Shun 22-Slot Bamboo Knife Storage Block

Most other 22-slot blocks don't have enough wide slots. This block was perfect for my knife collection. Product appears well made, and has a relatively small footprint on my kitchen bench.

I purchased this in the hopes it would, of course, safely house my collection of Shun and Gehring knives. I have over the years gone through many knife blocks and none seemed to do the trick. This one does. However, I noticed some beneficial changes in the one I purchased and the one that is pictured on the Amazon website. The one pictured shows no label, and the scissor and steel slots are reversed. Mine came with a crooked aluminum label that was barely hanging on by double sided tape. Seeing as I am not obsessed with labels anyway, I easily removed it and now have a clean looking bamboo knife block. Having the scissor slot on the upper left corner with the steel hole in the middle easily overcomes the scissor handle problem of it touching other knife handles. But even if it were not so, those customers who cannot seem to get their scissors to fit nicely should just go and find a slimmer set of locking kitchen shears to fit in the centre hole. I would not suggest oiling the bamboo block right out of the box. It has an elegant satin finish that in my experience, (we have bamboo flooring), does not need upkeep like other woods. Bamboo repels water rather than absorbs it so it is excellent for knife blocks, cutting boards, and bathroom and kitchen flooring. It will not mildew. Those customers suggesting that knife blocks are unsanitary are incorrect. Your knives should be clean and dry before inserting into the block anyway.As I have stated before, this is an excellent block. The slots are thick enough to accommodate some of my thicker artisan blades, and wide enough for sankotu and nikiri blades too. I use the cleaver slot for my Shun rocker knife. My former Henckel block could not fit in all my asian knives. My german knives look great along with the asian ones. All slots are deep enough for even the longest of blades. It is a large block, but I prefer to have my best knives on the countertop within easy reach. I have tried the Kapoosh but had to get rid of it because I could not pack it with my knives without the rods bending and distorting. Magnetic wall displays looked unsightly and seem dangerous to me. Magnetic countertop blocks could not fit all my knives and some are out of this world expensive. Drawer holders could not fit my exotic knives and required unwelcome maneuvering to get the knives out. I finally have something practical and esthetically pleasing that I can work with. I even have some extra room.

Late review.. Had this for a couple of years now (also got one for my son in law, ex chef). Absolutely love them, fits a lot of different knives not just the classic Shun(which I've got 5 of) so it's very versatile. I also purchased the oil for it as suggested by some buyers but honestly it doesn't need it you can just give it a wipe with a damp cloth and then dry. Looks great on my kitchen bench, quite big in size not your typical knife block.

One fantastic, well made and beautifully finished knife block. Bamboo not only looks very sharp, but it is apparently a better wood choice for knife storage. So far I am very pleased with the product. The block is large so it my long knives fit well, also my wide blade cleaver fits in quite comfortably. Good thing that Bed Bath and Beyond store made the purchase of a 35 slot Wusthof block impossible due to their inflexible and uncaring shipping policies. I got a superior product for less and delivered quickly.

Absolutely excellent knife block. There is room for knives of virtually all sizes you might find in the kitchen, but measure yours and pay attention to the excellent descriptions of the slot sizes on this block from other reviewers.This block is heavy, and its feet prevent it from slipping on a kitchen counter. The wood is very hard, and the larger slots for a steel and scissors you will find you will wish are included in every other knife block you ever run into.The angle is perfect and knives don't fall out of it.