Making a Magnetic Knife Holder with Neodymium Magnets

Steps You'll Need to Take

1. Measure and mark the desired length for your knife holder. 
2. Use a saw to cut the wood board to the desired length. Ensure your cuts are straight and accurate.
3. Flip the wood board over, and on the back side, measure and mark the locations where you want to place your magnets. 
4. You can use a router to create a long rectangular cut/channel, or drill to create individual holes. Make the rectangular cut or holes deep enough so that they bottom out at the appropriate distance, about 1/8 inch from the front surface where the knives will attach. If you are drilling holes, we recommend placing the holes about 1/8 - 1/4 inch apart.
5. For a long groove made with a router, you can line up block or circular magnets alternating north/south facing up. This orientation ensures that the edges of the magnets attract each other and do not repel. 
6. You want to be very careful with the magnets. Once you separate them, they will want to jump back together. This will pinch your fingers and possibly cause the magnets to crack.
7. For individual holes, use a drill bit slightly larger than the diameter of the magnets to create holes that allow the magnets to sit the appropriate distance inside the rack from the front knife surface. 
8. For the rectangular cut, apply a liberal amount of glue into the bottom and sides of the groove and then stick your magnets alternating poles end to end along the cut. 
   
9. For circular holes, apply a small amount of epoxy adhesive or strong wood glue into each hole you drilled on the back side of the wood board and then insert the neodymium disc magnets into the holes.
10. Let the adhesive dry and cure completely as per the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the adhesive.
11. After the adhesive has fully cured, check that the magnets are firmly attached to the back side of the wood board. If any magnets are loose, remove them and reapply the adhesive as necessary.
12. Next decide how you want to sand and finish your wooden knife rack with either paint, stain, or a clear laminate coating.
13. Finally, mount the knife holder to a suitable wall or vertical surface using appropriate mounting hardware. Ensure the mounting hardware is securely anchored and can support the weight of the holder and the knives.

When you hang your knife holder on the wall, the 1/8 inch of wood thickness will conceal the magnets and adhesive on the back side, providing a sleek and seamless appearance.



The magnets will securely hold your knives in place, while the front of the holder made from wood will be visible. Please exercise caution when handling knives and ensure they are properly secured on the holder to prevent accidents.

If you find that your knife holder is not strong enough, it is likely because the thickness of the wood between the magnets and the knives is too large. It's critical that you make it as thin as possible - ideally 1/8 inch or less.