Homemade Bamboo Knife Block
Are you tired of your knives clattering around in a drawer? Or maybe you don't like the knife blocks available in stores.
Well, here's a simple, customizable, and budget-friendly solution: make a knife block using bamboo skewers! And guess what? It’s incredibly easy to clean and adjust as your knife collection grows.
Why do you need a Knife Block?
First, let’s talk about why you should have a knife block. Keeping your knives in a drawer is a bad idea. Why? They can bump into each other. This can make them dull or even damaged. Plus, you risk cutting yourself when you reach into the drawer.
A knife block keeps your knives safe and sharp. It also makes your kitchen look neat.
Materials You'll Need
Here's a quick list of what you'll need:
- 1 Utensil crock or container
- 12–15 packages of bamboo skewers
Optional:
- A flat-faced nail clipper
- Rubbing alcohol
You can find bamboo skewers at very low prices in most Asian markets. The utensil crock should be deep enough to hold your longest knife.
Choosing the Right Skewer Length
Your skewers should be longer than your longest knife. Skewers come in lengths like 8, 10, and 12 inches. Pick the skewer length that is just a bit longer than your longest knife.
Points Up vs. Points Down
You have two choices for how to place the skewers: points up or points down.
Points Up:
- Pros: It's easy to insert knives.
- Cons: Risk of poking yourself; harder to clean.
Points Down:
- Pros: Safer; easier to clean.
- Cons: None, really.
For this guide, we’ll go with points down. It’s the safer and cleaner option.
Steps to Make Your DIY Knife Block
Prepare the Skewers
First, open all the skewer packages. Fill the crock with skewers point down. Hold the first few skewers so they stand up straight. After that, the rest will naturally align.
Insert Your Knives
To put a knife into the block, press the blade into the side of the skewers. Then push down. The skewers will hold the knife in place. Simple, right?
Optional Perfection
If you want your knife block to look super neat, you can trim the skewers. Remove the skewers that are too short or too long.
You can use a sanitized, flat-faced nail clipper to trim the long ones. After that, fill in any gaps with new skewers.
Maintenance and Cleaning
This knife block is easy to clean. Just remove the skewers and wash them. You can also wash the utensil crock. If you keep the points down, it’s easier to dust them off.
FAQs
Can I paint or stain the skewers?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to use food-safe paint or stain.
How often should I clean it?
It depends on use, but a good rule is at least once a month.
Can I use metal skewers?
Bamboo is better. Metal skewers could damage your knives.
There you have it—a simple, customizable DIY knife block that won't break the bank! So, get your materials and start this fun project today.
Hi there, I’m Sam Billings, and I’m all about sustainability. Running a printing business is my thing, but my real passion is preserving nature. That’s why I run the Live Health blog, where I focus on Bamboo plants and their eco-friendly goodness.