3 Suitable Methods For Japanese Knife Storage

Comparing specific products and prices? See our Best Knife Storage UK guide. This page covers the three storage methods and the technique that keeps the edge safe.

How to Store Japanese-Steel Knives

1. Use a knife block. Slot the blade in spine-first so the block never scrapes the cutting edge, and keep the block away from the hob and sink.
2. Use a wooden magnetic rack. Mount it on a free wall, lay the spine on the magnet first, then roll the blade flat so the edge never lands on the wood.
3. Use a slotted in-drawer organiser. Give every knife its own channel so blades cannot knock together, and add a wooden saya if the drawer is shared.

Dry each blade fully before storing it. Avoid stainless steel racks, loose drawers and dishwasher baskets — all three damage a thin Japanese-steel edge.

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When it comes to precise cutting performance, the correct storage of your Japanese-steel knife is of equal importance to cleaning and maintenance.

Investment in a good quality Japanese-steel knife warrants a proportionate level of investment into suitable storage that keeps the blade safe and secure when not in use. Careless storage can blunt and damage the fine edge of a Japanese-steel knife, so we should not be cutting corners when it comes to their safekeeping.

The best methods for Japanese-steel knife storage are knife blocks, magnetic knife racks, or a slotted knife drawer organiser.

While these may seem like general recommendations, the product you choose needs to be designed for, or adapted to, the specific storage needs of Japanese-steel knives. These take into consideration minimal contact with the edge of the blade, and ensuring that the storage is dry to prevent the knives from rusting.

In this article we are going to look at 3 suitable methods to keep your blades safe and secure, and to maintain their sharp cutting edge.

Suitable Methods For Japanese-Steel Knife Storage

Storage for kitchen knives is an important consideration to ensure that your blades do not become damaged, and there are some key points to weigh up when choosing the most suitable method of storage for you and your Japanese-steel knife.

Firstly, it is worth picturing how the knife holder will look in your kitchen or workspace. Both the placement and the aesthetic qualities it will bring should not be ignored in your decision-making.

A professional kitchen will need to opt for an efficient and easy-to-access storage method, whereas a household kitchen might want a storage method that is not accessible by young children.

Secondly, consider the practical elements of each storage method. Is it safe, handy and easy to access, and how much counter space or drawer space do you have available?

Finally, which choice is the most suitable for you? For example, if you plan on using your knife for a particular purpose like preparing sushi, an ideal choice may be the one that lets you quickly and easily grab your knife-of-choice.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to suitable methods for knife storage is to choose the one that most seamlessly fits into your cooking workflow, as well as your available kitchen space.

Below are the three best methods we have found for storing Japanese-steel knives. Each takes into account the blade material, the delicate cutting edge, and how often you reach for the knife.

Method 1: Knife Blocks

An essential kitchen accessory, knife blocks are a popular choice for storing knives when not in use. Knife blocks are versatile, in that you can easily move them around and they can be placed on any worktop as a countertop knife holder. They are straightforward, functional, and can be kept close to your work station for quick and easy use.

When it comes to chef knife storage in general, a classic knife block is the most widely available option. If you buy a set of knives, they will often be sold as a package with their own block to store and display the knives. There is also no assembly involved, and they are a great option if counter space is not an issue.

By design, a knife block suspends the blade by its handle in order to protect the sharp edge. Blocks offer an ideal alternative to knife racks for anyone who does not wish to drill into the walls of a home or commercial kitchen. It is also worth taking into consideration universal blocks that allow for different knife sizes, or even accessories like a honing rod.

One important thing to note, however, is that blocks are notoriously unforgiving on cutting edges when misused, and can easily damage your knife edge as a result.

Storage Tip: There is an art to inserting a Japanese-steel knife into a block: press the spine, not the cutting edge, against the slot. Likewise, when removing the blade, it is important to avoid dragging the sharp edge of the blade against the block.

All in all, a knife block is a simple and effective way to store knives. If you plan on investing in a knife block, they are a practical and reliable choice.

Method 2: Knife Racks

Magnetic knife racks are a simple, elegant way to organise your workspace. Their seamless flat knife holder design makes a rack a wonderful accent piece for your kitchen, and an attractive way to showcase your prized cutlery.

A knife rack makes for efficient use, especially in a professional kitchen, since your blades are readily available for you to reach and grab in one glance.

Gone are the days of pulling out every single knife from the drawer to find the one you need. Racks are also an ideal choice when it comes to maintenance, as they are easy to clean and make minimal contact with the cutting edge of the knife.

Knife racks are also an ideal choice if you want to maximise kitchen space. If you have a small kitchen, a magnetic knife rack is an obvious choice, while also making the most of any unused space on the wall.

When it comes to placement, magnetic knife racks can be mounted behind the hob, on a splashback, underneath cabinets, or even on the side of a fridge.

When initially positioning your knife rack, make sure to leave adequate clearance above and below for your knives to sit comfortably when mounted, without running the risk of clipping them. A rack may also be ideal if you have small children and want to keep sharp objects out of reach.

Make sure to invest in a knife rack with strong magnets and quality wood. Cheap magnetic racks are widely available, however these are often made using weaker magnets and low-cost materials that imitate wood grain patterns. The higher the quality of the magnets and the cut of wood, the more expensive the rack.

Stainless steel racks are a common option for stainless steel knives, however metal-on-metal should be avoided with Japanese-steel knives, as it can leave scratches on the side profile or the knife edge. That is a particular concern with a Damascus-steel knife.

Wooden surfaces are much more suitable for preserving the knife edge, and arguably suit a traditional Japanese aesthetic far better.

A knife rack is a great option for maintaining your blade, as the knife can safely mount the rack without making contact with the cutting edge. Due to the slightly angled blade edge of a Japanese-steel knife, only the flat part of the blade will touch the magnets, as long as you do not place the knife bevelled-edge-first onto the rack.

It is also important that you do not overload a knife rack, as this runs the risk of clipping the heel of one knife over another, which could lead to chipping or scratching.

Storage Tip: When placing your knife onto the rack, the first point of contact should be the spine of the blade, before gently rolling the blade sideways. This significantly lowers the chance of chipping the knife edge against the rack and will maintain the sharp knife edge.

Magnetic knife racks offer a more visually appealing addition to your home or workspace. They are a safe, stable and secure method of storage for your Japanese-steel knife.

Method 3: Knife Drawer

Knife drawers are a sleek, discreet and, importantly, hidden place to keep your knife. If you have the space, they are a great option.

If you have multiple knives, a suitable slotted knife drawer prevents jostling, since each knife gets its own slot. Most knife drawers can hold up to seven or more knives, which is more than enough space for a home kitchen. If you need to keep your knives safely stored away from small children, a knife drawer may be the most suitable choice.

Storage Tip: When using a knife drawer, we recommend the extra protection of a saya for your Japanese-steel knife.

Sayas are wooden sheaths that guard the blade of a knife, and mean that you can safely store your knife in a drawer without having to worry about damaging the cutting edge. An unsheathed blade in a knife drawer not only risks damaging the blade itself, it also poses a safety risk to anyone reaching into the drawer to grab a knife. For more on sheaths, read Is a Wooden Saya the Best Way to Protect a Knife?

We do not sell sayas separately, but every knife in the Haruta range ships with its own wooden scabbard — for example the Haruta 8 inch Gyuto (£89.99, rated 4.87 out of 5 from 111 reviews) and the Haruta 7 inch Santoku (£89.99, rated 4.87 out of 5 from 111 reviews), both VG10 Japanese-steel blades with wooden handles and scabbards included. Browse the full range in single knives.

Overall, if you have the space, a knife drawer provides a dedicated location for you to house your Japanese-steel knife. They are also a great choice if you want your knives out of sight, or if you have small children around and require an extra level of security.

Storage That Fits Each Method

Each of the three methods above maps to one product we stock. Prices and ratings below were checked against our store on 18 August 2026.

Japanese-Steel Knife Storage FAQ

How should you store Japanese-steel knives?

Store Japanese-steel knives in a knife block, on a wooden magnetic rack, or in a slotted in-drawer organiser. All three hold the blade so the cutting edge never presses against a hard surface, which is what blunts and chips a thin Japanese-steel edge. Dry the blade fully before storing it.

Can you store Japanese-steel knives in a drawer?

Yes, provided the drawer has a slotted organiser or the knives are sheathed. Loose knives in a shared drawer knock against other utensils, which dulls and chips the edge, and reaching into a drawer of unsheathed blades is a safety risk. A wooden organiser gives each knife its own channel.

Are magnetic knife racks bad for Japanese-steel knives?

Wooden magnetic racks are safe. Stainless steel racks are not recommended, because metal against metal can scratch the side of the blade and the edge, which is especially visible on a Damascus-patterned knife. Lay the spine on the magnet first, then roll the blade flat so the edge never lands on the rack.

Do knife blocks damage Japanese-steel knives?

Only if used carelessly. Insert the knife with the spine, not the edge, pressed against the slot, and lift it straight out rather than dragging the edge along the wood. A block sized for the knife also matters, because a slot that is too tight forces the edge into contact with the sides.

How should you clean and dry a Japanese-steel knife before storing it?

Hand wash the blade with warm water and mild detergent, rinse it, and pat it completely dry with a cloth before it goes away. Never put a Japanese-steel knife in the dishwasher. Any moisture trapped in a block slot, against a magnet or inside a wooden saya can cause staining or rust.

Final Thoughts

In this article we have looked at three suitable methods for chef knife storage, each with a distinct and, most importantly, functional purpose, with some aesthetic quality to match that of the knives.

Careful storage plays a crucial role in the longevity of Japanese-steel knives and in maintaining their quality. The investment in proper storage is arguably as important as the investment in the knives themselves.

When stored correctly, your Japanese-steel knives will last for years to come, so be sure to invest in storage that is fit for purpose.

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