Bodum Bistro Universal Knife Block

I've had those wooden knife blocks-couldnt get all my chef's /santoku knives in.

And then I upgraded to one of those wooden blocks with the black rod inserts-I could put more variety of knives in, but still couldn't put that many, and the rods would break within the block and slowly you couldn't fit even the knives you had in there before back in. They just kept sticking out higher and higher even though it was quite deep. Eventually the side split open.

And now, this Bodum knife block. At last! So like the one I mention above (I think I had gotten mine at superstore), I could put a great variety in this one. AND, since the outside isn't wooden and rigid, when you stick a knife in, the slide poofs out a very little bit. You can't really see it, but that flexibility lets you put knives in and not run into limitations on how many you can put into the block due to space left between the rods! You are limited by space of all your handles and being able to grasp the right knife, but that's it!

We've purchased 2 of these knife blocks into which we've put 4 chefs/santoku knives, 2 bread knives, a cleaver (which I never managed to put in a knife block before), a tomato knife, 3 paring knives and a small santoku! I also a pair of kitchen shears and I have a rod knife sharpener in there. The latter sticks up (too long) but everything else fits right in.

I've only had these a couple weeks but I love them already. I read on some other reviews that the plastic rods come out and can be washed in the dishwasher. I didn't try that yet, but BONUS!

Oh! and the red color is quite nice. I would have prefered something more subtle but so far they only come in electric colors and black.

NEGATIVES:

The knives aren't offered to you at an angle like other knife blocks, but this is the case with most of these plastic rod insert type blocks, so I've gotten used to this already.

Oh! and if you have any of those knives with holes in the blade, those don't slide nicely in. I put my small santoku (with holes) into the block anyway, but putting it in wasn't like slicing butter (unlike all the others).

This is a fantastic item. Love the colour, design is great, takes up less counter space and can fit at least 10 knives, more if they are small. No slots, just a material that allows the knife to slip into place which makes it so much more versatile. Much better than those wooden blocks.

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If you are a serious cook with serious knives this block is not for you. firstly; it stands upright which is the wrong angle for grabbing a knife as you prep. A slanted block is the only natural angle for the human hand/wrist to get a knife out smoothly. Secondly; a good chef's knife 6", 8" or larger does not fit into this without some part sticking out dangerously.

thirdly; a good sharp knife (which is what all knives should be) will slice the pieces of rods off.

stay with a solid wood knife block...best for you, best for your knives.

a very cute toy to put on your counter if you have a few small knives and you are into kitchen kitch.

Read Best Reviews of Bodum Bistro Universal Knife Block Here

After years of using a traditional wooden block, we bought 2 of these to store our collection of about 8 knives. Very happy with them so far. They occupy less space on the counter, look very contemporary, and allow us to store knives of all shapes and sizes, including a cleaver. I believe they are more hygenic too, as the plastic sticks can be taken out and washed, and don't accumulate bacteria like a wooden block would do. Knives can be arranged at an angle, or vertically. Perhaps the only complaint would be that larger knives, if stored vertically, don't go all the way into the block...they protrude a little bit.

But all in all, excellent, and for a good price. Will buy more if we need more knife space!

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program As others have mentioned, this is not something that you will be using to replace your good old wooden knife block, but it's a great addition to any kitchen. It's not the right size for my large chef's knife, but for my smaller serrated knife, steak knives, paring knife, etc., it's really handy. Each knife slides in and out smoothly, but I still prefer my angled wooden knife block. The price is a little much for what this is as well; if it was at least $10 cheaper, it would be a much better deal.

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