The Slanted Gourmet Knife Block

A simple project that’s sure to look great on any kitchen countertop

Keep fine kitchen cutlery handy and sharp with this attractive knife block

Next, set up your table saw with a ripping blade set at slightly higher than half the thickness of your Body (A). Remove just enough stock from the opposite face to make it square by running the previously sanded side against your rip fence. After making your cut, flip the Body over and
complete the through-cut by making a second pass. The top of the Body is then made square by cutting it on a Bandsaw with a sharp, 5/8” blade and a Miter Gauge. Then, belt sand the top using the Belt Sander Table and your Miter Gauge to true up the Body (A). The Body block is now totally squared-up.

Cutting the Retaining Strip slots

First, you need to cut the slots for the Retaining Strips (B). Follow the dimensions in Figure #1 and use your Dado set-up to cut 1/4” deep x 5/16” wide slots, as shown. First, cut the two upper slots, using your Rip Fence as a guide. Then, rotate the Body 90o to the next side and repeat the process. Be sure to cut slots on the back and two sides. To cut the bottom slot on the back side, use your Miter Gauge as a guide and NOT THE RIP FENCE.

Shaping the Body

Follow Figure #1 and lay out the pattern for your Body shape. Use your Bandsaw with a 5/8” blade to cut out the profile. Belt Sand the bottom and the flat surfaces of the angled front. Use a 6” tall Drum Sander to round the inside corner.

Cutting the knife slots

The knife slots are easily cut by following Figure 2 for positioning, then making one pass on the Table Saw with a Rip Blade set at a depth of 1-3/8”. The sharpening stone slot is made by setting your Dado accessory for a 1/2” wide x 1” deep cut. NOTE: For safety, make the dado cut in a series of passes so as not to remove too much stock at once.

Making the walnut Retaining Strips

Using your Bandsaw, resaw stock for the Retaining Strips (B), making them slightly thicker than the 1/4” depth so they can fit tightly in the slots and sanded flush and smooth with the surface later. On any ends of the Retaining Strips that will form a joint with another Retaining Strip once assembled, use your Disc sander and Miter Gauge to sand the mating ends to create tight-fitting 45o corner miter joints. Glue all Retaining Strips in position. Once the glue has dried, belt sand the assembled Body and Retaining Strips smooth with 150-grit sandpaper.

Finishing Touches

We coated our knife block with a non-toxic Salad Bowl Finish and recommend that you do likewise for safety’s sake. To be sure the insides of all slots are coated, you could dip the finished Body in a pan of finish…or sit it in a pan and pour the finish over it, if you prefer. After it drips for 15 minutes or so, pour any finish back into your can. Wet sand with 320 to 400-grit paper to attain the desired luster.

Suggested retail price: $30 to $50

Materials and Diagrams...