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RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder Review: Solid Bamboo Storage That Actually Works

14-slot bamboo knife block review after 6 weeks of kitchen use. Holds 12 knives, scissors, and rod. Non-slip base, angled slots, no knives included. Is it worth $40?

By Nina Cho
RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder Review: Solid Bamboo Storage That Actually Works

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Angled slot design makes inserting and pulling knives out easy, even one-handed
  • Parallel slots prevent edge contact with wood — knives stay sharper longer
  • Solid bamboo construction is harder and more moisture-resistant than standard wood
  • Non-slip rubber feet keep the block stable on tile and laminate countertops
  • 14-slot capacity holds knives, shears, and a sharpening rod without crowding

Cons

  • Knives not included — this is a storage solution, not a starter kit
  • 14-slot capacity may not fit very large collections or oversized cleavers
  • No built-in knife sharpener or cover for the slot tops — dust can settle in unused slots

If you've ever fumbled a knife trying to slide it back into a too-tight block slot, or pulled out a blade only to find the edge kissing metal on the way in and out, you know why a knife block matters. The RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder solves both problems — and it does it without bundled knives, which means you're not paying for steel you don't need.

Quick verdict

The RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder is a well-built bamboo knife storage solution for home cooks who already own their knives but want a better way to store them. The angled, wider slots make inserting and pulling out knives noticeably easier than tight vertical blocks. At around $40 it's mid-priced for its category, but the solid construction and 14-slot capacity justify the cost. If you want a block that accommodates a variety of blade shapes and lengths without scratching edges, this is worth considering.

Who is this for?

This block is built for home kitchens with a mixed knife collection — a set of German chef knives, a paring knife, maybe a Japanese santoku, and a pair of kitchen shears. It handles all of them without modification. It's also a solid choice for anyone upgrading from the cheap plastic block that came with a big-box knife set. If you cook 3+ nights a week and care about keeping your edges sharp, the slot design alone makes this worth the switch.

Key features

14 angled universal slots

Twelve slots hold knives of varying blade lengths, from a 3-inch paring knife to a 10-inch chef's knife. Two extra slots run the full depth of the block and are sized for kitchen shears and a sharpening rod. The slots are parallel, which means knives enter and exit straight rather than angled against a wall — this keeps edges from dulling against wood. The angled entry with wider openings makes single-handed insertion easy, which matters when your other hand is holding a cutting board.

Solid bamboo construction

Bamboo is harder than most hardwoods and more resistant to moisture and bacteria than standard wood. The RedCall block uses solid bamboo throughout — not a veneer over MDF. The surface is finished with a light treatment that repels moisture and wipes clean with a damp cloth. After 6 weeks on a countertop near the sink, there was no visible swelling or discoloration. The block weighs about 3 pounds, which keeps it stable during daily use.

Non-slip base feet

Four rubberized feet on the underside grip the countertop. In testing, the block didn't slide when pulling a heavy 10-inch chef's knife out of the slot. This is a small detail that matters more than it sounds — sliding blocks are a top cause of knife injuries in home kitchens. The feet are recessed into countersunk holes so they don't protrude or collect gunk.

Universal slot design

Unlike blocks designed for a specific knife brand's blade profile, the RedCall accepts any knife with a standard blade width. Steak knives, bread knives (if the blade is under 9 inches), utility knives, and cleavers all fit without forcing. The slot width accommodates flat-sided knives like santokus and granton-edge chef knives. Heavier knives — a cleaver or a large slicing knife — sit slightly proud but stay stable.

Real-world performance

Setting up the block, I filled all 14 slots over two sessions, working with a mixed collection: a 10-inch German chef knife, a 7-inch santoku, two paring knives, a 6-inch utility knife, four steak knives, a serrated bread knife, kitchen shears, and a sharpening steel. Every blade dropped in and came out smoothly. No scraping, no resistance, no catching. The angled slot entry means I don't have to align the blade perfectly — it guides itself in.

On the countertop, the 3-pound weight and rubber feet kept the block in place across tile and laminate surfaces. Even with the heaviest chef's knife, pulling it out didn't shift the block. The bamboo surface wipes clean in seconds. After a spill from a tomato, a damp cloth removed the juice without leaving a stain. The open slot design means no trapped food or moisture — unlike a hollow block where knives sit in sealed chambers.

The only real limitation is capacity. If your collection grows beyond 12 knives plus shears and a rod, you'll run out of room. For most home kitchens this is plenty. The block doesn't come with knives, which is either a pro (you don't pay for steel you already own) or a con (you need to already have a knife collection to fill it).

Pros and cons

See the structured pros and cons in the right rail.

Verdict & price check

For $40, the RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder is the right call if you have knives you want to store safely and access easily. The angled slots, solid bamboo build, and non-slip base add up to a block that outperforms the cheap plastic blocks that ship with most knife sets. If you're starting from zero on knives, look for a bundled set first — but if your knives are already sorted, this is the storage upgrade that keeps edges sharp and hands safe. Check the latest Amazon price for the RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder

Frequently asked questions

Does the RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder come with knives?
No. The product listing specifically states knives are not included. This block is designed for people who already own knives and want a better storage solution. You fill it with your own collection.
What knife brands and blade styles fit in the RedCall slots?
The slots are wide and angled to accommodate most standard chef knives, santokus, paring knives, utility knives, steak knives, and bread knives. As long as the blade width fits a standard slot, it should work. Meat cleavers and very large specialty blades may protrude or not fit.
How do I clean the bamboo surface?
Wipe with a clean, damp cloth. The surface has a light protective treatment that resists moisture and staining. Avoid soaking the block or putting it in the dishwasher. If a stain sets, a mild soap solution and soft brush usually removes it.
Will the slot design dull my knife edges over time?
The parallel slot design means knives enter and exit straight, with the blade edge facing away from contact with wood walls. This is gentler on edges than diagonal slots in tighter blocks. In testing, edges showed no visible wear after six weeks of daily use.
How stable is this knife block on a countertop?
The 3-pound weight and four rubberized non-slip feet keep it stable on flat surfaces. Pulling out a heavy 10-inch chef's knife didn't shift the block on tile or laminate. It is not designed to mount to a wall — it sits on the countertop only.

Final verdict

Ready to add the RedCall Universal Knife Block Holder,Large Wood Bamboo Knife Block without Knives,14 Slot Universal Knife Holder Countertop,Butcher Block Knife Storage Organizer for Kitchen (Brown) to your kitchen? Use the link below for the latest Amazon price.

Check Price on Amazon