Thread: Magnetic Knife/ Tool rack

Hi Tam, never thought to use them for tools ..good idea.
I have been a bit dubious of them for the kitchen knives because I wondered if the magnetism would destroy the hone?

Has anyone heard that this is the case?

There is no effect on the structure of the metal, or sharpness by using magnetic holders.

What some people don't like is that the tools will become magnetised. Screws stick to screwdrivers, (not always a disadvantage!). Lathe tools, (esp large scrapers) will tend to want to "stick" to the toolrest in turning, for instance, which puts folk off. Doesn't worry me.

Might not be a good idea for files however!!!

My turning tool rack consists of a row of RE magnets above a trough for the handles. Secure, quick and easy, and no fiddling to find the right hole!

Works for me.

With my kitchen knives I very rarely ( couple of time a year) have to put them on the stones to sharpen them, I do however use a steel on them everytime I use them and maybe twice if I'm carving meat, & my knives are very sharp. and the better knives are softish steel.
I was always under the impression that honing with a steel aligned the molecules on the cutting edge in a particular direction. Wouldn't a magnet interfere with that?

I was always under the impression that honing with a steel aligned the molecules on the cutting edge in a particular direction. Wouldn't a magnet interfere with that?

Not sure about that, I just always assumed that the grooves in the steel worlked in a mechanical fashion to sharpen the knife. I do know that my Dad had one steel that was nearly smooth, he used that as a final fisish on his butchers knives.
Actually thinking on sharpening, I wonder how the leather strop used to work, I think that was used for the final finish, maybe to remove burring from sharpening?

Edit, just did a search and foud this, I assume that using a steel is about the same process.
http://www.inthewoodshop.org/methods/wwc03x.shtml

Yes (as is often the case) I'm probably wrong about honing ...and the magnetic strip would have to be more hygienic than a block.

Pity I have such a mis-mash of knives, I'd need a trendy "Globe" set if I was going to put them on display.

Originally Posted by Bleedin Thumb

the magnetic strip would have to be more hygienic than a block.

I'm not sure about that BT.

I thought that the latest learning is that bacteria don't survive well on wooden cutting boards, and I would have thought that the same would mean that the knife block would also help keep the bacteria down between uses...

Supercheap have longer ones for tools/knives whatever and I think they go for about $7-$8.

I picked one up and mounted it on the wall behind my drill press. Works great for holding my regularly used drill bits

I like them too. I bought a few for under $10 each from ikea on a trip up through Brisbane once. I worried too about metal on metal.

So I ripped off a bit of blanket and screwed them down over them. I've got two racks here side by side.

Seems to work alright. But I have noticed the cheap racks don't magnetize over its entire length. They've just glued in spot magnetics spaced ever couple of inches, so your tools tend to bunch together. Little bit annoying. Cheap stuff for you.

Originally Posted by jmk89

I'm not sure about that BT.

..

Yes Jeremy you are quite right about timber having anti bacterial properties...however before the WIP kitchen renovation I got a cockroach infestation in my old knife block. The little buggers loved it in there.

Think about the micro-climate you have in a knife block.....not very appealing.

Anyway I have a new block now and a new built kitchen that is hermetically (is that the correct word?) sealed with no bugs..touch wood.

I think wood is good ('anti-bacterial') because any moisture dries up/is absorbed quickly. So the germs can't grow, because they need moisture to grow. Can't see a magnet on the wall staying wet, and you'd probably clean and dry the knife I hope.