Cooking For Engineers

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

Does anybody know where a CUSTOM MADE knife block can be obtained?

I mean any physical size of the block, any size of the slots, any number of slots, any configuration/location of slots???

I have a lot of kitchen knives. If I was shy, I'd be embarrassed to say how many. I need a block with a face of about 9 x 12 inches, deep enough to hold 14" steels and 14" knives, tilted 30 degrees for easy insertion of the knives, with about thirty horizontal slots of various sizes (cleavers, chef knives, slicers, utility knives, cake knives, decorating knives, cheese knives, parers, etc.) and a couple for different steels. I have designed one in a drawing program, and would like to have it made.

Michael Chu · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 1654 Location: Austin, TX (USA)

Gary, I have exactly the same problem! I currently use a standard block on my counter, a bunch of blade protectors in a drawer and a practically full knife bag. The problem is, if I get a custom block made, then it'll take up too much space and cost too much. I did consider hand making one with food grade glue and bamboo pieces, but I didn't know where to get safe, clean bamboo cut into the strips that I'd need... then I thought, where would I put this thing and how long would this take?

Good luck on your quest!

SirShazar · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 89

Well, the people at Knifeforums were going crazy for the guy at theboardsmith.com, because he made custom boards and knifeblocks to pretty much any specification imaginable (not that cheap, but what do I know about custom woodwork). But alas...he went out of business. I know a couple of them made their own blocks.

DrBiggles · Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 356 Location: Richmond, CA

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

I have a table saw and dado blades, but some of the slots I need are wider than I can make in one dado pass before gluing all the pieces together, and I just don't have the time or equipment to do the trial and error and remakes that would be needed to get mirror image dado cuts perfectly aligned to handle things like cleavers and wide chef knives. I really need a woodworker who knows what he is doing and has dados or other machinery that can make deep and wide cuts.

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

McDee · Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Posts: 25

This got me to thinking how nice it would be to go all out custom and have the block mounted in the wall of the kitchen, say just above the backsplash to save counter space.

Auspicious · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:49 pm Post subject:

You don't need to get your dados to line up -- the whole cut-out can be on one side of the glue joint.

See if a local high school has a wood shop. You may be able to work a deal with the teacher and a good student.

GaryProtein · Joined: 26 Oct 2005 Posts: 535

seven · Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

Hello, I design & build custom furniture and have been thinking about a new knife block for myself. Perhaps I could make one for you at the same time. Send me a pm if you have not found a local craftsman to help out.

Steve

Guest · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:52 pm Post subject:

I know this topic is kinda old but if anyone is still looking vermontbutcherblock.com does custom knife blocks. I don't have any experience with them but the images on their website look pretty good.

dglickman · Guest

Hello all, While reviewing what pages had linked to my website, I noticed that someone from this forum had posted our web address. Technology is just great!

Anyway, as the owner of The Vermont Butcher Block & Board Company, I can tell you that we are actively making custom knife blocks for tens of clients at any one point in time. What we request is tracings of your knives and a $50.00 check be mailed to us. When we receive that, along with any "want to have's", we'll make you a face plate of your new block. If you like it and want to proceed, we credit you the $50.00. Our custom knife blocks range from $200.00 to over $500.00 depending on collection sizes and also skin material. Obviously maple burl is much more expensive than plain maple. Our pieces are functional and beautiful at the same time. You can see numerous pictures of some of the pieces we have made at www.vermontbutcherblock.com or you can e-mail directly at davidg@vermontbutcherblock.com

Sorry to intrude on your forum, but I wanted to give you our information.

Thor · Joined: 24 Jul 2006 Posts: 112 Location: Camp Hill, PA

Wow. A shameless plug that's actually on topic.

The burled maple looks fantastic. If only I wasn't poor . . . . .

EngineeringProfessor · Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 77