--- slug: how_to_store_knives_in_a_drawer category_path: home_kitchen/kitchen_dining/cutlery_knife_accessories/knife_storage title: "How to Store Knives in a Drawer" lead: "If you keep knives in a drawer, don't toss them in loose — protect each edge with a blade guard, or store them in a slotted in-drawer knife tray so the blades don't knock together. Loose knives go blunt fast, chip, and are a hazard when you reach in, while a tray or guards keep the edges safe and separated." recommendation: name: "A slotted in-drawer knife tray, or blade guards on each knife — never loose in the drawer" reason: "A drawer is a fine place for knives as long as the edges are protected and separated, which solves the two problems of loose storage: blades knocking into each other and other utensils go dull and chipped, and reaching blindly into a drawer of bare blades risks a cut. The tidiest solution is an in-drawer knife tray or dock — an angled or slotted insert that holds each knife in its own channel, keeping edges apart and pointing the same way; bamboo trays and expandable organizers fit most drawers. If you'd rather not add a tray, slide a blade guard (edge protector) or a made-to-fit sheath over each knife, which shields the edge and your fingers, and is also the safe way to travel with knives. A magnetic in-drawer mat is another option, gripping blades flat so they don't shift. Whichever you choose, store knives fully dry to prevent rust and staining, keep them arranged so you can identify and grasp each handle without groping over the edges, and don't overcrowd the drawer. Keeping edges from touching metal is what preserves sharpness between sharpenings." published: 2026-07-09 updated: 2026-07-09 ---