Knife Magnet vs. Knife Block: Which Should I Buy?

If you own a set of knives–or even if you own a hodgepodge of individual knives–you know they have to be stored somewhere. The two most popular options are knife blocks, which are wood, metal, or plastic contraptions that you slide your knives into appropriately sized slots, and knife magnets, which are strips of magnet that are typically screwed into a wall, though there are countertop models, as well. Which one is better? Let’s find out. 

Main Takeaways

Is one better than the other? We looked at specific magnets and blocks to get a clearer picture of what each has to offer and what it’s good for.

The Differences

Though both store knives, they do it in entirely different ways. Knife blocks are essentially a house for knives, with each knife going into a particular room to spend the night (and day). Whether you have a counter or a drawer block, they function similarly. Magnets are just that: A magnetic surface that you place your knives against. This leaves them exposed to the air, and to the room, so they’re visible for all to see. While being visible, they also can pose a threat, which a knife block can’t, because knives are dangerous tools. 

Knife magnets are great for display, whereas blocks aren’t. Unless your knives have gorgeous handles, chances are they aren’t going to shine in a block. However, they are going to be kept safe, and they won’t pose a threat to anyone.

The Tasks

Fits Odd Size Knives

Winner: Magnet

A knife magnet will fit any knife with a blade that’s made of a magnetic material, such as steel. It doesn’t matter whether it’s enormous or tiny, wide or narrow. Conversely, knife blocks have slots with very specifically sized spaces that correspond with standard knife sizes. If you have oddly sized or shaped knives, a knife magnet will do a better job of fitting them. 

Holds Knives in Place

Winner: Block

Though it’d be nice to assume knife magnets are all incredibly strong, the truth is that they aren’t necessarily. Some are poorly or inexpensively constructed, and your knives may not stick perfectly. That said, even if you have a great knife magnet, your knives can get knocked around on it. There’s no supporting structure. A block will keep your knives in place exactly where you put them, and they won’t move.

Adds to Kitchen Decor

Winner: Magnet

OK, a knife magnet does look cooler than a block—it puts your knives on full display. If you have fun-looking knives, a magnet is the way to let everyone who enters your kitchen know. With a knife block, all that’s visible is the handle, and even that is only the case if it’s a counter block. If you have a drawer block, your knives are essentially invisible when not in use. 

Fits in Drawers

Winner: Block

Because magnets are placed on walls, the knife block is a clear winner here (providing you get a drawer block and not a counter one). If knife magnets did exist for drawers, they’d be dangerous: You’d have to reach in somewhere too close to the blade to pull a knife out. For safety’s sake, blocks are the only way to go for drawer storage.

Safety

Winner: Block

Speaking of safety, a knife block is simply the safer choice. There are two main reasons for this: For one thing, a knife magnet could fall down. More importantly, though, your knives are just hanging out against a wall and could hurt someone. You could hurt yourself by accidentally touching the wrong part of a knife, or someone could bang up against it. There are countless ways a knife magnet could be a hazard. A knife block does not pose risk. 

Knife Longevity

Winner: Block

Dusty, sticky knives probably don’t sound ideal to you, but unless you use and clean your knives on a magnet constantly, that’s what you could end up with. Kitchens are notorious for creating messes, and if you’ve ever gotten marinara splatters on the wall, chances are you’ll have marinara splatters on your magnet-stored knives, too. Additionally, some blocks have features that keep knives sharp, further creating an environment for long-term thriving.

Ideal for Small Spaces

Winner: Magnet

If you’re short on counter or drawer space, a magnet is the answer. It sits right on a wall, and most people don’t mind sacrificing wall decor for the sake of functionality. A knife block, whether counter or drawer, will take up considerably more space. If that’s something you can’t spare, those aren’t the answer for you.

Best for Rentals

Winner: Block

Hanging a knife magnet is more serious than putting up a picture with a nail. Screws are required, and those can cause damage to walls. For anyone who rents and is worried about the harm caused by a magnet, a knife block is a safer pick. It sits on a counter or in a drawer, so no defacing of your home is required.