Like others, we found the holes in the template did not align with the holes in the mounting block. The holes don't even align very well with themselves if you measure their layout. (See comment about using the template). Also, after redoing the template to match the holes, it was obvious if we lined up the arrows with the front of the cabinet, the back of the knife holder would hit the wall when swung around. An easy fix was to fold over the edge of the template so the back of the arrow heads were in alignment with edge of the cabinet. You also need to remember when using the template that you realigned that if you drill upwards from underneath the cabinet that your template is a mirror image of the holes in the mounting block so use the template with the print side against the bottom of the shelf.
The screws supplied are kind of cheesy and the type that can break if too much torque is applied. We replaced ours with stainless screws (#8x1.25) and used a little dish soap to lubricate the threads.
After all that the install was a piece of cake, looks great and frees up the counter space.
A little more attention to detail and it would be a 5 star for us.
I bought one of these years ago and it has served me very well. However the current product is not the same. First of all the product is not made with any quality. The wood is green and the glue joints separate so badly that my son, who is a woodworker, said there was no way he could fix the last one I bought. Then we get to the knife slots. There is not one slot wide enough for a normal size chef's knife, basic to any knife set. The sharpening steel slot, which on my old block is on the bottom row, is on the top row of slots and, as every steel has a hanger ring, that falls in front of the knife slot below it. For a company as well know as Wusthof it is a disgrace. I sent a letter with photos to Wusthof USA to which I received no reply. Shame on Wusthof!
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This knife block has a very nice finish, however it doesn't fit under any standard cabinet. The block that mounts to the underside of your cabinet is about 1" too thin to allow the block to swing out as it is designed. Also, the template does not match the mounting holes in the swivel block, and the screws are not the right length. I am returning mine for a refund.
Also of note the block holds the knife in place by magnets that can scratch/mark the blades of your fine cutlery when you pull the knife out or slide it in.
Altogether, this is a non-starter. Yes, I could modify it and make it work but when you pay this kind of a price for a block of wood with slots in it you shouldn't have to re-manufacture it to make it work.
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Like the design--but make sure to inspect the block for cracks.
There was one small crack in this block when I received it. I didn't notice it at the time. After a week, four additional large cracks had opened at the right side of the block where the different pieces of wood are joined.
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This is a well designed quality item. A good value.
However, the desciption should include the size of knives
the block accomodates. A great space saver that could use
fewer small slots and at least one more slot for a larger knife.
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The price is roughly the same price as a basic JA Henckels carving knife, but it's arguably better than a Zwillings or Wusthof in performance. It's sharper than my Wusthof Classic, and its handle, which is thick and made of a tacky rubber, is far gripper than the Grand Prix II's, which is a resin and narrower. The balancing points on Mercers (I also have the 10" Chef) are on the bolster itself, while my other blades tend to be either handle (JA Henckels 7" Santoku) or blade (Wusthof Classic 8" Chef's Hollow edge) heavy; I feel more in control with these. The hollow edges are very deep and raw meats easily come off the blade. I wish they didn't use so much labelling on it though.
