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How to Store Knives in Your Kitchen
Are you just starting out in the culinary arts with basic chops of your vegetables, or are you practiced on a professional level? Either way, a proper way of storing your knife is mandatory to keep the blades sharp and to extend the overall lifespan of your knives.
Keeping them organized is a must, first of all, because of safety reasons. This is easy to do, and it makes the job of keeping track of your knives easier.
Now, where and how should you store them in your kitchen? There are plenty of safe and viable methods of doing so. In the following article, we are going to present a few of them to you with detailed information. Then, you can decide whether you want to place them on a countertop, a wall, or in a drawer.
knife Storing Categories
Basically, there are four big categories for storing knives in the proper way. The first one would be having a magnetic strip on your wall. On the counter, it can be done using a block or dock. If the space in your cabinets is limited, you can definitely use a drawer dock.
Another, the more professional method would be a chef’s roll, but that is only when you travel with cooking knives. It is not relevant to a basic kitchen.
Wall-mounted magnetic strips
Using a magnetic wall strip is the safest and most convenient way of storing cutting tools in your kitchen. Arguably, it is the best method for holding knives, since the contact made with the blade is minimal. Therefore, it keeps them sharp longer and without damage.
Plus, it gives your kitchen bonus points for style and representing a beautiful way of showing off your cutting tools. It is also very effective, allowing you to see the availability of your blades and which one to target for your next cut. This saves time, as you do not have to pull out one knife at a time from the drawer or that pile of dishes in search of your favorite knife.
Usually, magnetic strips are mounted on walls where they can be easily reached, above a counter, for instance. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with hooks and utensil bars for increased productivity.
Countertop docks/blocks
Having a knife dock or block sitting on your counter is another way to keep your blades close to you. Usually, buying a block comes with an included set of knives designed specifically for those said knives. You can find them separately if you already own them, though.
Most knife blocks are made from wood, but they can also be found in a variety of materials, colors, and shapes to blend in perfectly with your kitchen style. Even though they can look good and stylish, they do have drawbacks. One of them would be cleaning. It is very difficult to reach the end of the slots, and since most of them are made from wood, it is the ideal environment for debris, germs, and mold.
Because of their build, docks or blocks can also be harsh on the cutting edges of the knives. Due to constant sliding in and out of the slots, the blade is in contact with the material, meaning a dull edge is inevitable in the long run. This translates to frequent sharpening and honing. Be sure to pick the perfect size for your tools and carefully place them in and out of the block.
Cabinet storage
This category can be roughly broken into two separate styles.
The first style represents a block that is connected to a swivel and mounted underside on the cabinet. When looking for a knife, this whole mechanism spins and gives you access to the handles. After getting your blade, it is easily moved and hidden.
The second one is a dock that is hinged to create a drawer-like compartment. With a downwards pull, the dock reveals your knives. Closing it results in a tight seal for the cutting tools in a safe storage space under the cabinet.
As expected, the market is filled with options and plenty of choices and styles for any taste. It is up to you to choose one that fits best according to the number of knives you own, the space allocated to it, and your style.
In the drawer
Last but not least, probably the most common method for storing knives is in a drawer. Even though it is the most preferred, it is also one of the riskiest methods for storing knives. This goes both for safety reasons and the lifetime of your cutting tools.
When reaching for a knife, depending on your drawer and how it is organized, you risk the safety of your own fingers. The other issue here is dull blades and even damage to them caused by pulling the drawer and the knives moving around.
One solution is a drawer dock, which secures the knives in place and represents a decent alternative when having limited space on your countertop.
Besides the usual style and color variety, models usually come in two types, single and double tier. They can include specific slots for specific knives, while others come with a more general space for all your knives.
When looking forward to buying one, take precise measurements of your drawer. The size is important and you do not want to find yourself with a drawer dock larger than your actual drawer. Getting a smaller one will also be a bad choice, since it can lead to movement and ultimately damaging the knives.
Conclusion
Depending on your lifestyle and cooking skills, the knives you own and use can vary, but one thing is guaranteed. Knowing how to store knives in your kitchen is essential. You need to find a way that suits you best to keep them organized using one of the methods mentioned above.
Bad storage can lead to a dull blade and shortened lifetime of your favorite knife, directly affecting your skills. The best storage method varies with your personal preference and environment, so keep that in mind.
