional all-in-one package for everyday cooking needs.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Knife Blocks for Large Sets
When you have a big collection of kitchen knives, finding a block that fits them all can be a real puzzle. I’ve been there, staring at a counter full of knives that deserve a proper home. It’s not just about stuffing them into any wooden box; it’s about finding a storage solution that keeps them safe, organized, and easy to grab when you need them. The best knife blocks for large sets need to check a few important boxes.
First, let’s talk about capacity. This is the most obvious one. You need to count your knives. Don’t just count the ones you use daily; include the specialty ones like the bread knife, carving knife, and maybe even your kitchen shears. Look for a block that has dedicated slots for at least 12 to 15 pieces, sometimes more. But be careful—some blocks advertise a high number but include slots for tiny steak knives that take up space. Make sure the configuration matches what you actually own. I always look for a mix of wide and narrow slots to accommodate everything from a chef’s knife to paring knives.
Next, consider the construction and material. A flimsy block won’t last, especially when it’s holding a heavy set of quality blades. I prefer solid wood, like acacia or birch, for its durability and stability. Some modern blocks use a sturdy, high-quality plastic or resin, which can be easier to clean. The base should be wide and weighted to prevent tipping when you pull a knife out. There’s nothing worse than a wobbly knife block.
The slot design is another huge factor. Traditional angled slots are common, but they can be rough on your knife edges over time. I’m a big fan of slots with a spring-loaded mechanism or ones that use horizontal, non-abrasive slats. These hold the knives securely by their spines or handles, protecting the sharp edges from getting dull. Some blocks even have fully sealed, easy-to-clean slots, which is a major plus for hygiene.
Finally, think about the footprint. A block for a large set is naturally going to take up counter space. Measure your available area and look at the block’s dimensions. A taller, narrower block might be better for a small kitchen, while a wider, shorter one could work on a spacious island. Some blocks offer bonus features like built-in sharpeners or slots for specialty tools, which can be a great way to consolidate your gear. By focusing on capacity, build quality, slot design, and size, you can find a block that perfectly houses your entire collection.
FAQ
Can I put any brand of knives in a knife block?
Generally, yes. Most standard knife blocks are designed to hold knives based on their size and shape, not their brand. As long as the blade width and length fit comfortably into the slots without forcing them, you should be fine. This is especially true when you’re looking for the best knife blocks for large sets, as they are built for versatility. However, some proprietary systems, like those from specific brands, are designed to only work with their own knives.
How do I clean the inside of a knife block?
This is a question I get a lot, and it’s important for food safety. For wooden blocks, you can’t submerge them in water. The best method is to turn it upside down and shake out any loose crumbs. Then, use a can of compressed air to blow out debris from the slots. For a deeper clean, wipe the inside of the slots with a long, thin cloth or a pipe cleaner dampened with a mild vinegar solution or food-safe disinfectant. Let it air dry completely before putting your knives back in.
Are knife blocks with built-in sharpeners a good idea?
They are convenient, but you have to be cautious. These built-in sharpeners often use a pull-through mechanism with rigid, abrasive wheels. While they can put an edge on a dull knife, they can also remove a significant amount of metal from the blade over time, potentially damaging high-quality knives. I usually recommend using a separate honing steel for regular maintenance and a manual sharpening stone or professional service for a true sharpening.
What is the safest type of knife block?
Safety is about stability and blade protection. The safest blocks have a wide, heavy base that won’t tip over. In terms of blade safety, blocks that hold knives horizontally or by the handle (like magnetic strips or some modern block designs) are often considered safer than traditional vertical slots. With vertical slots, your fingers can sometimes slide down into the slot near the blade when retrieving a knife. Horizontal storage eliminates this risk entirely.
My block has a weird smell. How do I fix it?
A musty or sour smell usually means moisture and food particles have built up inside, leading to mildew or bacteria. First, give it a thorough cleaning as described above. After it’s completely dry, you can place a small sachet of baking soda or some dry rice in the slots for a day or two to absorb odors. For a wooden block, a light sanding on the inside can sometimes help remove the contaminated surface layer.