JASMA

What the “Large Knife Block” Actually Is

The Large Knife Block is a countertop storage block associated with the David Mellor design legacy and created
under the company’s modern direction by Corin Mellor. The form is simpletall, compact, and
intentionally “quiet”so the knives (and your kitchen) get the spotlight instead of a chunky block that looks
like it belongs in a medieval armory.

From widely listed product specs, it’s typically described as birch plywood with a satin lacquer
finish, sized around 12 inches high with a footprint in the neighborhood of
5.5 inches wide by 9 inches deep. It’s also commonly noted as being made in
Sheffield, England, a city with deep cutlery and metalwork history. In other words: it’s not
trying to be “trendy.” It’s trying to be right.

The “large” part isn’t just marketing. This version is often described as accommodating a full kitchen set and
then somekitchen knives plus carving fork and sharpening steel. That’s a big deal if you’re
tired of blocks that only love short blades and pretend bread knives don’t exist.

Why This Knife Block Feels Different (In a Good Way)

1) It’s designed like a piece of furniture, not a knife parking lot

Many traditional knife blocks are basically wooden bricks with a bunch of slotsfunctional, sure, but visually
loud. The Mellor block leans modern: clean lines, slim profile, and a shape that looks intentional on the
counter. If your kitchen aesthetic is “I would like it to look like I have my life together,” this helps.

2) It’s built for real knife collections

Lots of blocks are either too small (your chef’s knife sticks out like a flagpole) or too rigid (only fits the
knives it came with). This one is typically described as being able to handle a broad range, including longer
kitchen knives and specialty tools like a carving fork and honing steel. That range matters if you cook
frequently or keep a mix of knife styles.

3) It promotes safer, calmer workflows

“Safer” doesn’t have to mean “uglier.” A stable block placed in a predictable spot reduces the odds of blades
living loose in drawers or migrating around the counter. It also encourages a habit: wash, dry, storeno
dramatic knife re-homing required.

The Big Question: Does a Knife Block Dull Knives?

Knife people love debating storage. Some argue that blocks can dull edges because blades slide against the
interior when you insert and remove them, while others point out that a careful technique keeps wear minimal.
Food media testing often praises magnetic storage for reducing edge contact, but it also acknowledges that good
blocks can be safe and practical when used correctly.

If you want to keep your knives sharper longer while still using a block, the “how” matters more than the
“what.” A few best practices:

• Insert knives spine-first: guide the back of the blade into the slot and keep the edge away
  from scraping.
• Consider storing blade-up (carefully): some cooks recommend placing knives so the edge
  doesn’t rub the wood as much. If you do this, make sure the block is out of kid-reach and you’re not
  grabbing blindly.
• Don’t force a poor fit: if a slot is too tight for a knife’s geometry, you’ll create friction
  and risk damageboth to the edge and to your patience.

The Mellor block’s appeal here is that it’s designed to be a “home” for a real set of knivesso you’re less
likely to do the bad habit of cramming a wide blade into a skinny slot like you’re closing an overstuffed
suitcase.

How to Set It Up Like You Cook Often (Not Like You’re Staging a Listing Photo)

Placement: the “one-step rule”

Put the block within one step of where you prep most oftenusually near your cutting board zone. The goal is
to make the best behavior the easiest behavior. If storing knives requires crossing the kitchen, you will
eventually decide the counter is “close enough,” and chaos will quietly win.

Loading order: build your own common sense hierarchy

You don’t need a complicated system. You need a system you’ll actually keep.

• Front or most accessible: chef’s knife, paring knife, serrated/bread knife.
• Secondary slots: utility knife, slicing knife, specialty blades you use weekly.
• Dedicated space: carving fork and honing/sharpening steel if your set includes them.

Example: If you cook most nights, your chef’s knife should be the easiest to grab without bumping other
handles. If you bake on weekends, your bread knife can live slightly farther back without feeling punished.

Care and Cleaning: Because Knife Blocks Can Get… Weird

Knife blocks are basically “crumb hotels” if you never clean them. Even when knives are washed, moisture can
sneak into slots, and dust or food particles can accumulate over time. Lifestyle and cooking publications have
repeatedly warned that blocks can harbor debris and microbesespecially if knives are stored dampso a cleaning
routine is not optional if you’re aiming for “responsible adult” energy.

Everyday maintenance (takes less time than finding the lost lid)

• Always dry knives completely before storing them.
• Wipe the exterior with a slightly damp cloth, then dry it.
• Avoid soaking the block or putting it near standing waterwarping is the enemy.

Deep cleaning (monthly-ish, or whenever you feel judged by your own kitchen)

1. Empty the block and turn it upside down to shake out crumbs.
2. Clean the slots with a small brush or pipe cleaner (yes, it’s oddly satisfying).
3. Wipe down the surfaces with warm, soapy water on a clothdon’t drench it.
4. Sanitize thoughtfully when needed, then let it dry thoroughlyair drying matters.

Wood care: keep it from looking thirsty

Many wood-care guides recommend a light application of food-safe oil for wooden kitchen tools. A tiny amount
rubbed in occasionally can help maintain the finish and keep the material from drying out. If you’re the type
who owns a fancy cutting board oil, congratulationsyou are already prepared for this moment.

Knife Block vs Magnetic Strip vs Drawer Organizer

It’s not that one method is “best” for everyoneit’s that each method solves a different problem. Here’s a
practical comparison, with the Mellor block positioned where it shines.

Choose the Large Knife Block if…

• You want countertop access without drilling into walls.
• You like the idea of a block that looks intentional in a modern kitchen.
• You store a full set (including longer knives and accessories like a steel or fork).
• You’d rather not expose blades on a wall (especially with kids or busy walkways).

Choose a magnetic strip if…

• You want to save counter space and keep knives visible and ventilated.
• You’re careful about technique so you don’t “clack” edges onto the magnet.
• You like the “kitchen-as-workshop” vibe and don’t mind wall mounting.

Choose a drawer organizer (with sheaths, ideally) if…

• You want a minimal counter and a clean visual field.
• You’re disciplined about putting knives away properly (and not loose with other utensils).
• You need storage that’s out of reach of curious hands.

The Mellor block’s sweet spot is simple: it’s a “design object” that still behaves like a hardworking tool.
It’s not trying to win a storage war. It’s trying to keep your knives safe, accessible, and not living like
feral animals in a drawer.

Who This Knife Block Is For

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all purchase, but it’s a smart one for certain kitchens.

• Frequent home cooks: If you cook most days, convenience and habit matter. A good block makes
  “put it away” easy.
• Design-forward kitchens: If your countertop is part of your home’s visual identity, a sleek
  block beats a bulky wood brick.
• People building a long-term set: A block that accommodates multiple knife types (plus
  accessories) can scale with your collection.
• Gift-givers with taste: It’s the kind of gift that says, “I want your kitchen to feel
  upgraded,” without forcing someone into a specific knife brand.

Quick FAQs

Is it only for David Mellor knives?

It’s designed with David Mellor’s knife range in mind, but many owners use it as a premium universal block.
The key is whether your knives fit comfortably without scraping or forcing. If you have unusually wide blades
(or very thick spines), check fit before committing.

Is birch plywood “nice,” or is it just… plywood?

Birch plywood is widely used in modern design because it’s stable, strong, and visually cleanespecially when
finished well. In this case, the satin lacquer finish is part of the point: it makes the surface feel refined,
not construction-grade.

Do I need to oil it if it’s lacquered?

Lacquered finishes typically need less oiling than raw wood. That said, some care instructions still mention
using a small amount of edible oil on wooden items to maintain appearance. When in doubt, follow the care notes
from the retailer or maker, and keep it lightthis is not a “deep-fry your knife block” situation.

Conclusion: A Knife Block That Behaves Like Modern Design

David Mellor’s Large Knife Block is one of those quietly impressive kitchen pieces: it looks like design,
functions like a tool, and nudges your habits in a better direction. It’s compact, built to accommodate a
serious lineup of knives, andwhen cared for properlycan keep your kitchen safer and more organized without
turning your countertop into a gadget showroom.

If you want your knives accessible but protected, and you’d like your storage to look like it belongs in the
room rather than merely existing there, this block is an easy yes. Just remember the golden rules:
dry your knives, insert them carefully, and clean the block like it’s part of your kitchennot a decorative
object that magically stays hygienic through positive vibes.

Real-World Experiences: Living With David Mellor’s Large Knife Block (Extra )

Let’s talk about what it’s like when a knife block stops being “that thing you shove knives into” and starts
acting like a small piece of kitchen architecture. The first thing most people noticeafter the obvious “oh,
that’s pretty”is how the block changes behavior. Not in a dramatic, life-coach way. More like: you stop
leaving knives on the counter because putting them away is easy, and the block looks good enough that you
don’t want clutter around it.

In a typical weeknight cooking rhythm, the Large Knife Block shines in small moments. You’re chopping onions,
you rinse the knife, you dry it, and the knife goes back into a slot without a second thought. That sounds
basic, but it’s exactly the point: good design reduces the number of micro-annoyances that make you cut corners.
When a storage solution is smooth to use, you don’t “temporarily” set a blade in the sink (where it becomes a
surprise hazard) or toss it into a drawer (where it becomes a dullness machine).

Another common experience is realizing your kitchen feels more “zoned.” The block naturally wants to live near
your prep area. Once it’s there, everything else starts to orbit: the cutting board stays put, the towel for
drying knives becomes a regular tool, and you build a little workflow that feels almost professionaleven if
you’re just making grilled cheese and pretending it’s a bistro special.

People with mixed knife collections often appreciate that “large” means you’re not playing storage Tetris.
Long knives don’t feel awkward, and accessories like a honing steel can have a consistent home. That matters
because maintenance habits live or die by convenience. If your honing steel is buried in a drawer under a
whisk and three rubber bands, you won’t hone. If it’s right therebeside the knivesyou’ll use it more often,
even if it’s just a few quick passes before slicing tomatoes.

There’s also a subtle “respect effect.” When knives are stored neatly, you treat them better. You’re more
likely to dry them fully. You’re less likely to throw them in the dishwasher “just this once.” You’re more
likely to notice when an edge needs sharpening. It’s not that the block sharpens your knives by magicit’s
that it makes good knife care feel like the default setting.

Finally, there’s the aesthetic win: it looks clean even when the kitchen isn’t. A counter can have a few
cooking casualtiesbreadcrumbs, a lemon half, a rogue measuring spoonand the block still reads as composed.
It’s a small anchor of order. And sometimes, that’s all you need: one object that quietly tells the rest of
your kitchen, “We’re doing our best.”