Countertop models come in a variety of materials and colors to better suit your particular aesthetic preferences. Advantages: Knife blocks provide good protection for the edges of your blades, which makes them great for extending the longevity of your knives.

Disadvantages: If you’re not gentle, the impact of blade on bar can scratch your knives (not a functional problem, but an eyesore) or even chip or snap a delicate Japanese-style knife. Recommendation: We like the Wüsthof 17 Slot Knife Storage Block because it's made with environmentally-friendly, bacteria-resistant wood that comes in a variety of shades including bamboo, walnut, cherry, and black. If you're interested in a handcrafted sheath, Knifeware offers a selection of artisan wooden blade guards; these Japanese sayas are designed to fit gyuto (Japanese-style chef’s knives) and come with a little loop of leather attached so you can keep them hanging near your prep area.This knife block lends itself to easy cleaning because the plastic rods used to hold the knives in place are removable and washable. Advantages: Magnetic knife stands give you the ease of the magnetic strips without the need for wall space, and they have a smaller footprint than knife blocks. To keep your knives in tip-top shape, don’t let them hang out in the sink, waiting to be washed after dinner. Disadvantages: Magnetic knife holders share some of the pros of both magnetic strips and knife blocks, but they also share some of the cons—most notably, the need for counter space.

Cork inserts are Chef Jet Tila’s favorite affordable option: “You can actually get a lot of knives in there when you’re starting to build a collection. Available in many shapes and forms, knife storage solutions can help organize your knives while keeping you and your family safe from accidents and preventing your knives from dulling prematurely. ABS plastic is a strong and stable material with a glossy surface – making it perfect for especially used everyday objects like cutlery drawers, kitchen utensils, toothbrush mugs and bathroom hooks. IKEA takes product safety very seriously and all products are tested and comply with the strictest possible laws and safety standards on all IKEA markets.Disadvantages: It can be annoying to have a bunch of loose knives in a drawer—and even more annoying to unwrap and rewrap your knives every time you use them. If you don’t have counter or drawer space to spare, an under-cabinet knife block is a space-efficient choice.