DIY: Magnetic Knife Block

For my kitchen, I wanted to find an easy solution to storing my kitchen knives. I already had an actual knife block for a set of J.A. Henckels knives that D and I received as a gift before we move in together, but all of the slots were taken.  I was constantly throwing the knives in a drawer, but realized how inefficient and unsafe it was, not to mention how bad it actually is for the blades.  So, I started brainstorming and thought, how about a magnetic knife block?  

I came up with this DIY and found the perfect spot in my kitchen to store the knives, so I got to work.

First, I found a spare piece of 1"x2" wood that I had used for a different project.  I cut the wood to be about 12" long. 

Next, I covered the wood in white contact paper, but if you don't have any on hand, you could always just paint it the color that you wanted.  

Decide which side of the block will be the front, and add adhesive magnetic strips.  You will want more than one strip of magnets, as you want to make sure that your heaviest knife will stay on the block.  Space them evenly on the block for visual appeal.

On the other side of the block, attach double-sided foam.  The double-sided foam will be strong enough to hold the knife block on your wall or cabinet, however, it can be removed if you would like to change the location of the block.  If you are looking for a more permanent solution, you could screw the block to the surface of your choice, or use a silicone adhesive.  

Choose the location for your knife block.  Measure out the location and mark a line using a level.  

Peel the paper backing off of the foam strips, or add your adhesive, and stick the knife block to the wall, using your level line as a guide.  Press firmly for about one minute to make sure that the adhesive has attached to the surface.

Pull slightly on the knife block to make sure that the block has enough strength to hold your knives. Add more adhesive if necessary.

Once your block is secured on your wall or surface, add your knives and admire your work!

This quick project will help you make a big difference in your kitchen, and give you a great place to store your knives.  And for me, since I had everything on hand, this project was free!  

Have you made yourself a magnetic knife block? Will you now?