The Best Magnetic Knife Blocks, According to Chefs and Designers

A magnetic knife block’s primary function is to organize knives and prevent them from staining or rusting (or lying at the bottom of a drawer). But it can also be simply an inexpensive way to add some décor to your kitchen. Interior designer Cait Borkowski owns this double-sided Vevor magnetic knife block and has always admired how it stands out in her kitchen. “I love the warm wood grain and simple but sturdy base,” she tells me. The magnetic hold is strong but allows for easy, quick removal of knives for use. “The proportions are also great for filling in some backsplash space in the same way you would hang art on a wall,” says Borkowski.

Brands of tools used by chefs are growing in popularity, notes Cary M. Neff, a private chef, a caterer, and the owner of C.M. Neff Cook Supply Co. in Philadelphia. His shop’s clientele is a mix of chefs and chef-obsessed home cooks who want to spend money on beautiful knives and sets. These shoppers want knives to be a “work of art” they can display, with their go-to knives matching their kitchen aesthetic front and center, Neff says. They often bring in their knives to be sharpened and cleaned by Neff, asking questions about form and functionality. Chefs at Michelin-starred restaurants and Neff himself recommend this Made In magnetic block for people “who appreciate order.” It has strong magnets and a thick top ledge to rest the handles on and prevent the knives from sliding down. Neff says its efficient, minimal design means only the most necessary three or four knives should be displayed, arranged from smallest to largest.

This German knife brand is “well known in the culinary world” for heavy-duty usage, says Neff. While knife blocks are typically squared off, this Messermeister block is half-moon-shaped with a large curve that holds differently sized knives (up to ten) in place with specialized magnets inside the wood. The round shape also lets you easily grab knives at a more comfortable angle. This knife block is for cooks who want a lived-in look from higher-quality long-lasting wood that gets weathered and worn. Neff suggests testing out heavier knives on blocks before purchasing (if possible) to double-check the magnetic strength.

Bladesmith Steve Pellegrino of Pellegrino Cutlery is all about aesthetics, accessibility, and edge preservation. For him as a knife-maker and collector, the Zwilling slanted magnetic block offers a stylish option thanks to its distinct structural design made from Italian wood. The holder has five angled slots for knives, making them easily accessible for prep and cooking, and can be detached from kitchen surfaces safely. “It’s simple and stylish without being overstated, protects the finish and knife edge thanks to the internal embedded magnets, and has a ten-knife capacity if you have entirely too many knives, like me,” Pellegrino says.

Some people like to show off their knives with the same enthusiasm they have for their custom furniture pieces. It makes sense when the kitchen tools are built with premium hardwoods, rare-earth magnets, and leather. Those premium qualities can quickly push such knife blocks into the luxury category, which includes this $300-plus Piotr the Bear portable double-sided magnetic block. “These are beautifully finished in several configurations and are all covered in leather, which not only protects the finish of high-end custom knives such as what I typically make but also looks fantastic,” Pellegrino says. He advises occasional oiling as leather tends to wick away oils from a knife’s surface over time.

Knifewear’s resident knife tester and brand communications lead, Nathan Gareau, appreciates the singular craftsmanship and versatility behind these Quebec-made wooden knife magnets. They’re available in two lengths (11.5 inches and 15.5 inches) and three types of wood (cherry, maple, and walnut), and they save home cooks some counter space. All have a flat back with a magnetic strip that can be mounted on a wall or tile so the screws anchor directly into drywall without the need to find a stud. Even better: Those with a tile backsplash can use strong double-sided tape to mount it, just be sure to let it set for a day before putting your knives on the block. Gareau recommends oiling the block once a year to re-moisturize the wood and using a damp cloth to wipe the block’s surface clean to ensure durability and shine. Follow his advice: Don’t forget to “gently wash your knives with soap and water before you put them up.”

Knife-maker Geoff Feder started his brand, Feder Knives, for people who use knives “with vigor” and don’t let them just sit prettily on display. He likes this wall-mounted knife block made of maple-wood offcuts from Fender guitar necks with neodymium magnets. “Much like Feder, the company behind this knife block started as a one-man band, so I respect the hustle,” says Feder. Guitar wood protects the magnetic blocks to prevent rust or patina and keeps the edge away from anything that could dull it. As for setup, the 360KnifeBlock can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

Not sure where to start on your knife-block hunt? Consider this $25 stainless-steel magnetic strip, a perfect piece for beginners who want affordability and quality, says Julia Dudley, a recent graduate of Le Cordon Bleu culinary school and a private chef. “I’ve been using the Hamletoff magnetic knife strip for three months now, and honestly it’s been great,” she says. “It has a super-sleek design and easy surface application. It also comes in three to four different sizes based on how many knives you have and how large they are.” Hamletoff’s knife blocks are designed to stick onto walls and fridges. This one is 15.5 inches of sturdy stainless steel with an adhesive-backed sticker, making it particularly easy to install and maintain.