Free woodworking plan

Countertop Knife Block

Difficulty: Intermediate · Estimated time: about 4 hr of hands-on work, not counting glue and finish drying or cure time

An angled hardwood block with knife slots made by grooving strips before glue-up.

Cut shallow grooves in separate hardwood strips, then glue the strips together so the grooves become enclosed knife slots. No deep saw cuts are needed. Keep fingers clear of the blade path. Not for serrated bread knives unless you cut a wider groove.

Materials

• Hardwood boards (maple/walnut) — 3/4" thick strips, enough for a ~4" x 10" x 9" block (One more strip than rows of knives)
• Mineral oil (labeled food-safe) — 8 oz
• Non-slip feet — 4 rubber dots
• Sandpaper — 80 through 220

Tools

• Table saw or bandsaw
• Miter gauge or sled
• Square and marking knife
• Sander
• Push sticks and safety glasses
• Router for edge profile (optional)

Safety: Power tools and finishes can cause serious injury. Read and follow every tool and product manual, use guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, and work in a ventilated area. These plans are for general information; check measurements and your own skill before cutting. You build at your own risk, and Handy at Home is not liable for injury or damage. See the Terms.

Steps

1. Mill the blank

   Mill hardwood strips 3/4" thick, about 4" wide and 9" long (adjust to your knives). You need one more strip than rows of knives. Do not glue yet.

   • Joint faces that will show.
   • Keep the finished block large enough for a stable base.

2. Groove the strips and glue up

   Mark slot positions from your knives. On the table saw, set the blade only about 1/8" high and cut shallow grooves along the length of each strip's face, using the fence and a push block; widen with extra passes for thick blades. Then glue the strips face to face with grooves facing the next strip, keeping glue out of the grooves, clamp flat, and let cure fully. Cut the base at an angle so knives sit at ~15–20°. Keep the riving knife installed; if your blade guard must come off for this non-through cut, reinstall it right after.

   • Never cut deep slots into a solid block — the blade cannot reach and the cut is unsafe.
   • Test groove width on scrap with your thickest knife.

3. Shape and sand

   Ease all edges. Sand thoroughly inside slot mouths so knives do not catch fibers.

   • Fold sandpaper to clean each kerf entrance.
   • Check that each household knife seats fully.

4. Finish and feet

   Apply mineral oil labeled food-safe. Add non-slip feet under the base. Keep the block dry — do not soak it.

   • Re-oil when the wood looks dry.
   • Store out of reach of children.

Always follow your tools’ safety instructions and wear eye protection. Free for personal use; please don’t resell or republish these plans.

© 2026 Handy at Home. Plan text and images are free for personal use only.