A knife block keeps blades protected, in reach and off the drawer floor, where they dull each other and tempt fingers. It also gives every knife a home, which makes cooking quicker. The best knife blocks come with knives that earn their space or have slots roomy enough to hold the knives you already own.
The six below are block-and-knife sets from familiar names, plus a carousel design. We have not used these products ourselves, so please confirm the details on the current listing before you buy. If you want a block alone, check the listing to see whether knives are included.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Slots | Count the slots against the knives you own |
| Slot angle | Angled slots keep the edge from resting on the wood |
| Wood | Hardwood and bamboo are common and hold up well |
| Base | A non-slip base keeps the block steady |
| Knife quality | The included knives should be worth keeping |
Specs at a Glance
| Block | Style | Knives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph Joseph Elevate Carousel | Carousel | Included | Stainless steel; space-saving |
| Cuisinart C77TR-15P | Wood block | Included | Triple-rivet handles |
| McCook MC25 | Wood block | Included | Built-in sharpener |
| KitchenAid Classic 15-Piece | Wood block | Included | Triple-rivet handles; sharpener |
| Home Hero Knife Set | Block | Included | Larger set with steak knives |
| Henckels International Classic | Wood block | Included | Compact German-style set |
The 6 Best Knife Blocks
1. Joseph Joseph Elevate Knife Set with Carousel
Joseph Joseph is known for clever, tidy kitchen products. This set uses a rotating carousel block that keeps knives upright and the blades off the counter.
Suits: small counters. Strengths: a compact design and an easy twirl. Weaknesses: check the knife count in the listing. Skip it if you want a traditional wood block.
View Joseph Joseph Elevate Knife Set with Carousel on Amazon
2. Cuisinart Triple Rivet 15-Piece Knife Block Set (C77TR-15P)
A common household set with stainless steel blades and handles with three rivets. The wooden block holds all the pieces, including steak knives.
Suits: general home use. Strengths: a full set from a familiar brand. Weaknesses: blade steel is entry-level. Skip it if you want premium Japanese steel.
View Cuisinart Triple Rivet 15-Piece Knife Block Set (C77TR-15P) on Amazon
3. McCook MC25 Knife Block Set
McCook sells knife sets that include a sharpener built into the block. The set is aimed at buyers who want a lower-maintenance option.
Suits: people who sharpen rarely. Strengths: a built-in sharpener. Weaknesses: the sharpener is a basic tool. Skip it if you prefer a whetstone.
View McCook MC25 Knife Block Set on Amazon
4. KitchenAid Classic 15-Piece Triple Rivet Knife Block Set
A set under the KitchenAid name that includes core knives, steak knives and a block with a built-in sharpener. It is made for typical home kitchens.
Suits: KitchenAid fans. Strengths: a coordinated look and a sharpener. Weaknesses: the knives are stamped. Skip it if you need a smaller set.
View KitchenAid Classic 15-Piece Triple Rivet Knife Block Set on Amazon
5. Home Hero Kitchen Knife Set with Block
A large value set with a block, shears and steak knives. It aims to give new cooks all they need in one box.
Suits: new kitchens. Strengths: many pieces and a simple block. Weaknesses: quality is basic. Skip it if you want fewer, finer knives.
View Home Hero Kitchen Knife Set with Block on Amazon
6. J.A. Henckels International Classic Knife Block Set
A compact set from Henckels International, with a wooden block and classic handles. It covers the essentials in a tidy package.
Suits: smaller kitchens. Strengths: a trusted name and a compact size. Weaknesses: fewer pieces than large sets. Skip it if you want a long list of extras.
View J.A. Henckels International Classic Knife Block Set on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Dry every knife before sliding it into a slot.
- Wipe the block with a barely damp cloth.
- Turn the block upside down to shake out crumbs now and then.
- Replace the block if mold appears in the slots.
- Do not store the block where steam from the kettle reaches it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing knives with the edge pressing against the wood.
- Choosing a block with too few slots.
- Leaving the block in a damp spot.
- Washing the block under running water.
Knife Block FAQ
Can I buy a block without knives?
Yes. Universal blocks take the knives you already own. See the dedicated guide for empty blocks.
Do blocks dull knives?
Slots with a poor angle can drag on the edge. Look for horizontal or angled slots, and slide knives in with care, spine first, so the cutting edge does not scrape the wood.
Are carousel blocks any good?
They save space and keep blades upright. Some people find the rotating action less steady than a solid block.
How many slots do I need?
Choose at least as many as the knives you own, then add a couple for future purchases.
Should I choose a set with a sharpener in the block?
A built-in sharpener is convenient, but it is a basic tool. A honing steel and an occasional proper sharpening will keep an edge in better shape over the years.
The Short Version
For a space-saving carousel, the Joseph Joseph Elevate. For general home use, the Cuisinart. For built-in sharpening, the McCook. For a coordinated set, the KitchenAid. For value, the Home Hero. For a compact German-style set, the Henckels International.