F. Dick 6-Slot Wood Knife Block

Six slots hold the core knives of a home kitchen, and this F. Dick wood block keeps them protected and close at hand on the counter. It is sold as the block only, so it can be filled with the knives you already own.

A block stores each blade separately, which keeps edges from rubbing against other utensils in a drawer. Six slots suit a paring knife, a utility knife, a chef’s knife, a bread knife, a slicer and a steel. Wood gives the block a warm look beside the stove.

Insert each knife with the edge facing up so it does not drag along the bottom of the slot. A block on the counter also reminds a cook to put knives away clean and dry after use.

For more slots, including one for shears, see the F. Dick 9-slot knife block. A magnetic option is the F. Dick designer magnetic knife block, and the 1905 6-piece magnetic knife block set comes with knives.