SANTOKU
SANTOKU
Updated August 2026 · 5 min read · UK Japanese-steel knife specialists
A magnetic knife holder keeps your knives visible, within easy reach and safely off the worktop — and fitting one is a genuinely simple job. This is our plain-English guide to mounting a magnetic knife rack securely, whatever your wall is made of.
What you'll need
- Your magnetic knife rack and its fixing screws
- A pencil and a spirit level (a phone level app is fine)
- A drill, plus wall plugs and screws suited to your wall (masonry plugs for brick/plaster; specialist fixings for plasterboard or tile)
- A cable/pipe detector if you have one — cheap insurance
How to mount a magnetic knife holder, step by step
- Choose the right spot. Pick a wall at a comfortable height — roughly eye to shoulder level — close to your chopping area but away from the hob (heat and grease) and the sink (constant splashing). Leave clearance so blades won't catch a cupboard or your head.
- Mark the fixing holes. Hold the rack against the wall, use your level to get it perfectly horizontal, and mark each screw hole with a pencil.
- Check what's behind the wall. Before drilling, scan for hidden pipes and electrical cables — especially near sockets, switches and above worktops. If in doubt, move along a little.
- Drill and plug. Drill your marked points with the correct bit for your wall, tap in the appropriate wall plugs, and make sure they sit flush.
- Fix the rack. Screw the rack firmly into the plugs until it's solid with no wobble.
- Test, then load. Before trusting it with your knives, press and tug the rack to confirm it's secure, then hang your heaviest knife first as a test. If it holds confidently, load the rest — placing each knife spine-first and letting the magnet take the blade.
A few tips for a clean, safe result
Mount the rack slightly proud of any wall units so long blades clear the doors. Keep it out of reach of small children. Always place and remove knives by resting the spine on the magnet first and rolling the blade in or out — never lead with the edge. And if you'd rather not drill at all, a freestanding worktop or in-drawer organiser gives you the same tidy, safe storage with zero holes in the wall.
Knife storage that lasts
Whether you want a wall rack or a no-drill option, here are three storage picks that keep Japanese-steel knives safe and to hand.
Magnetic Wooden Wall Knife Rack
From £39.99 · ★ 4.84 (38 reviews)
A warm wooden magnetic strip that holds your knives blade-safe and on display. The rack this whole guide is about — simple to fit with the steps above.
View the wall rack
Kitchen Knife Drawer / Tabletop Wooden Organiser
From £44.99 · ★ 4.6 (15 reviews)
No wall, no holes, no problem — a wooden organiser that keeps knives tidy in a drawer or on the worktop. Ideal for renters or tiled walls.
View the organiser
Minato Set with Acacia Wood Magnetic Knife Holder
£379.99 · ★ 4.88 (73 reviews)
A complete AUS-10 knife set paired with a freestanding acacia magnetic stand — display-ready storage for a new kitchen with no drilling needed.
View the Minato setSee the full range in our knife storage collection.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a magnetic knife holder be mounted?
Roughly eye to shoulder height, close to your prep area but clear of cupboard doors, the hob and the sink. It should be easy to reach without stretching, and out of reach of small children.
Can you fit a magnetic knife holder without drilling?
If you'd rather not drill — for example in a rented kitchen or on a tiled wall — a freestanding worktop or in-drawer organiser gives you the same safe, tidy storage with no holes. Heavy-duty adhesive strips exist too, but for a wall rack holding sharp knives we recommend proper screw fixings for peace of mind.
Can I mount a magnetic knife rack on plasterboard or tile?
Yes — just use the right fixings. Plasterboard needs specialist hollow-wall plugs (or fixing into a stud); tiles need a tile bit and suitable plugs, drilling carefully to avoid cracking. Always test the rack holds your heaviest knife before loading it.
Are magnetic strips safe for good knives?
Yes, as long as you place and remove them gently — rest the spine on the magnet first and roll the blade in or out, rather than leading with the edge. That protects the edge and keeps your Japanese-steel knives sharp.
Where should you not put a magnetic knife holder?
Avoid directly above or beside the hob (heat and grease), right next to the sink (constant water), anywhere low enough for children to reach, and any spot where an open cupboard door would swing into the blades.
Related guides
- 3 Suitable Methods for Japanese Knife Storage
- Can You Use a Knife Block to Hold Japanese Chef Knives?
Store your knives the smart way
From wall racks to no-drill organisers, keep your Japanese-steel knives safe, sharp and to hand.
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