6 Chef-Approved Magnetic Knife Holders

A good set of knives is perhaps the most important tool in any home cook’s arsenal, and the right storage is just as essential. If you invest good money in sharp blades, not just any knife block will do. To get a better idea of how best to store knives for long-term sharpness and durability, we asked professional chefs to share their favorite knife storage methods. To our surprise, they all said the same thing: Magnetic knife holders are superior to slotted blocks. 

Storing knives in slotted blocks can dull your blades over time. “Plus, they don’t hold moisture,” noted Joni Brosnan, owner of Joni’s Kitchen in Montauk, New York. This moisture resistance helps keep rust from building up on your blades. And, unlike slotted blocks, magnetic holders keep all of your knives in view, so you always know which one you’re grabbing. Read on to shop six chef-approved magnetic knife holders, starting at just $18 at Amazon.

Chef-Loved Magnetic Knife Holders

Jonathan Alden Magnetic Wooden Knife Bar Holder Strip

“I believe the best storage solution is a wall-mounted knife rack, as it has minimal contact with the edge and ensures that the storage is dry and sanitary, as good airflow is needed for Japanese carbon steel knives to avoid any rusting. A knife rack makes for efficient use since the blades are available to grab at a glance. When using a knife rack, I recommend keeping the handle up and pointing the knife tip to the counter — this technique allows the freshly washed knife to dry using gravity. Make sure that you choose a rack with a strong magnet and quality wood.” — Chef Thomas Odermatt, CEO & Founder, Butcher’s Bone Broth 

Schmidt Brothers Acacia Downtown Magnetic Knife Block

“I personally like a magnetic knife block. It keeps my knives in a secure and safe place where I don’t have to worry about the blade dulling or being damaged. I also like that I can clearly see which knife I’m reaching for.” — Dan Jacobs, Co-owner, Dandan and EsterEv, Milwaukee 

Eco Kitchen Stainless Steel Knife Strip

“Proper knife storage isn’t just about staying organized — it’s crucial for protecting the blade from dulling or damage. At home, I used to have a wall-mounted magnetic rack, which I loved, but with a very active toddler running around, a baby-proofed drawer is definitely the safer choice for me these days. If baby-proofing isn’t a need, I’d recommend something like this Eco Kitchen Stainless Steel Knife Strip. It’s simple, easy to maintain, and keeps everything clean and secure without much hassle.” — Tyler Fenton, Chef & Owner, BATA, Tucson, Arizona

Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar

“I’ve been using the Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar for years, and I always recommend it to home cooks. It’s strong enough to hold heavier chef’s knives and even cleavers, and the low-profile stainless finish blends into most kitchen styles. If you’re tight on counter or drawer space, a wall-mounted strip is honestly a game-changer.’’ — Dennis Littley, Chef and Recipe Expert, Ask Chef Dennis

“Knives are the most personal thing in a chef’s life — more than the apron or the recipe book. They stay visible, accessible, and sharp, thanks to a magnetic strip. And then when I’m moving between restaurants, this hard case roll is my peace of mind. If you take care of your tools, they’ll take care of your food.” — Frank Bonanno, Chef & Founder, Bonanno Concepts, Denver

HMmagnets Heavy-Duty Magnetic Knife Holder

“Utilizing a magnetic strip mounted on the wall allows for easy access and visibility of your knives, keeping them organized and within reach while preserving counter space. By adopting this storage method, you can ensure that your knives remain sharp, safe, and always ready for use.” — Steve DiFillippo, Chef & CEO, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse

Material Kitchen The Stand

“My favorite knife storage device is The Stand by Material Kitchen. It is a gorgeous wooden block that is magnetized. You can then hang your knives in your kitchen, displaying your favorites. It is also tall enough to store some of your longer 10-inch knives that can be hard to store in traditional knife blocks. This is a great way to prominently display your kitchen knives.” — Brad Baych, Chef & Butcher, The Butcher Wizard, Author, “Primal Cuts: A Butcher’s Guide to Selecting, Preparing, and Perfecting Beef”