The Best Knife Storage Solutions for Every Kind of Kitchen (2025)

It’s also worth considering whether you want an all-metal strip or one with a wooden exterior. Wood is a softer service than stainless steel, and therefore can help protect your knives from wear caused by scraping against the strip. The downside is that not all wooden magnetic strips are created equal. Senior cooking and SEO editor Joe Sevier notes that he once bought one where the magnets were not evenly spaced throughout the length of the strip, which meant there were areas that couldn’t support the weight of his knives.

Jonathan Alden Magnetic Wooden Knife Bar

Jonathan Alden Magnetic Wooden Knife Bar

This wood option from Jonathan Alden has a single magnetic strip running through it (to help prevent a repeat of Joe’s scenario). It’s lightweight and comes in a variety of lengths, and you can choose between walnut or cherry wood.

Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar

If you’re on a budget or prefer the look of an all-metal strip, opt for the Modern Innovations Knife Bar. It’s been Ian’s model of choice for years, and performed just as well as a strip twice its price when I tested it. It comes in sizes ranging from 10 to 24 inches in length and will run you $16–33, depending on which you choose.

Magnetic knife stands

Choose this type of storage if: You’re emotionally attached to having a freestanding block

If you lack wall space or are highly attached to the idea of having a knife block on your counter, a magnetic knife stand is another great storage solution that allows for flexibility and easy cleaning, all while protecting your blades from damage. Your knives go on the outside of these narrow, freestanding blocks, which typically have wooden exteriors and magnetic cores.

Zwilling Slanted Magnetic Knife Block

This model from Zwilling combines the form of a traditional slotted knife block with the functionality you get from a magnetic stand. It’ll take up a bit more countertop real estate, but can hold an impressive 10 knives and is the most secure option of the ones listed in this section.

Other great options

These are the three models I would recommend if you’re opting for a typical magnetic knife stand. They all contain ultra strong magnets to grip whatever assortment of knives you have at home (each block fits approximately 6–8 knives depending on the model). Choosing between them ultimately comes down to which best fits your kitchen, stylistically and literally. If you’re tight on counter space, the Marcellin is the narrowest of the bunch at less than three inches wide. It also has the largest capacity thanks to its curved sides, which can hold up to seven knives each.

In-drawer knife organizers

Choose this type of storage if: If you have a lot of drawer space and can’t stand the sight of cluttered countertops

I’ll say it again for the folks in the back: Some form of magnetic knife holder is really the best way to go. But some people are married to keeping their knives tucked away in a drawer for one reason or another. If that’s you, don’t fret. I’ve found some excellent in-drawer organizers that will serve you well. These can all hold both large chef’s knives and smaller paring or steak knives and can fit a 10.5-inch bread knife comfortably.

Made In Knife Organizer

A wooden drawer insert will be the most forgiving on your knives, and this model from Made In is the one senior commerce editor Noah Kaufman uses in his home. He likes that it’s got grippy feet on all four corners to keep it steady, a cross bar that keeps most large knives supported without putting weight on the blade, and magnets on each side that allow you to tack on a three-piece extension if need be.

OXO Good Grips Compact Knife Organizer

This plastic organizer from Oxo is handy because the slotted tray can be removed for easy cleaning. It fits up to five small knives and four large knives, which is a smaller capacity than the magnetic models above but still large enough to accommodate most home cooks’ knife collections.

Misen Modular Knife Storage Set

This model from Misen is particularly nifty because it’s modular. You can buy a three-, five-, or nine-piece set to get you started, and then purchase additional pieces individually as your knife collection grows. The whole thing is magnetized, which helps each piece click together easily and keeps your knives secure.