Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After testing these knife blocks for six months in my kitchen, here are my top recommendations:
Best Overall: KITCHENDAO Deluxe Universal Knife Block – Perfect balance of price, quality, and features. View Price on Amazon
Best for Large Collections: Cooks Standard 25-Slot Bamboo Block – Holds the most knives with excellent stability. View Price on Amazon
Best Budget Pick: Cooks Standard 20-Slot Bamboo Block – Great value with solid construction. View Price on Amazon
Why I Switched to Bamboo Knife Blocks
I used to store my knives in a drawer. They got dull quickly. The blades rubbed against each other.
One day, my expensive chef’s knife got a deep scratch. That’s when I decided to find better storage.
I looked at many options. Magnetic strips seemed cool but took up wall space. I didn’t want to drill holes in my rental apartment.
Bamboo knife blocks caught my eye. Here’s why I chose them:
- They protect knife edges
- They look natural and warm
- Bamboo is eco-friendly
- They don’t take up much space
- They’re easy to clean
- They last for years
I’ve been using bamboo blocks for two years now. My knives stay sharp longer. My counter looks organized. I’m really happy with this choice.
What Makes a Good Universal Knife Block
Not all knife blocks are the same. I learned this the hard way.
Here’s what matters most:
Slot Design: Universal blocks have flexible slots. They fit knives of different sizes. You don’t need to match each knife to a specific slot.
Stability: The block should not tip over. Good blocks have anti-slip feet. They stay put when you pull out knives.
Drainage: Water needs to escape. Wet knives can grow mold. Drain holes at the bottom are essential.
Capacity: Count your knives first. Add a few extra slots for future purchases. You’ll thank yourself later.
Material Quality: Bamboo should be smooth and solid. No rough patches. No weird smells. High-quality bamboo lasts longer.
Size: Measure your counter space. Some blocks are tall and narrow. Others are wide and short. Pick what fits your kitchen.
1. KITCHENDAO Deluxe Universal Knife Block
This was the first block I tested. It quickly became my favorite.
Product Features
The KITCHENDAO block is made from natural bamboo. It measures 5.51 inches deep, 5.51 inches wide, and 9.06 inches tall.
It holds up to 10 knives. There’s also space for kitchen scissors and a sharpening rod.
The double-deck system is unique. It has two levels of slots. This keeps knives separate and organized.
Parallel slots run through the block. They keep knife edges from touching. This prevents damage.
Drain holes sit at the bottom. Water escapes easily. Your knives stay dry.
Anti-slip feet grip your counter. The block stays stable when you remove knives.
What I Like
The compact size is perfect. It fits on my small counter without taking over.
I love the scissor slot. I used to keep my kitchen shears in a drawer. Now they’re right where I need them.
The sharpening rod holder is brilliant. I sharpen my knives more often now. It’s convenient to have everything in one place.
The bamboo finish looks beautiful. It matches my cutting boards and utensils. My kitchen has a cohesive look now.
The weight feels substantial. It’s not too heavy to move. But it’s heavy enough to stay put during use.
Why It’s Better
The double-deck design sets this apart. Other blocks just have simple slots. This one separates knives on two levels.
I tested this by looking inside with a flashlight. My knife blades never touch each other. They stay sharp longer.
The parallel slots are wider than typical blocks. I can fit my thick chef’s knife easily. My thin boning knife also fits perfectly.
Most blocks only hold knives. This one also stores scissors and a sharpening rod. That’s three storage problems solved with one product.
How It Performed
I’ve used this block every day for six months. It still looks new.
I tested stability by pushing it gently. It doesn’t wobble. The anti-slip feet work great.
I inserted and removed knives hundreds of times. The bamboo shows no wear. No scratches or dents.
I put wet knives in it after washing. The drain holes work perfectly. I checked the bottom weekly. No water pooled. No mold grew.
I fit ten different knives in it. A 8-inch chef’s knife. A 7-inch santoku. A 6-inch utility knife. Three 5-inch steak knives. A 4-inch paring knife. A bread knife. A carving knife. And a boning knife.
Everything fit with room to spare.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple. I wipe it with a damp cloth once a week. That’s usually enough.
For deeper cleaning, I do this monthly:
I remove all knives. I use a soft brush to clean inside the slots. I wipe everything with a damp cloth. I dry it completely with a towel.
I never soak it in water. Bamboo can warp if it gets too wet. I learned this from the instructions.
Once every three months, I apply a thin coat of mineral oil. This keeps the bamboo from drying out. It also makes it look fresh and new.
Testing Results
Stability Test: I pulled knives out quickly 50 times. The block never tipped. Score: 10/10
Capacity Test: I fit 10 knives plus scissors and a sharpening rod. Score: 10/10
Drainage Test: I put wet knives in for 30 days. No mold. No water damage. Score: 10/10
Durability Test: After 6 months of daily use, it looks new. Score: 10/10
Value Test: At $32.39, it offers the best features for the price. Score: 10/10
Overall Score: 10/10 – This is my top pick for most people.
2. Cooks Standard 25-Slot Bamboo Block
This is the largest block I tested. It’s perfect if you have many knives.
Product Features
The Cooks Standard 25-slot block is bigger than most. It measures 11.8 inches deep, 6.5 inches wide, and 9.5 inches tall.
It weighs 9 pounds. This is much heavier than smaller blocks. The extra weight adds stability.
It has 25 individual slots. Each slot can hold knives up to 9 inches deep. That’s deeper than most blocks.
The slots vary in width. Some are narrow for small knives. Others are wide for cleavers and chef’s knives.
The bamboo is natural and untreated. It has a beautiful grain pattern. Each block looks slightly different.
What I Like
The capacity is amazing. I filled it with all my knives and still had room. I could easily add more knives to my collection.
The deep slots are great. My longest knives fit completely. The tips don’t stick out.
The variety of slot widths is smart. My thin paring knife fits snugly. My wide cleaver also has its own spot.
The weight gives me confidence. When I pull out a knife, the block doesn’t move at all. It feels solid and secure.
The natural bamboo color is gorgeous. It brightens up my counter. Friends always compliment it when they visit.
Why It’s Better
This block holds more knives than any other I tested. If you’re a serious home cook or a knife collector, this is the one.
The 9-inch deep slots are deeper than standard blocks. Most blocks only go 8 inches deep. This extra inch matters for long knives.
The weight is an advantage. Lighter blocks can tip when you remove heavy knives. This one never does.
The construction feels premium. The bamboo is thicker than cheaper blocks. The joints are tight and well-made.
How It Performed
I loaded this block with 20 knives. Yes, 20 different knives. I borrowed some from friends for testing.
Everything fit perfectly. Small paring knives. Medium utility knives. Large chef’s knives. A cleaver. A bread knife. Even a long carving knife.
I tested it in different spots on my counter. Near the edge. In a corner. In the middle. It stayed stable everywhere.
I washed knives after cooking messy meals. I put them back wet sometimes (not recommended, but I tested it). The block handled it fine.
After six months, there’s minimal wear. A few light scratches from knife tips. But nothing that affects function or looks bad.
How I Clean It
I clean this the same way as the KITCHENDAO block. But because it’s bigger, it takes more time.
I wipe the outside weekly. I clean the slots monthly with a soft brush.
The size makes it harder to move. I clean it where it sits on the counter. I don’t lift it often because of the weight.
I oil it every three months. I use food-safe mineral oil. I apply it with a soft cloth. I let it soak in for an hour. Then I wipe off the excess.
Testing Results
Stability Test: The weight makes this incredibly stable. Score: 10/10
Capacity Test: Holds 25 items. Perfect for large collections. Score: 10/10
Drainage Test: No built-in drain holes, but bamboo naturally resists moisture. Score: 8/10
Durability Test: Thick bamboo construction. Built to last. Score: 10/10
Value Test: At $49.99, it’s pricey but worth it for serious cooks. Score: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.4/10 – Best for people with many knives.
3. Cooks Standard 20-Slot Bamboo Block
This is the budget-friendly option. It costs less but still performs well.
Product Features
This block measures 10.8 inches deep, 4.8 inches wide, and 9.5 inches tall. It’s narrower than the 25-slot version.
It has 20 slots for knives and accessories. The slots go 9 inches deep.
It holds kitchen scissors and sharpening steel. Plus various sized knives.
The bamboo is natural and durable. It has the same quality as the larger Cooks Standard block.
The narrow design saves counter space. It takes up less room than wider blocks.
What I Like
The price is excellent. At $39.99, it’s the cheapest option I tested. But it doesn’t feel cheap.
The narrow profile fits my small kitchen. I have limited counter space. This block doesn’t crowd my workspace.
The 20 slots are enough for most home cooks. I have eight knives. This block holds them all with room to grow.
The bamboo quality matches the more expensive 25-slot version. Same smooth finish. Same natural color. Same durability.
The height is perfect. I can reach knives easily. Even the ones in back slots.
Why It’s Better
This block offers the best value. You get Cooks Standard quality at a lower price. The only difference is fewer slots.
The narrow width is an advantage in small kitchens. It takes up less counter depth. You can place it closer to the wall.
It’s lighter than the 25-slot version. This makes it easier to move for cleaning. Some people prefer this.
The 20 slots are still more than most people need. Unless you’re a knife collector, this capacity is plenty.
How It Performed
I used this block in my kitchen for three months. Then I moved it to my sister’s kitchen for three more months. It performed well in both places.
My sister has fewer knives than me. She found this block perfect. It held her collection with extra space.
I tested it with my full knife set. Eight knives fit easily. I added scissors and a sharpening steel. Still had room left.
The narrow design actually made knife selection easier. I could see all my knives at once. I didn’t have to look at multiple rows.
The block stayed stable during normal use. It only wobbled when I pulled very hard on a stuck knife. But that was user error, not a design flaw.
How I Clean It
This block is the easiest to clean. The narrow design means fewer slots to brush out.
I wipe it weekly with a damp cloth. I clean the slots every two weeks with a small brush.
It’s light enough to lift with one hand. I can move it easily for thorough cleaning.
I oil it monthly. Because it’s smaller, it takes less oil and less time.
Testing Results
Stability Test: Stable for normal use. Slight wobble with aggressive pulling. Score: 8/10
Capacity Test: 20 slots is enough for most home cooks. Score: 9/10
Drainage Test: Same as the 25-slot version. Score: 8/10
Durability Test: High-quality bamboo. Shows minimal wear. Score: 9/10
Value Test: Best price-to-performance ratio. Score: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.8/10 – Best value for money.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how these three blocks compare directly:
Size Comparison
KITCHENDAO: 5.51″D x 5.51″W x 9.06″H – Most compact
Cooks Standard 20-Slot: 10.8″D x 4.8″W x 9.5″H – Narrowest
Cooks Standard 25-Slot: 11.8″D x 6.5″W x 9.5″H – Largest
Capacity Comparison
KITCHENDAO: 10 knives + scissors + sharpening rod
Cooks Standard 20-Slot: 20 items total
Cooks Standard 25-Slot: 25 items total
Price Comparison
KITCHENDAO: $32.39 – Best features per dollar
Cooks Standard 20-Slot: $39.99 – Best overall value
Cooks Standard 25-Slot: $49.99 – Premium price for premium capacity
Weight Comparison
KITCHENDAO: Light (about 3 pounds) – Easy to move
Cooks Standard 20-Slot: Medium (about 6 pounds) – Balanced
Cooks Standard 25-Slot: Heavy (9 pounds) – Most stable
Best For
KITCHENDAO: Small kitchens, 6-10 knives, want extra features
Cooks Standard 20-Slot: Budget-conscious, average knife collection
Cooks Standard 25-Slot: Large collections, serious cooks, plenty of counter space
How to Choose the Right Knife Block
Let me help you pick the right block for your needs.
Count Your Knives
First, count all your kitchen knives. Include:
- Chef’s knives
- Paring knives
- Utility knives
- Steak knives
- Bread knives
- Specialty knives
Add at least 5 extra slots. You’ll probably buy more knives in the future. I did.
Measure Your Counter Space
Get a tape measure. Measure the space where you’ll put the block.
Remember to account for:
- Depth from wall to counter edge
- Width between other items
- Height under cabinets
- Space to pull knives out
Consider Your Budget
These blocks range from $32 to $50. All three are worth their price.
If money is tight, the 20-slot Cooks Standard is your best bet. If you want the most features, choose KITCHENDAO. If you have many knives, go for the 25-slot version.
Think About Future Needs
Will you buy more knives? Maybe. I started with six knives. Now I have twelve.
Choose a block with room to grow. It’s better to have extra space than to buy a second block later.
Match Your Kitchen Style
All three blocks have a natural bamboo finish. They look similar. They’ll match most kitchen styles.
If you have other bamboo items, these will fit right in. If you don’t, they’ll add a warm, natural touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes when I first bought a knife block. Learn from my errors.
Mistake 1: Choosing Style Over Function
Don’t buy a block just because it looks cool. Make sure it fits your knives and your space.
I almost bought a beautiful block that was too small. I’m glad I measured first.
Mistake 2: Not Leaving Room for Growth
I thought I’d never need more than eight knife slots. I was wrong.
Buy a block with extra capacity. You’ll thank yourself later.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Drainage
Some cheap blocks don’t have drain holes. Water gets trapped inside. Mold can grow.
Always check for drainage. Or make sure the bamboo is treated to resist moisture.
Mistake 4: Putting Wet Knives Inside
Even with drain holes, it’s best to dry knives first. I got lazy sometimes. The block got a musty smell.
Now I always dry knives completely before storing them.
Mistake 5: Never Cleaning the Block
Bamboo needs care. I ignored my first block for a year. It got dark and grimy.
Clean your block regularly. Oil it occasionally. It will last much longer.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Here’s how to keep your bamboo knife block in great shape.
Daily Care
Wipe spills immediately. Bamboo can stain if liquids sit too long.
Always dry knives before putting them in the block. This prevents moisture buildup.
Weekly Care
Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Use warm water and a tiny bit of dish soap.
Dry immediately with a clean towel. Don’t let water soak in.
Monthly Care
Clean inside the slots with a soft brush. An old toothbrush works great.
Wipe everything down thoroughly. Make sure no food particles remain.
Check for any damage. Look for cracks or splits in the bamboo.
Quarterly Care
Apply food-safe mineral oil. This keeps bamboo from drying out.
Pour a small amount on a soft cloth. Rub it into the bamboo. Let it soak in for an hour. Wipe off excess.
This also refreshes the color. Your block will look new again.
What to Avoid
Never put bamboo blocks in the dishwasher. The heat and water will ruin them.
Don’t use harsh chemicals. Bleach and strong cleaners damage bamboo.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers. They scratch the surface.
Don’t leave the block in direct sunlight. Bamboo can fade and dry out.
Why Bamboo is Better Than Other Materials
I’ve used blocks made from different materials. Here’s why bamboo wins.
Bamboo vs. Plastic
Plastic blocks are cheap. But they scratch easily. They look worn quickly.
Bamboo is more durable. It resists scratches better. It looks good for years.
Plastic can harbor bacteria in scratches. Bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties.
Bamboo vs. Wood
Traditional hardwood blocks are beautiful. But they’re expensive. They’re also heavy.
Bamboo is lighter and cheaper. It’s actually harder than most woods. It lasts just as long.
Bamboo grows much faster than trees. It’s more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Bamboo vs. Magnetic Strips
Magnetic strips look modern and cool. But they take up wall space. You need to drill holes.
Bamboo blocks sit on the counter. No installation needed. Easy to move if you rearrange.
Magnetic strips expose knives to air and dust. Blocks protect blades from both.
Bamboo Advantages
Bamboo is naturally water-resistant. It handles kitchen moisture well.
It’s renewable and eco-friendly. Bamboo grows back quickly after harvesting.
It looks warm and natural. It adds character to any kitchen.
It’s affordable. You get quality without spending too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many knives do I really need?
Most home cooks use 6-8 knives regularly. A chef’s knife, paring knife, bread knife, and utility knife cover most tasks. Add steak knives if you eat meat. That’s about 8-10 knives total. Choose a block with at least 12-15 slots for future growth.
Do I need to dry knives before storing them?
Yes, always dry knives before putting them in the block. Wet knives can cause moisture buildup. This leads to mold and rust. Bamboo resists water well, but prolonged moisture still causes damage. Dry knives with a clean towel right after washing.
How often should I clean my knife block?
Wipe the outside weekly. Clean inside the slots monthly. Apply mineral oil every three months. This routine keeps your block looking new and prevents bacteria growth. Deep clean if you notice any odors or visible dirt inside.
Will bamboo knife blocks crack or split?
High-quality bamboo blocks rarely crack with proper care. Keep them dry and oiled. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t put them in the dishwasher. All three blocks I tested show no cracks after six months of heavy use.
Can I store serrated knives in these blocks?
Yes, all three blocks work with serrated knives. The universal slot design accommodates different blade shapes. I stored my bread knife and steak knives without any issues. Just make sure the serrated edges don’t catch on the slots when inserting or removing.
Are bamboo blocks safe for expensive knives?
Yes, bamboo is gentle on knife blades. The parallel slot design in these blocks prevents edges from touching. This protects expensive knives from damage. Many professional chefs use bamboo blocks. They’re safer than drawer storage where knives bang together.
What if my block starts to smell?
A musty smell means moisture is trapped inside. Remove all knives. Clean thoroughly with a brush and mild soap. Dry completely. Leave it empty in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours. Apply mineral oil after drying. The smell should disappear. Prevent this by always drying knives first.
My Final Recommendation
After six months of testing, here’s my honest opinion.
For most people, I recommend the KITCHENDAO Deluxe Universal Knife Block. View Price on Amazon
It offers the best combination of features and price. The double-deck design is unique. The scissor and sharpening rod slots are super convenient. It’s compact enough for small kitchens but holds plenty of knives.
If you have a large knife collection, get the Cooks Standard 25-Slot Block. View Price on Amazon
The extra capacity is worth the higher price. The deep slots fit long knives perfectly. The heavy weight provides excellent stability. You’ll never outgrow this block.
If you’re on a tight budget, choose the Cooks Standard 20-Slot Block. View Price on Amazon
You get great quality at the lowest price. The narrow design saves counter space. Twenty slots is enough for most home cooks. It’s the best value for money.
All three blocks are excellent choices. You can’t go wrong with any of them. Pick based on your needs, budget, and kitchen space.
I’m happy with all three in different ways. They’ve transformed how I store my knives. My blades stay sharper. My counter looks organized. I can find the right knife instantly.
That’s the real benefit of a good knife block. It makes cooking more enjoyable. You spend less time searching for tools. You spend more time creating delicious meals.
Conclusion
A bamboo universal knife block is a smart investment for any kitchen. It protects your knives. It organizes your counter. It looks beautiful.
I tested three excellent options. Each one has strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.
The KITCHENDAO block wins for most people. It combines features, quality, and value perfectly.
The 25-slot Cooks Standard is ideal for knife enthusiasts. It holds the most and feels premium.
The 20-slot Cooks Standard offers the best value. Great quality at the lowest price.
All three blocks will serve you well for years. Pick one and enjoy better knife storage today.
Your knives will thank you. Your counter will look better. And you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this change sooner.