The Pros and Cons of Knife Boxes

 

Custom-made knife boxes are an elegant storage solution for any kitchen. They fit comfortably into any standard kitchen drawer, and feature brass and copper fittings to complete the look of the finished product. Some knife boxes even come with integrated premium leather stropping blocks to fine-tune the blade's final edge. Regular users will certainly want to invest in this tool. If you're a frequent chef, a custom-made knife box is an essential part of your kitchen.

Knife urns

A pair of elegant, carved mahogany knife urns was likely made in the United States in the 1930s. Each case features a carved finial and arched cover, with a removable cutlery tray. Each urn has a footed platform and minor wear consistent with age and use. The pieces stand approximately 30 inches tall, when open. The carved finials adorn the upper rim, while the silver escutcheons are mounted beneath the lid.

Later models evolved into spring-loaded urns that accommodated other dinner table utensils. These cases were often called "knife boxes" and were often paired. Earlier models resembled an urn, while later examples were shaped like a box. Many early boxes were carved of shark or fish skin. A similar design can be found in a private collection. The lids of these urns are inscribed with the makers' names and addresses.

Leather stropping block

A leather stropping block for knife boxes can be a useful tool for sharpening your blade. They are not cheap, but they're well worth the money. Stripping knives with a stropping block can improve the performance and safety of your knife. This tool has been used for centuries by barbers to maintain the edge between sharpening sessions. A leather stropping block is easy to use and can be a useful addition to your knife box.

The strop is an extra-wide belt of leather or linen that is fixed on a vertical surface. You can choose from cowhide, horsehide, bison, or synthetic leather. For best results, use cowhide or Russian-tanned leather. These materials are durable, strong, and provide a great surface for polishing your knife. A good-quality stropping block is a necessity for sharpening your knife.

Razor-sharp blades

Utility knives, also known as box cutters, razor blade knives, and carpet knives, are multi-purpose knives. They usually have an inexpensive holder. They are flat and one-inch wide, and range in length from three to four inches. They are made of metal or plastic, and some use standard razor blades. Others have specialized double-edged blades. These knives are handy to have around the house and in the office.

The blade of a razor-blade knife features a black-oxide coating to make it more durable. This blade has the sharpness of a surgeon's scalpel, yet is stronger than a standard knife. It has a 3.5-inch Japanese 420J2 a stainless blade that she treated for added edge strength. Its rubberized TPR handle mounts to a sturdy stainless steel liner. The blaze-orange handle ensures easy identification and non-slip grip even when the blade is wet.

Subscription service

A Knife Box subscription is a great way to get an array of unique knives at a low cost. Knife Box ships one to six items to you each month. These Custom boxes are delivered to your doorstep automatically on the first of the month and include different types of knives as well as some other useful items. The value of the subscription is substantial, so it's definitely worth it. Read on for some pros and cons.

One subscription service specializes in knives that open from the front or OTF Pack. Most knives fold or lock closed, but the OTF Pack opens out from the front. You can release the blade by pressing a button on the side. The monthly fee for OTF Pack is $84. But if you'd like to receive a Bench-made knife every month, you can pay $71 for the Premium subscription. Knife Box subscribers also get other useful gear, including brass knuckles, flashlights, and tactical pens.