When a reader recently left a comment stating that they had made a great under-the-cabinet knife rack, I didn't think much of it until I saw the genius that it truly was. Instead of putting a rack on your backsplash (which still prohibits you from putting anything in front of it), check out this under-cabinet trick!
Kaela over at Local Kitchen left us a great tip a few days ago when we were busy chatting about awkward kitchen spaces. She mentioned a way of storing her knives that although sounded less than unusual turned out to be anything but.
Kaela mounted her magnetic knife block to the bottom of her upper cabinets instead of on her backsplash. All the handles face out allowing you to see what you're grabbing and they keep the counters free for other things. Even though a wall mounted knife rack doesn't take up much real estate, you can't exactly put jars of pantry essentials like flour against them without having to move them anytime you need a knife!
This solution works out brilliantly and is perfect for small spaces or anyone needing a little more prep space. If you have metal cabinets, skip the bar and try plain old magnets instead!
• Read More: Under Cabinet Knife Rack from Local Kitchen
Related: Reader Gallery: Knife Storage Solutions
(Image: Local Kitchen)
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though this is a novel idea, there is NO way this would fly in our apartment! my boyfriend is a knife fanatic, and so they MUST be displayed :D
While a good use of space no doubt, I feel like it would be awkward to figure out which knife is which - you'd have to bend over weirdly, since just guessing might end up in a slice across the finger.
I mounted mine on the side of the cabinet. It's high so it's above any of my appliances and I can still see all the knives.
I'd definitely do the blind-grab and slice my fingers...I don't love using up counter space for a knife block, but I'm too clumsy to do anything but that.
Yeah... While I can appreciate the space-saving qualities of this storage solution, it seems like it's a trip to the emergency room waiting to happen.
We used to have ours like this but once kids came along my husband hacked the strip in half and put the two pieces up in between two awkward windows in my prep/sink area... I don't mind looking at them and I don't have to worry about little fingers since the sink is in the way
We mounted a magnetic bar inside the door of an upper cabinet next to the stove. Works great-we can see all of them anytime and they are out of kids' range.
Brilliant!
Magnetic knife strips freak me out when they're in plain sight, the idea of reaching under the cabinets to get one is making me really uncomfortable. Hidden sharp things, *shudder*
If all your knives match, I can see where ensuring you get the right one could be an issue. But, mine are all different and this would be perfect for my house! I feel a weekend project coming on!
Had mine set up exactly like this. Worked like a charm for years in my cramped kitchen. Helps if you have an array of handle styles and have a system for which size goes where.
Wusthoff used to (and still may, for all I know) make a wooden block that was designed to be mounted flat, under a cabinet. It has a built-in swivel, so you can swing it out and see which knife is which. The blades are secured in the actual block, so no danger of cutting yourself. I've had it for about 15 years now, and wouldn't be without it. SUCH a great idea, freed up a whole passel of counter space when I had it installed.
I tried that in one of my apartments. It didn't work too well because my knives are too handle heavy for it. They would stick mostly, but occasionally would fall off. Falling knives are not happy. Now I keep them up behind the sink on the wall. Works much better.
I should note: the magnetic strip I use is very strong: there is NO way those puppies are ever falling off.
Wusthof still does make that under-counter wood block: there is a link in the post.
It does help to have some different handles, and I do have a system for where each knife is stored (most frequently used closest to me on the left, each in a particular slot). However, I never just 'blindly' reach under there for a knife. My cabinets are pretty high: about the level of my chin. Hence I only have to duck slightly to see the knife I'm grabbing. My fingers prefer it that way. :)
I think I would like this for some of my larger knives. Definitely like the under-couter swing out keeper though.
Just a tip for those who like the idea but are uncomfortable with knives on display (or 'hidden' as the case may be) or who are concerned about the safety of wee ones... I mounted mine on the underside of a shelf INSIDE an upper cabinet.. Knives are hidden, in a sense, but also in plain view when the cabinet is open. No ducking or blind reaching required.
I like the idea of mounting them on the inside door of a cabinet door instead, too. You can see what you are grabbing, and they are out of sight.
I love this idea! I'm about to move into a very cramped kitchen and this will be perfect for my favorite knives. I think I'll set up 2 strips. One for the standard set and another for the steak knives. Yay! Thanks bunches for sharing your idea!