How Do Magnetic Knife Blocks Work? Explained (With Images)
If you have a set of knives in your kitchen, chances are you are familiar with the basics: have the knives continuously sharpened, don’t leave them in the sink or use them in the dishwasher, and dry them before storage. Most people, however, don’t think about the storage options for knives, and hence struggle with storage options for these knives and other cutlery they reach for a lot in the kitchen.
When it comes to the storage of knives, there are some solutions you can consider to ensure that the quality of your blades isn’t affected. There are three different and basic ways to store knives, depending on the space you have and your preference. Knives can be stored in knife drawers, magnetic knife blocks, and knife holders.
If you have enough counter space to spare, you can use a countertop knife block to keep your blades within reach and for the convenience of your work surface. Regardless of whether you have your own collection of knives or want a block with a standard set of knives, a good knife block should have pre-sized slots. Most of the kitchen knife blocks are shaped diagonally to enable sliding of blades in and out and at an angle.
How you place and remove your knives affects and protects the sharpness. , regardless of the type of knife storage option at your disposal. As such, when placing your blades in and out of a magnetic block slot, ensure the knife’s backside is pressed against the wood rather than the sharp side.
A good home should have an efficient kitchen organization, and the right knife storage helps maintain the neatness and aesthetic of your kitchen while keeping the knives sharper for longer. Every knife storage option has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages, including magnetic accessories.
Here is an idea of how magnetic knife blocks work
Every kitchen requires a neat place for organization and storage of knives to maintain the knife’s quality and keep it sharper for longer. Magnetic knife blocks offer a safe and convenient way to store knives in the kitchen, and they come in different types and designs.
This option is preferred by people who would rather not have holes drilled in their kitchen, which is usually like the regular knife block, but with magnetic strips rather than slots for knife storage. Magnetic knife blocks rest on kitchen counters, and the knives are linked to its face for safe storage.
Magnetic knife blocks are elegant, and they stand out for their versatility and style varieties. Since they are magnetic, they can be used for the storage of other metallic kitchen tools and cutlery. They come in different surface materials, most commonly wood, plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel. These materials provide a clean, long-lasting, and low maintenance appearance, making them an ideal option for professional kitchens.
When it comes to functionality, a magnetic block isn’t defined by the surface material, but by the type and strength of the magnet making it. A functional magnetic block should have a medium-strength and heavy-duty magnet which won’t leave your knives swinging when nudging slightly or make it hard for you to get out a knife.
Most magnetic blocks are made using a neodymium magnet, which is the most vital type of permanent magnet available commercially. It is a reliable and practical choice for magnetic knife blocks and holders, and it covers the entire knife strip, holding the metal knives secure and in position.
Types of Knife Blocks
According to most people’s opinions, magnetic accessories are the best and safest solution for the storage of kitchen knives. Magnetic knife holders and magnetic blocks are strong and durable, and for safety purposes, they have neodymium magnets hidden on the inside. There are cheaper versions of these blocks which have standard magnetic power. Hence they lose their strength fast, causing the knives to slide off the surface.
There are good magnetic knife holders and blocks safe for use and solid to hold the knives firmly in position and in good condition. An excellent magnetic knife block ensures there are organization and neatness in your kitchen. Before deciding on a preferred knife block, you need to consider such factors as the kitchen space you have, whether you have a counter space enough for cutting boards, bowls, and knives.
Magnetic blocks are functional for the safe storage of knives, and they also add to the kitchen’s aesthetic. There are blocks made of ash, available in olive, black, or rich Makassar ebony, all of which add a spectacular look to your counter. These magnetic blocks have a powerful embedded magnet running from down on the front center, and the knives are secured in place by the several segments.
The blocks make it easy to retrieve or put back a knife using a very simple twist and pull motion. Compared to a traditional block, the magnetic knife blocks take up no more counter space, and they are more hygienic due to the open design and the flat surfaces. Magnetic knife blocks are easy to clean using a dampened cloth, and as there are no enclosed areas, all parts are easy to reach.
Most magnetic blocks are popular for their strong magnetic field, sturdy construction, and beautiful display. They have a sturdy and stable feel as all pieces are carefully glued and nicely finished for a smooth feel. The magnets are strong and centered, making it possible to hang knives straight, regardless of their sizes.
How to Use a Magnetic Knife Block
Although the storage of knives on a magnetic block might seem simple, it can confuse some people, especially regarding the direction the blades should be facing for wall-mounted and countertop blocks. Most people advise that the knife’s handle stays at the bottom, with their pointy ends towards the top for safety.
When you reach in to grab a knife, there are chances of getting hurt when you rub your hand into the point of over a knife’s edge. Having the handles at the bottom ensures no risk or danger of getting hurt because no blade is exposed near your fingers.
Stick the knives midway up the blade and away from the handle: When sticking kitchen blocks for knives’ storage, it’s advisable to stick the knives on the rack, about midway up the blade. Also, ensure that it’s not so close to the handle to keep as much weight as possible below the rack. This is for better balance and to prevent the knife from spinning from the handle’s weight.
Have all the blade edges pointing to one side: Most people are right-handed. Hence they store their knives with the blade edges pointing to the rack’s left. It is also advisable to arrange the knives in size, from the longest blade on the left, then work back in size headed to the right.
This ensures that the expanse of sharp edges is minimized, so the knives to the left of the one you want to grab won’t hurt you. The longer a knife is, the lower it hangs theoretically, so you should touch the handle’s top before nearing the blade’s edge to your right.
Should you decide to have your magnetic knife block low, it’s advisable to point the handle up, and the pointy blade down for safety purposes. You shouldn’t reach for a knife without looking where your hand is headed to prevent cuts. It is advisable to maintain your magnetic knife block well to ensure it functions for long and serves its intended purpose.
As such, don’t overload it with many knives. Ensure you leave room in between for your safety and the knives’. When the magnetic block is overloaded, you run the risk of blunting your knives or chipping their edges when they snap against each other.
It is advisable to go for wooden, magnetic knife blocks and racks rather than metallic ones as metal mounted blocks and racks as metal on metal isn’t good. The wooden ones offer better protection of the blade edges, and they are neater compared.
Keeps knives on a lower level: sometimes a magnetic knife block or stand is essential when you want to have all your knives at a lower level. If you have recently moved to a house or renting out space, you don’t want holes drilled in the walls, and a magnetic knife block is your best bet.
Why You Should Use A Magnetic Knife Block
Magnetic knife blocks and docks sit on the counter, and they conveniently hold your knives in place, making your work station neat and easily accessible. There are traditional knife blocks that come with an inclusive set of knives, and others without the knife set.
There are magnetized blocks that function the same as a magnetic strip, only it’s a magnetized block of several tiers of wood that sit on the countertop with knives and blades sitting flat on the face of the surface. These magnetic blocks help keep the blades sharp, and they are distinctive and stylish as well.
Improper knife storage causes the blades to be dull and blunt, which can be dangerous. There are different ways you can store knives safely, in knife sheaths, blocks, strips, rolls, and magnet holders as well. Magnetic knife holders are great for saving on space in the kitchen, and they offer a surface that’s easy to clean.
Proper and effective knife storage involves keeping the knives and blades separate to ensure they stay in mint condition. When the knives are stored in this way, they don’t rattle against each other or other cutlery that would otherwise destroy their sharp edges.