Here's Why You Should Be Storing Your Kitchen Knives Like a Professional Chef

A good knife can make a world of difference to your cooking experience. They make it easier to chop ingredients quickly and efficiently (and it feels satisfying, too). It’s also a lot safer—poor quality, blunt knives are more likely to cause you an injury, due to the pressure you need to apply to cut through your produce. But equally as important as a good set of knives is a good place to store them. Knives need to be kept somewhere hygienic, safe, out of the way of children, and easy to access when you’re cooking. Here, we’ve picked out some of the best products that will help you store your knives just like a professional chef. Because when you feel the part, you’re more likely to produce your best results in the kitchen. Gordon Ramsay-level cooking, here you come.

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How do professional chefs store their knives?

Most professional chefs have their own set of knives, but sometimes, restaurants will provide them, too. If a chef is carrying knives from job to job (like a private chef, for example), they’ll usually use a knife roll or case. These are portable storage solutions that allow chefs to carry their knives safely while keeping them organized. But at home, or in a professional kitchen, knife blocks are often used. They keep knives upright and organized, with individual slots for each knife. This makes it easy to identify the right knife quickly.

Another popular option for professional chefs is a magnetic knife strip, which is usually mounted on a wall or cabinet. In fact, this method is often favored in professional kitchens where space is limited and knives need to be within reach at all times.

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Regardless of the chosen method, it’s imperative that knives are stored properly at all times, whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook. Knives stored haphazardly or loosely in drawers are a safety hazard, especially if someone reaches in without being able to see the blade. But storing knives in a way that prevents them from coming into contact with other objects also helps them maintain their sharpness and quality, reducing the chance of damage from other utensils.

Plus, quite simply, good knife storage is good kitchen organization, and this leads to a better, less stressful cooking experience. Having knives neatly arranged and easily accessible can save time and streamline meal preparation.

5 products to help you store your knives like a pro

Below, we’ve picked five storage options that will help you nail your knife organization, and keep these important kitchen tools safe, sharp, and easy to reach.

Asaya

1 Asaya Knife Edge Guards

If you don’t have space for a knife block, one way you can store your knives in a kitchen drawer safely is by using knife guards, aka protective coverings that you slot over your knives before you store them. These guards from Asaya are a great option for slanted or straight knives, and they’re BPA-free, non-toxic, and food-safe, too.
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2 Knife Set With Wooden Block

One of the easiest ways to keep knives in an accessible spot and keep them safe at the same time is to use a knife block. This 12-piece kitchen knife set comes complete with a knife block made from Pakkawood, a type of composite material that is popular for knife storage due to its stability, resistance to warping, and ability to withstand moisture and temperature changes.
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Hersent

3 Hersent Knife Roll Bag 

If you don’t need to travel with your knives, a roll bag probably isn’t necessary. But if you do find yourself wanting to take your knives away, it’s a good idea to invest in a knife roll bag, just like a professional chef. This one from Hersent is made with heavy-duty canvas, which is cut- and puncture-resistant.
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Modern Innovations

4 Modern Innovations Magnetic Knife Bar

A magnetic knife bar is a great storage solution for smaller kitchens, where counter space is limited for a knife block. It will keep your knives safe, secure, and out of the way until you’re ready to use them. Plus, you can keep other metal utensils on it, like whisks and tongs, too, so it’s multifunctional.
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5 Bellemain Bamboo Drawer Knife Block

If you prefer to keep your knives in a drawer, as well as edge guards, another good solution is to use a drawer knife block. This option from Bellemain—which is made from eco-friendly bamboo—is durable, strong, and can hold up to 16 knives at a time.
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Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.