The Best DIY Wooden Magnetic Knife Holder For Your Kitchen
Storing the kitchen utensils above the countertop can be the best way save space. A wooden magnetic knife holder block allows you to display, store, and easily access your kitchen cutlery making this project a double win- it looks great and is super functional.
Stop wrestling around with loose knifes in the silverware drawer. And get rid of that huge space-eating knife block ASAP and create this project in no time and little cost.
How to Choose a Magnetic Knife Holder
You want to get a holder to fit and match your kitchen. So, there are a few factors you should consider for your holder.
- Strength
- Size
- Design
- Easy to clean
First, consider the weight of your knives and how many the holder will support. You want to ensure the magnet is strong enough to hold the weight of your blades so they don’t slip off.
The size of your knives determines the size of the holder. The fewer and smaller knives you have, the smaller the magnetic holder can be. However, for big knives like a cleaver, you’ll want a big enough holder for them to fit.
In most instances, you want the design of the magnetic knife racks to compliment the style of your kitchen. There are several options if you’re going to buy one. Or you can completely customize and make your own.
Most magnetic holders will be easy to clean. But the kitchen can be a messy place. And a holder with a smooth surface is the easiest to clean.
Where to Put a Magnetic Knife Strip in the Kitchen?
The best place to put your magnetic strip is somewhere convenient and out of the way. So the best places to secure your knife magnet include:
- Above and behind the sink
- Backsplash
- Unused wall area
- Window frame
- Inside the cabinet door
- On the wall
Ideally, you want the knives near your prep area. If you have an open space near there, go for it.
How Do You Install A Magnetic Knife Strip Without Drilling?
Don’t want to put another hole in the wall just to install a magnetic knife strip? No worries. There are a few things you can try instead of drilling.
- 3M VHB (very high bond) double-sided tape
- Command strips
- Gorilla heavy duty tape
The solution could be permanent depending on the sealant or adhesive you decide to use. This means that you risk ruining tiles or the wall if you try to remove the magnet strip. So ensure that you’re happy with the placement before installing.
Is a Blade Of a Knife Magnetic?
Most knife blads are magnetic. However, there are a few exceptions.
Ceramic knives are not magnetic and will not stick to a magnetic holder.
Certain stainless steel knives made with nickel or a poor microstructure lack a solid magnetic hold.
Supplies you’ll need to build a magnetic knife holder:
- 3/4 inch wooden block (here we used a thin piece of walnut)
- drill
- 3/4 inch forstner drill bit
- super glue
- 3/4 inch round extra heavy duty magnets (number need varies based on how long your wooden block is)
- spray lacquer finish
- 2 small brackets and 4 small nails
- hammer
Instructions to start building your magnetic knife holder:
Step 1: Prepare the woodblock
Source your wood and cut to size with a saw if needed. Ours was 3/4 inch thick, approximately 2.5 inches tall and 8 inches long. Your length and height dimensions can vary based on your custom size needs. Your local hardware store may be able to do this for you if you do not have a saw.
Step 2: Drill the holes
Using the drill and the 3/4 inch forstner bit, drill 2 rows of holes on the back of the wooden block. Drill them close together and depress the drill about 1/2 inch in without penetrating through to the front. That way the magnets will sit close to the front surface of the block.
Step 3: Add super glue
Once all the holes are in place, dab super glue into each hole. Then drop the magnets down into each hole. Make sure that they are all dropped in the same direction so that the knives will magnetize through the wood. Let the glue and magnets dry in place.
Step 4: Spray paint
Once the super glue is dry, use spray lacquer to apply a thin coat of finish to the front of the block. This will keep the wood protected over time if you are sticking a wet knife to the block.
Step 5: Add brackets and hang
To finish up this project, put 2 brackets on the back of the block to allow for hanging. Hammer short nails into the brackets to keep them in place. And space them towards each end of the block to better support the weight of the knives.
Once the project is finished, place 2 screws with distance measured and spaced based on the bracket placement. You can screw it into the wall or cabinet where you plan to hang your new magnetic holder.
Hang and stick up your knives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Are magnetic knife holders a good idea?
They are a great idea for your kitchen. Now you can get rid of your knife block to create more counter space. Just make sure that the magnet is strong, so you don’t worry about the knives slipping.
Do magnetic strips hurt knives?
No. Magnetic strips do not hurt your knives. The main things to watch out for are removing and placing the knife on the strip. Don’t drag the edge of the blade when you pull it off. And avoid letting the blade snap when you put it back on the strip.
Can you hang a magnetic knife strip with command strips?
Yes. Command strips are a common solution for hanging magnetic knife holders.
Do magnets stick to stainless steel knives?
Stainless steel knives have a weak magnetic connection due to their microstructure or if they’re made with nickel.
Are ceramic blades magnetic?
No. Ceramic blades are not magnetic.
Can you hang a magnetic strip vertically?
Yes. This could be an efficient way to place your strip. Hang it vertically on the cabinets, refrigerator, or walls.
Should knives face up or down on a magnet strip?
You don’t want your hand to contact the blade when you go to grab it. So, it’s best to place your knives up.
Why shouldn’t you use a knife block?
Unless you properly clean and maintain the knife block, it’s likely to collect and harbor germs. Plus, you dull the blades every time you place or remove them from the block. It also takes up valuable counter space.
Magnetic Knife Holder: Conclusion
Whether you make your own magnetic knife holder with this easy DIY project or buy one off Amazon, a knife holder can be an attractive addition to your kitchen.