my knife drawer

13 years ago

I don't think I have an over-abundance of knives, but I have more than fit in the average knife block, and I really don't like using blocks anyway - seems they are always in my way. I was using two, and still had some knives in drawers (counting my cleaver that was too big).

I decided I'd see if I could come up with a way to store them so I could get at them easily that didn't involve putting my fingers at risk, and still have them out of sight.

This is the end result -

I would have liked to make it larger but had size constraints with this small island and needing room for DH's cereal and the waste basket - eventually everything will be enclosed when we make the side panels. They will match the doors and we haven't gotten to them yet.

Since the side panels are not installed, here is a view from the back side.

We had left-over butcher block from the island top, and cut that into strips. Then we laid them out and put on the markings for the knife slots and cut them with the dado blade on the table saw (lots of passes as the max we could go on the dado was 1/2" wide). Most are only 1/8" deep. The one for the cleaver and knife hone are larger.

Once all cut, we glued them together.

This is made up of 9 pieces

Once that was dry, DH cut it to size and sanded it well, and then I oiled it and we put the sides around it. I didn't want exposed knives, but wanted the bottom open for cleaning.

Since we do the bulk of our cutting on the island, having the knives right here works well.

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Comments (18)

John Liu
13 years ago
That is very clever and well-done.
mtnrdredux_gw
13 years ago
I love it, except for kids!
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macybaby
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm post kids now, but I raised my two with the knife block sitting out in plain sight, and it never was a problem. Anyone want a 30yr old Chicago Cutlery knife block? It's in very good condition.

With this setup, I could easily install a lock if needed since it's just a drawer, and there are a wide range of child safe drawer mechanisms available.

At the rate my two grown kids are going, I may be in a retirement home before I have to worry about grandkids!
marcolo
13 years ago
Great idea!

I think all this kid-proofing of kitchens comes from a failure to truly appreciate Darwin.
mtnfever (9b AZ/HZ 11)
13 years ago
*that* should've been in the "Mr and Mrs Smith" movie kitchen that BrAngelina demolished!

on a side note, macybaby, I was searching for a pic of your apron sink with soapstone after you mentioned it in the 'granite framed cooktop' thread, and here you provide in your butcher block pic here! thanks!!
pinch_me
13 years ago
kid-proofing

When was this idea invented? anyone remember? And WHY? Was it at the same time no one believed in spanking?
jenny1963
13 years ago
marcolo: okay, I am truly laughing out loud here! I am reminded of how often I write lol, yet, by comparison, how infrequently I laugh truly out loud. I sound like I have a major stick up my butt, for some reason. Can't write today. Anyway, thanks!!
momtofour
13 years ago
Macybaby, nice job! Looks like a great storage solution. I have to confess that I am stealing looks at the backsplash in the third and fourth pictures, lol. I am still trying to decide about that tile!
summerbabies
13 years ago
What a great idea! I can't spare a cabinet, but that is truly a great solution. You did a fantastic job!
sabjimata
13 years ago
clever! love it.
dee850
13 years ago
Macybaby, I am SO impressed with everything you and your husband do - you're like DIY heroes!
Fori
13 years ago
KITTY! Don't go there!!!!

I like that a lot. And I don't think you have very many knives at all. :)
mtnrdredux_gw
13 years ago
Not kids who can reach a counter, where you'd have a knife block, but toddlers, who could reach those. Maybe I'm oversensitive because a neighbor's child had to have reconstructive surgery on his hand and she became quite the proselytizer.
formerlyflorantha
13 years ago
Glad to see someone else has a suggestion for large knife collection without awkward blocks.

O.T. We had two blocks full of knives--a real space killer in old kitchen. We've put a slit in countertop in new kitchen, a few inches from the wall. Had to plan short drawers below this space. Ours is "working kitchen" concept so I like having these immediately at hand--chopping station is just to the left. I don't have to open a drawer to put them away so I can carry them in both hands from dishwasher. No specific slit for any knife; rule is simply big ones to the left.

Serrated knives and a few small knives are elsewhere--at sandwich/toast zone.
marcolo
13 years ago
Why doesn't anyone install nice furniture locks on a few of the cabs they're worried about when they redo their kitchens? Keep the kiddies safe from sharps and chemicals today; keep them out of your liquor tomorrow.

When I grew up everyone kept their sharp knives in regular drawers. I just counted my fingers and they seem to be all there. Of course, many years ago I worked for a child safety products company, and that is when I first realized that Americans were getting stupider every year.
Fori
13 years ago
I like the plastic kid latches...not for knives--that would be a hassle. I have them under my sink, not because I think my kid would eat enough dish detergent to hurt himself, but he could sure make a mess. I also have them on a few cabinets that have antique glassware and such. No, not for the kid, but to keep them off the floor for our upcoming earthquake.
mabeldingeldine_gw
13 years ago
Macybaby, that is so very clever. You and your DH are so clever. I may have to invite you and DH to Maine for a visit ;-) Do you like to kayak/hike/beach/ etc.?

Marcolo, that comment made me snort my seltzer! I am so with you on that. Honestly, sometimes I wonder how I (and many others) reached adulthood give I never rode in a car seat, had a bike helmet, nor saw a locked cupboard.
formerlyflorantha
13 years ago
O.t. sorry to butt in...forgot to post photo

my knife drawer

Comments (18)

John Liu

mtnrdredux_gw

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my knife drawer

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