Knife Blocks & Storage

How you store a knife matters more than most people realise, and with Japanese knives it matters more still. A good Japanese blade is thinner, harder and more keenly ground than a typical Western knife, which is exactly what makes it cut so well, and also what makes its edge more vulnerable to chips and its fine tip easier to damage. Loose in a drawer, knocking against other cutlery, is the quickest way to ruin an edge you have paid good money for. Proper storage protects that edge, keeps the knives safely to hand, and, in the case of a good block or magnetic rack, looks the part on the worktop. Our range covers slotted blocks, magnetic blocks, wall-mounted magnetic holders and knife bags, from makers including KAI and KOTAI.

Whichever type you choose, the principle is the same: keep the edge from knocking against anything harder than it, and keep the blade dry. Beyond that, the right choice comes down to how many knives you own, how much worktop or wall space you have, and whether you want your knives on display or tucked away.

22 products

Kai Wasabi Black 5 piece bag set, nakiri, yanagiba, santoku, deba and paring knives complete with a premium knife bag.

Kai Wasabi Black 5 Piece Set with Knife Bag

Sale price£245.00Regular price £272.00
Kai Wasabi Black 5 piece bag set, chef, slicing, santoku utility and paring knives complete with a premium knife bag.

Kai Wasabi Black 5 Piece Knife Set with Bag

Sale price£245.00Regular price £272.00
KOTAI magnetic bamboo knife holder for 6-8 knives

KOTAI Magnetic Bamboo Knife Holder

Sale price£45.00Regular price £50.00
Kai Oak Magnetic Knife Block

Kai Oak Magnetic Knife Block

Sale price£120.00Regular price £135.00
Tamahagane San empty knife block holder in brown.  Perspex front and back, sturdy base.  Holds up to 10 knives

Knife Block in Brown

Sale price£109.00Regular price £120.00
Kai Shun Knife Bag - Small

Kai Shun Knife Bag - Small

Sale price£62.00Regular price £72.00
Kai Shun Knife Bag - Large

Kai Shun Knife Bag - Large

Sale price£115.00Regular price £135.00
KAI Cube Knife Storage Block - Beech

KAI Cube Knife Storage Block - Beech

Sale price£85.00Regular price £94.00
KAI Knife Storage Block - Walnut

KAI Knife Storage Block - Walnut

Sale price£189.00Regular price £209.00
KAI Magnetic Knife Holder - Walnut

KAI Magnetic Knife Holder - Walnut

Sale price£144.00Regular price £177.00
KAI Magnetic Knife Block - Walnut

KAI Magnetic Knife Block - Walnut

Sale price£299.00Regular price £335.00
KAI Magnetic Knife Block - Oak

KAI Magnetic Knife Block - Oak

Sale price£279.00Regular price £314.00
KAI C-Knife Block - Oak

KAI C-Knife Block - Oak

Sale price£140.00Regular price £156.00
KAI Magnetic Knife Holder - Oak

KAI Magnetic Knife Holder - Oak

Sale price£118.00Regular price £146.00
KAI Rotating Magnetic Knife Block - Granite & Walnut

KAI Rotating Magnetic Knife Block - Granite & Walnut

Sale price£499.00Regular price £545.00
KAI Rotating Magnetic Knife Block - Granite & Oak

KAI Rotating Magnetic Knife Block - Granite & Oak

Sale price£460.00Regular price £499.00
Kai Knife Block Oak

Kai Knife Block Oak

Sale price£159.00Regular price £177.00

Types of Knife Storage

Slotted blocks. The classic countertop option, holding knives securely in individual slots. Our range runs from compact blocks up to the KAI Stonehenge series, with two and five pillar designs and granite or stainless steel bases. The universal-style blocks, including the KAI Cube and C-Knife, take knives of varying sizes rather than being tied to one matching set, which suits a mixed collection. When choosing a slotted block, insert knives edge-up or edge-to-the-side rather than resting the edge on the base of the slot, and let blades dry fully before storing them.

Magnetic blocks. A freestanding block with magnetic faces, holding knives on the outside rather than in slots. The advantage is visibility and flexibility: you can see every knife, fit different sizes, and there are no enclosed slots to trap moisture. The KAI magnetic blocks come in oak and walnut, and the rotating granite-based models spin to bring any knife to hand. Place the spine against the magnet first and roll the blade onto the surface rather than laying the edge down directly.

Magnetic holders and racks. Wall-mounted magnetic strips that free up worktop space entirely and keep knives on display. Available in oak and walnut, and including the KOTAI magnetic bamboo holder, they suit smaller kitchens and growing collections, since you are not limited by a fixed number of slots. The same technique applies: contact the spine first, then roll the edge onto the magnet.

Knife bags and rolls. For chefs and cooks who carry their knives, a padded bag keeps blades protected and separated in transit. The KAI Shun knife bags come in small and large, and several of our Wasabi sets include a bag. If you travel with your knives or take them to work, a roll or bag is essential rather than optional.