How to build a wooden knife block with built-in sharpeners

Building a wooden knife block with built-in sharpeners is a rewarding project that combines woodworking skills with functionality. This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right wood to the final assembly, while ensuring the knife block provides easy storage and maintenance of your kitchen knives.

Materials Needed:

• Hardwood (such as oak, maple, or walnut)
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
• Saw (circular or miter saw)
• Drill with various bit sizes
• Clamps
• Wood finish (optional)
• Knife sharpening rods (ceramic or steel)
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Pencil for marking

Step 1: Plan the Design

Before starting, sketch out the knife block’s design, ensuring that it has slots for different knife sizes and includes the built-in sharpeners. A typical block will have slots for a chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated knife, and possibly others, depending on your knife collection.

Consider where you want to place the sharpening rods. Typically, these rods are placed at an angle on the side or inside of the knife block. Ensure there’s enough space for the sharpening rods to fit comfortably without interfering with the knife slots.

Step 2: Select and Prepare the Wood

For a durable knife block, choose a hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut. These woods are strong and will last longer than softer options like pine.

1. Cut the wood to the desired dimensions for the base, sides, and top. A typical knife block might be about 8-10 inches long, 5-6 inches deep, and 5-7 inches high, depending on the number of knives you intend to store.
2. Sand the wood using medium-grit sandpaper to remove rough edges and any imperfections, then switch to fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface.

Step 3: Cut the Knife Slots

1. Mark the positions of the knife slots on the top piece of the block. Use a pencil and ruler to ensure the cuts are evenly spaced.
2. Using a saw, cut slots that will fit the blades of your knives snugly. You can make these slots by creating a series of parallel cuts or by cutting a larger rectangular groove for each knife.
3. Ensure the slots are deep enough to hold the knife securely, but not too deep to make it difficult to remove them.

Step 4: Install the Sharpening Rods

1. Decide where you want to position the sharpening rods. The two common locations are inside the knife block or on the side, with rods angled at 15-20 degrees to the vertical.
2. To install the sharpening rods inside the block, drill two small holes in the sides of the block where you want the rods to sit. The holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the rods.
3. For a cleaner, more integrated look, use wood glue to secure the rods into the holes. Ensure the rods are angled in a way that would allow easy sharpening when you slide a knife through the block.

Step 5: Assemble the Knife Block

1. Once all the pieces are cut and the sharpening rods are in place, begin assembling the knife block.
2. Apply wood glue to the edges of the sides and base of the block and clamp them together to ensure a strong bond.
3. Allow the glue to dry for several hours before removing the clamps.

Step 6: Sand and Finish

1. After the block has fully dried, sand the entire surface using fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough areas or glue residue.
2. If desired, apply a wood finish to protect the wood and give it a polished look. A food-safe finish is ideal for kitchen items, so consider using a mineral oil or beeswax-based finish.
3. Let the finish cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions before placing knives in the block.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Double-check the fit of the knives in the slots and the functionality of the sharpeners. You should be able to easily slide the knives in and out of the slots, with the sharpeners positioned to maintain the blade edge when needed.
2. Test the sharpening rods by gently running a knife through them to make sure they are positioned correctly and providing the expected sharpening angle.

Tips for Success:

• Knife Fit: Make sure each slot is slightly wider than the knife’s spine and narrow enough to hold the knife securely. A tight fit helps to prevent your knives from moving around, but it shouldn’t be so tight that it’s hard to remove them.
• Sharpening Angle: The sharpening rods should be positioned at a consistent angle. If you’re unsure of the right angle, try to match the typical sharpening angle of your knives, which is usually between 15-20 degrees.
• Customization: If you have specific knives with unusual shapes or sizes, you can adjust the design to fit those needs. For example, larger knives like cleavers might need wider or deeper slots.

Building a wooden knife block with built-in sharpeners not only enhances the appearance of your kitchen but also helps extend the lifespan of your knives by keeping them sharp. By following these steps, you can create a functional and attractive knife storage solution that’s both practical and personalized.

For more woodworking projects, consider checking out Teds Woodworking Course here.