This project is by Caleb from Caleb’s Fine Woodworking. This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to add a personal touch to your kitchen decor.
Creating a wooden knife block is a practical and rewarding woodworking project. Follow these steps to craft your very own knife holder that is customized to fit your kitchen knives. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before starting your knife block project, you need to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you will need:
- Wood boards (specific dimensions provided in the steps)
- Wood glue
- Dowels
- Sanding paper
- Finish (e.g., Rubio Monocoat)
- Rubber feet (optional but recommended)
Make sure you have the right tools on hand as well, including a saw, clamps, and a drill.
Step 2: Cut Your Wood
The first thing you want to do is cut your wood pieces. Start by cutting your board into three pieces of 9.5 inches and one piece of 18 inches. The thickness doesn’t need to be specific, but try to keep the pieces as thick as possible during milling.
Step 3: Rip the Boards
Next, rip all the boards down to a width of 4 inches. After this, take the longer piece and cut it into three pieces measuring 5.5 inches each. If you prefer a different width, adjust accordingly; in this case, the width was changed to 3.5 inches.
Step 4: Plan Your Knife Layout
Before moving forward, it’s crucial to decide how you want your knives to lay out in the block. This will determine the size of the slots you need to cut. Make a sketch or plan to visualize the layout.
Step 5: Cut the Knife Slots
With the layout in mind, begin cutting out the slots where the knives will go. The dimensions can vary based on the size of your knives, so customize them as needed. This step is essential for ensuring your knives fit securely in the block.
Step 6: Glue the Pieces Together
Once the slots are cut, it’s time to glue the pieces together. Be careful not to apply too much glue in the slots to avoid any mess. After applying the glue, clamp the pieces together and let them dry thoroughly.
Step 7: Clean Up the Edges
After the glue has dried, clean up the edges of both blocks. Use a saw to cut a 25-degree angle on the bottom of each block. This angle will enhance the design and stability of your knife block.
Step 8: Create a Secondary Angle
For the smaller piece, cut a secondary angle to create a 90-degree edge. Save the offcut from this step for later use. Sand the edges flat to provide a good gluing surface for the next steps.
Step 9: Attach the Pieces
Since clamping angled pieces can be challenging, use the previously saved offcut on the other side to give it a flat clamping surface. Attach the two pieces together using dowels. While not necessary for strength, dowels help prevent slipping during the glue-up process.
Step 10: Apply the Finish
Caleb decided to try Rubio Monocoat for this project, as it offers a natural look and is non-toxic. Although it is slightly more expensive, its ease of application makes it a worthwhile choice. Apply the finish according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 11: Add Rubber Feet
To further enhance stability and protect surfaces, Caleb recommends adding rubber feet to the bottom of the knife block. This step reduces slippage and keeps the block elevated in case of spills.
Thank you for following along with this woodworking project. Happy crafting!