Ditch The Bulky Knife Block: 10 Alternatives For A More Organized Countertop

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Knife blocks might protect your blades, but they can take up a lot of valuable counter space. Especially with other equipment like toasters, blenders, and even airfryers, keeping a knife block doesn't leave much room for cooking. On top of that, they can also serve as a breeding ground for things like Salmonella, E. coli, and mold, especially if the blades are still a little wet going in.

If you're worried about unwanted bacteria, or if you're simply tired of accessories clogging up your counter space, it's a good time to consider tossing that knife block for good. While you're at it, you can probably also get rid of those medium-length, dull, or rusted blades that you don't actually need, and replace them with something more economic, like one quality knife. We've put together a list of 10 alternatives — everything from drawer organizers and sheaths to magnets and hooks — to get you started on your decluttering journey.

According to famed designer Martha Stewart (per Homes & Gardens), this organizational hack keeps knives sharp and counters clutter-free. Drawer inserts, like the bamboo kitchen knife drawer oragnizer from Utoplike, are also super safe, storing knives face-down and securely. Depending on the insert you select, you can also use the space to store other counter-top eyesores, like spatulas, spoons, or even rolls of plastic wrap. 

Although knife blocks can cause countertop clutter, they serve the purpose of protecting chefs from exposed blades. Fortunately, sheaths accomplish the same thing without taking up extra space. You can keep sheathed knives in a drawer or plastic container in a cupboard. If you're looking to add an extra pop of personality to your kitchen, consider something like this wooden sheath from Mercer Culinary, or go medieval with a leather sheath from Qchengsan. Just make sure your blade is dry before sliding it in, as moisture can lead to mold. 

In his memoir "Kitchen Confidential," food writer and famed chef Anthony Bourdain boldly claimed that a cook only needs one knife (per Business Insider), and a quality chef's knife is certainly one of the home items that will get you back into cooking. So, instead of wasting money on a set of knives that you'll hardly use as well as the block they come in, purchase one high-end chef's knife and store it in a sheath. After a little practice, you'll master that specific blade. Plus, you'll save money on equipment. 

A magnetic knife rack can help organize your kitchen in more ways than one. Secure your magnetic knife strip with nails and screws if possible. Or, avoid the trouble of a hammer or screwdriver with this peel-and-stick magnetic strip from Hamletoff. Magnetic strips will also help keep your blades sharper by preventing them from rubbing against other objects. 

Knife rolls offer compact storage for your kitchen utensils. If you often transport your knives and utensils between your kitchen and the patio grill, the knife roll is a good option. Knife rolls are often made of fabric or leather, so, to prevent mold, make sure your blades are dry before storing them.If moisture gets in, your blades may even rust. 

You can purchase a wall-mount knife rack for as little as $15,and use screws to attach it to the wall. You can hang your knives on a wall conveniently close to your prep station and save counter space at the same time. Some wall-mount racks even have hooks that you can use to hang other kitchen utensils, like spatulas and scissors. 

For ease of access, safety, and zero wasted space, companies like The Drop Block offer tilt-down knife racks which are mounted on the bottom of an upper cabinet. When you're ready to prepare a pepper for a stew or slice a lemon for a cocktail, just reach over head and pull down to select your knife of choice. These racks typically use integrated magnets to keep your knives secure at any angle.

If you want to keep your knives secure, or you like to cook on-the-go (whether you're taking classes or preparing a campsite meal), a locked knife box is the way to go. All your knives will be stored safely and inaccessible to anyone without the lock code. Plus, a small box like this can be tucked away in a cabinet when you're not on the move.

These stands are often made of a piece of wood (about the same thickness as a cutting board) with magnets embedded into the timber. They create an interesting visual effect because the knives seem to magically stick to the wooden surface. You can quickly wipe them clean, unlike knife blocks, which have deep dirt-collecting slots. Just make sure to dry the wood after cleaning so it doesn't warp.

If you're a DIY type of person and you're not interested in purchasing a drawer insert, there's a clever way to DIY your own and get those knives off your counters. YouTuber Denney Choi demonstrates how to make a drawer organizer for kitchen knives for only around $15 (potentially less) — simply by lining up strips of cork to protect the knives from each other (and your fingers). This may be the simplest solution of all, if you're willing to get a little more hands-on.