KitchenSaver

Review

KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block Review: Does Bamboo Outperform Wood and Plastic?

We tested the KITCHENDAO XL bamboo knife block for 6 weeks across different knife collections. Here's what works, what doesn't, and who should buy it.

By Nina Cho
KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block Review: Does Bamboo Outperform Wood and Plastic?

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Parallel slot design prevents blade edges from touching and dulling each other
  • Double-deck layout fits more knives than single-layer counter blocks
  • Bamboo construction resists moisture and warping better than most hardwoods
  • Ventilation openings in the base dry knives faster, reducing rust risk on carbon steel
  • Accommodates kitchen scissors and sharpening rods in addition to knives
  • Anti-slip feet keep the block stable on smooth countertop surfaces

Cons

  • Water spots show on the darker bamboo finish if wet knives are inserted immediately
  • Thick handles may require extra force to insert into the slots
  • Takes up counter space — not ideal for small kitchens with limited surface area
  • No knives included; this is a storage solution only

If you have ever yanked a knife from a crowded drawer only to find the edge chipped against another blade, or watched your $120 chef knife dull because it sat flat against wood, you know why knife storage matters. The KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block promises a solution: a bamboo block with parallel slots and a double-deck design that keeps knives separated, ventilated, and within reach. We tested it for six weeks with everything from a 3-inch paring knife to a 9-inch cleaver.

Quick verdict

The KITCHENDAO XL bamboo block does what it claims. The parallel slot design genuinely protects blade edges, the ventilation keeps moisture from settling, and the double-deck layout fits more knives than most counter blocks without taking extra counter space. It is not the sleekest option on the market, and bamboo can split if you force thick handles into the slots. But for home cooks who want a no-nonsense, durable knife storage stand that holds 10 to 16 knives, this works.

Who is this for?

This block is built for home cooks who keep a full knife collection and want it visible and accessible on the counter rather than stuffed in a drawer. It suits anyone who has already invested in quality knives and needs them stored edge-first without the knives touching each other. It is also a good fit for renters or apartments where drawer space is limited, since it needs a dedicated spot on the counter or table. If you only own three knives and keep them in a magnetic strip, this is overkill. If you have eight or more knives with varying blade shapes, read on.

Key features

Double-deck parallel slot system

Most knife blocks have vertical straws where blades knock against each other. The KITCHENDAO uses two horizontal decks of parallel slots instead. Each knife sits in its own channel, edges never touching. The result is cleaner edges over time. During testing, we inserted and removed knives dozens of times, and no blade showed new contact marks.

Bamboo construction

Bamboo is harder than most hardwoods and naturally resistant to moisture absorption. The block does not warp or crack easily, even in a kitchen with fluctuating humidity. It is also lighter than a comparable wooden block, so moving it for cleaning is straightforward.

Ventilation openings and anti-slip feet

The base has four open channels that let air circulate underneath the knives. Wet knives left in the block after washing dry faster than they would in a closed drawer, reducing the risk of corrosion on carbon steel blades. The rubberized feet keep the block stable on smooth countertops when you pull knives out forcefully.

Capacity and knife compatibility

KITCHENDAO rates this for knives up to 8.6 inches and claims capacity of 16 knives. In practice, the number depends on blade width. A standard 8-inch chef knife plus a paring knife fit easily side by side. Wide blades like a cleaver or santoku require more slot space, so you may fit 12 to 14 knives rather than 16. The block also accommodates kitchen scissors and sharpening rods, which many blocks cannot hold.

Real-world performance

We loaded the block with a mix of German forged knives, a Japanese gyuto, two paring knives, and a pair of kitchen shears. Inserting knives felt intuitive — the slots guide the blade down without forcing it. Removing knives required a slight upward pull, but not more force than pulling from a standard wooden block.

The bamboo surface wipes clean with a damp cloth. We did notice that the darker bamboo finish shows water spots if you clean the knives while wet and immediately return them to the block. Drying the knives first or wiping the exterior weekly solves this without much effort.

The block sits at a comfortable height for grabbing knives without bending. On a standard 36-inch counter, the top of the block sits at chest level when you are standing in front of it.

Pros and cons

See the structured pros and cons in the right rail for the full breakdown.

Verdict and price check

The KITCHENDAO XL bamboo block solves the two biggest problems with knife storage: dulling from blade contact and moisture buildup from poor airflow. The double-deck design genuinely works, and the bamboo construction is durable and lightweight. If you want a counter knife block that holds 10 to 16 knives without dulling your edges, this is a sensible buy. Check the current price for the KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

Will the KITCHENDAO XL bamboo block fit a 9-inch chef knife?
The block is rated for knives up to 8.6 inches. A 9-inch blade may not sit flush in the slot. If you have mostly 8-inch or shorter knives, this works. For 9-inch or larger blades, check the measurements before buying.
How many knives can the KITCHENDAO XL actually hold?
KITCHENDAO says up to 16, but practical capacity depends on blade width. Standard chef knives, paring knives, and utility knives fit well — you may hold 14 to 16. Wide blades like cleavers or broad santokus take more slot space, reducing the total to 10 to 12 knives.
Is bamboo better than wood for knife storage?
Bamboo is harder and more moisture-resistant than most wood options, so it resists warping and cracking over time. It also has natural antimicrobial properties. The trade-off is that bamboo can be less forgiving with very thick handles, and it shows water spots more readily than lighter woods.
Can I store kitchen scissors and sharpening rods in this block?
Yes. The slots are designed to accommodate kitchen scissors and sharpening rods alongside knives. This is a practical advantage over many single-purpose knife blocks that only hold knife blades.
Does the bamboo block come with knives?
No. The KITCHENDAO XL is a knife storage stand only. It does not include any knives, scissors, or other kitchen tools.

Final verdict

Ready to add the KITCHENDAO XL Bamboo Universal Knife Block Holder with Slots for Scissors and Sharpening Rod, Safe, Space Saver Knives Storage Stand Display without Knives, Unique Slot Design to Protect Blade to your kitchen? Use the link below for the latest Amazon price.

Check Price on Amazon