Skip to main content

Weekend Workshop: How to build a magnetic knife rack

weekend workshop magnetic knife rack 022016
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Need something to keep you busy this weekend? Look no further. The Weekend Workshop is our weekly column where we showcase a badass DIY project that you can complete with minimal skills and expertise. We’ve dug through all the online tutorials on the Web, and gone the extra mile to pinpoint projects that are equal parts easy, affordable, and fun. So put on your work pants, grab your tool belt, and head to the garage — it’s time to start building!

Few things scream “21st-century kitchen” as much as a proper magnetic knife strip; an innovative accessory adept at creating valuable counter space, preserving the quality of cutting knives, and just looking downright stylish. Thing is, who actually remembers to pick one of these up on those day-long excursions to IKEA? Certainly, not us. Moreover, the closer you look at these classy kitchen additions, the more you start to realize just how spendy a halfway decent strip actually costs. Bottom line is, it’s better to put one together yourself.

Recommended Videos

Thanks to some clever handiwork by an Instructables member known simply as tzny, building your very own magnetic knife rack takes nothing more than a few basic tools and materials, an old t-shirt, and a collection of knives. Okay, so the exact process tzny posted is a bit more comprehensive than this, but don’t underestimate how easy it is to construct one of these kitchen add-ons yourself. Moreover, the walkthrough doesn’t require users own any power tools (even if it would make it easier) and shouldn’t cost much more than about $40 or $50 to put together. Tzny clearly lays out the required method on Instructables, however, we’ve gone ahead and listed the exact tools and materials needed. Here’s everything you’ll need before beginning:

Tools:

  • Hand saw
  • Miter box
  • Sandpaper — 220 grit and 400 grit
  • Wood glue
  • Super glue or epoxy resin
  • Trigger clamps — 3 or 4
  • Old t-shirt or rag for applying wood stain finish

Materials:

Note: it wouldn’t hurt to get more wood than what’s listed here in the event you make an errant cut or some other issue arises. Also, have fun with the types (or color) of wood picked out for this build.

After securing the required tools and materials, it’s time to start constructing your own magnetic knife rack. Simply follow the step-by-step walkthrough published by tzny over on Instructables and you’ll step your kitchen’s style game up in no time. Happy building!

The full instructions on how to build this magnetic knife rack can be found here.

Rick Stella
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rick became enamored with technology the moment his parents got him an original NES for Christmas in 1991. And as they say…
Hyundai Ioniq 5 sets world record for greatest altitude change
hyundai ioniq 5 world record altitude change mk02 detail kv

When the Guinness World Records (GWR) book was launched in 1955, the idea was to compile facts and figures that could finally settle often endless arguments in the U.K.’s many pubs.

It quickly evolved into a yearly compilation of world records, big and small, including last year's largest grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

Read more
Global EV sales expected to rise 30% in 2025, S&P Global says
ev sales up 30 percent 2025 byd sealion 7 1stbanner l

While trade wars, tariffs, and wavering subsidies are very much in the cards for the auto industry in 2025, global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are still expected to rise substantially next year, according to S&P Global Mobility.

"2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new U.S. administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one," says Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility.

Read more
Faraday Future could unveil lowest-priced EV yet at CES 2025
Faraday Future FF 91

Given existing tariffs and what’s in store from the Trump administration, you’d be forgiven for thinking the global race toward lower electric vehicle (EV) prices will not reach U.S. shores in 2025.

After all, Chinese manufacturers, who sell the least expensive EVs globally, have shelved plans to enter the U.S. market after 100% tariffs were imposed on China-made EVs in September.

Read more