TL;DR: A magnetic knife holder is a knife storage solution that works by holding your knives in place via a magnetic field. The most common one is knife strips, but there are also magnetic knife blocks.

Having a way to safely store your knives is extremely important not just as a way to take care of your knives but as a way to take care of yourself. A sharp knife can give you a nasty cut just from brushing against it, which means that having a place to store it where you won’t be bumping into it will reduce injuries.

Storing your knives somewhere where you know they’ll be held in place helps to ensure that they won’t be jostled or chipped as well. Keeping the knives dry and safe helps to protect them from moisture and rust.

I’m partial to magnetic storage myself, as it not only securely holds the knives in place, but it allows you to display them. It’s important to have strong magnets, or longer, thinner knives like a bread knife can end up sliding off the magnets, potentially hurting you, the knife, or both.

Looking for a good storage solution? Start a chat for free with a Curated Kitchen Expert! There are a number of different options ranging from knife blocks and magnetic bars to drawer inserts. Our Experts can recommend which one would be best for you, depending on whether you prioritize drawer space, wall space, or counter space.

What Is a Magnetic Knife Holder?

A magnetic knife holder is a way to store knives that involves using a magnet to hold the knives’ blades in place. A magnetic strip that you hang on the wall with screws is the most common and what’s likely to come to mind, but there are other magnetic storage solutions.

These storage methods rely on the fact that steel is magnetic and will hold the blade in place that way. Testing the magnetic strength before use is a good idea, because a magnet that’s too weak won’t hold your blades in place, and that can be dangerous.

You definitely want a strong magnet so that it can handle a larger knife like a cleaver or something thicker like kitchen shears. Remember, though, that if the magnet is too strong, it can put strain on your knives — you shouldn’t have to yank on them to take them down.

Some companies sell a magnetic bar set, similar to knife block sets, as a different way to get a storage solution designed for that set of knives.

Types of Magnetic Knife Holders

There are two primary types of magnetic knife holders: ones that you hang on the wall and ones that sit on your countertop. Which one is best for you will depend on how much wall and counter space you have available.

A good magnetic holder can be used for items other than knives, such as metal utensils. While I only use mine for knives, certain ladles, kitchen shears, and spatulas can all be hung on a magnetic rack.

Magnetic Knife Bars

This is going to be what most people imagine if you mention a magnetic knife holder. Knife bars — also called magnetic strips, magnetic knife strips, and knife strips — are magnetic bars that you hang on your wall. These strips allow you to display your knives while putting them up out of the way, preserving space on your counter.

Some varieties can stick to the side of your refrigerator if you have limited wall space. These will usually be dually magnetic so that the bar sticks to the fridge and the knives stick to it.

Knife bars come in several different lengths, usually ranging from 16 inches to 24 inches.

Magnetic Knife Blocks

Magnetic knife blocks are less common, but they’re another magnetic knife solution. These blocks can vary tremendously in the way that they look. Some are almost a standard knife block shape, but the knives can stick to the outside.

Another common shape resembles an easel. This makes it easy to display your knives like they’re on a knife bar, just on your counter. Some other knife blocks are much more artistic, with either a rounded shape like Messermeister’s magnetic block set or individual sections that knives can be stuck to.

Why Choose a Magnetic Knife Holder?

Magnetic knife holders have several different advantages, including:

• Ease of access: Magnetic knife holders allow you to have your knives out so that you can access them easily but still have them stored safely. If you have a knife set where all of the knives have a similar handle, it can be hard to tell at a glance which knife is which – but if they’re on a magnetic bar or block, you can see the blade as well.
• Displaying your knives: I have several beautiful knives that I like to be able to display. Unlike a knife block or drawer tray, a magnetic bar allows you to show off your knives’ handles and blades while keeping them safely stored.
• Long lasting: Magnetic fields are long lasting, so the magnetic bar won’t wear out. As the majority of them are hung on the wall, they also won’t be getting wet or banged into, increasing their longevity.
• Won’t dull knives: While a properly sized knife block or drawer tray won’t be hard on your knives, getting one that’s a bit too small will dull your knives every time you use it. If the slots are too large, then the knife won’t sit securely in it either. Magnetic bars work for all knives, from chef’s knives to paring knives to santoku knives, so there’s no need to worry about sizing.

Top Recommended Magnetic Knife Holders

There are a lot of knife storage options out there. Magnetic bars are a space saver and a way to store your knives. If you’re looking to change up your knife storage or if you’re running out of knife space, here are some of the best magnetic knife holders.

1. Schmidt Brothers Acacia Magnetic Wall Bar

This knife bar is made with acacia wood, which adds warmth to your kitchen decor and, like any wooden surface, helps to protect your knife blades from dulling on a metal surface. It has a lifetime warranty, and the 24-inch-long strip offers a lot of space for your knife collection. If two feet is too long, then the company also offers one that’s 18 inches long.

2. Schmidt Brothers Downtown Block

For those who would prefer a countertop storage option, this magnetic knife block deserves a look. It’s more of a magnetic knife rack, as the knives are placed between the magnetic block and a clear acrylic shield. This protects the knives from being splashed from the sink and you from bumping against an exposed knife blade. It’s made of red oak with a black stain, but there’s a wooden acacia block if it fits your kitchen style better.

3. WÜSTHOF Walnut Knife Storage Magnabar

This bar is made from beautiful walnut wood both to protect your knife blades and to add a warm ambiance to your kitchen. It has easy installation instructions, with the 18-inch length giving you plenty of room for your knives. WÜSTHOF also has a version of this knife bar in acacia, depending on what matches your aesthetic.

4. Mercer Culinary Magnetic Board on Stand

This magnetic board is set up on a stainless steel stand, giving the air of a display piece. It allows for easy access to your knives as there isn’t a shield in the way, and it sits on your countertop. The board is made of acacia and has strong magnets inside to securely hold your knives in place. The 11-inch board can hold five knives, while the 14-inch gives you a bit more space.

5. STEELPORT Knife Block

STEELPORT has a slightly different take on their magnetic knife block. Most magnetic knife blocks are set up so that the handles of the knives extend above them. This one, though, is made to have them extend below the angled wooden surface. It makes it stand out, as does the fact that it’s made of gorgeous black walnut from Oregan. The high-quality materials and artistic design make this magnetic rack quite expensive, though.

6. Forge to Table Magnetic Knife Block

If you’re looking for a more standard magnetic holder, this magnetic knife block is a typical easel shape. It has a wooden stand that allows you to place it on your countertop, and it is made from acacia wood. It has a food-safe seal on it to aid with ease of cleaning and can hold a wide variety of knives.

Find the Right Magnetic Knife Holder for You

In the market for a better way to store your knives? A Curated Kitchen Expert can help! There are several different ways to store knives, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Magnetic knife holders come in a variety of shapes and sizes and with magnets of different strengths. Starting a chat with an Expert at Curated will allow them to answer your questions, address concerns, and make suggestions for what will work best for your needs. And it’s all free!