Scanpan Knife Block: What to Know Before Buying

Scanpan is a Danish cookware brand known primarily for their non-stick pans, but they also produce a line of kitchen knives and knife storage accessories including knife blocks. If you're looking at a Scanpan knife block specifically, you're likely either matching it to existing Scanpan knives or comparing it to other mid-range European brands.

Here's what the Scanpan knife block offers, what to look for in any quality knife block, and how it compares to alternatives.

Scanpan's Knife Line and Block Compatibility

Scanpan produces their knives under the Classic and Spectrum lines. The knife blocks in their range are designed primarily for their own knife dimensions, but many are universal enough to accept knives from other brands with comparable blade widths and lengths.

The typical Scanpan knife block includes 5-6 individual knife slots, a slot for a honing steel, and sometimes a built-in sharpener or integrated kitchen shears slot. The blocks are usually made from high-quality wood, which Scanpan sources with care for visual appeal.

Block Materials

Scanpan uses acacia and bamboo wood in different models. Acacia is a denser wood that handles humidity better and resists cracking more effectively than bamboo. Bamboo is lighter and less expensive but can be prone to splitting in low-humidity environments.

For long-term durability, acacia is preferable. Both look excellent, but if you're in a dry climate or your kitchen has temperature extremes, acacia is the safer choice.

What Makes a Quality Knife Block

Since you're evaluating Scanpan specifically, it helps to know what the benchmark is for this type of product.

Slot Design

The most important feature in any knife block is how the slot treats the blade edge. Traditional knife blocks store knives with the edge facing down, which means the edge contacts the wood every time you insert or remove a knife. This gradually dulls the blade.

Better knife blocks store knives edge-up or have felt-lined, nylon-lined, or rubber-lined slots that prevent direct edge contact. Scanpan's blocks vary by model on this front. If edge preservation is a priority, check whether the specific model you're looking at lines the slots.

Block Stability

A knife block that tips when you pull a knife out with one hand is a safety hazard. Good blocks are weighted toward the base, rubber-footed, and wide enough that they don't tip from typical insertion and removal forces.

Scanpan blocks tend to be well-proportioned and stable, which is consistent with the Danish design sensibility the brand applies to their cookware.

Slot Dimensions

Universal blocks should accommodate a range of blade widths. If you have knives with thick spines (common in German-style knives) or thin blades (common in Japanese knives), check that the slot width works for your specific collection.

Scanpan vs Competing Knife Blocks

At similar price points, Scanpan competes with:

Wusthof bamboo knife blocks: Made for Wusthof knives primarily, but universal enough for other brands. Excellent quality, slightly higher price.

Victorinox knife blocks: No-frills, functional, and reasonably priced. Less aesthetically distinctive than Scanpan.

KA-BAR/generic acacia blocks: Available everywhere, highly variable quality. Some are excellent; others split within a year.

Magnetic knife strips: Functionally superior to all blocks for edge preservation. The knife edge never contacts anything. Priced lower than most quality blocks ($20-$50 for a solid wall-mounted strip). If edge preservation is your primary goal, this is the format to choose.

For more guidance on building a complete knife setup, check Best Knife Block Set and Best Knife Block.

Care for a Scanpan Knife Block

To keep the block in good condition and prevent it from becoming unsanitary:

1. Never store wet knives in the block. Trapped moisture promotes mold growth in the slots.
2. Clean the block periodically by removing all knives, inverting and shaking out debris, then cleaning slot interiors with a thin brush.
3. Treat the wood exterior with food-grade mineral oil once or twice a year to prevent drying and cracking.
4. Keep it away from direct heat sources and dishwasher steam.

Is the Scanpan Knife Block Worth Buying?

If you already own Scanpan knives and want matching storage, the Scanpan block is a logical choice and the fit will be guaranteed. If you're building a knife collection from scratch, evaluate the block independently: does it store the knives you own with appropriate slot dimensions, does it have edge-friendly slot design, and is it stable?

For most people, the brand of the block matters less than the slot design. A $25 magnetic strip will do more for your knife edges than a $150 premium wooden block with edge-down storage.

FAQ

Are Scanpan knife blocks compatible with non-Scanpan knives? Most Scanpan blocks are sized for their own knife line, but many will accept knives from other brands with comparable dimensions. Measure your blade length and spine thickness and compare to the block's slot specifications before buying.

How many knives should a knife block hold? For most home cooks, 5-7 slots (chef's knife, bread knife, utility knife, paring knife, honing steel) covers all practical needs. Larger blocks with 14+ slots often end up with empty slots or with lower-quality knives added just to fill the space.

Can I put a wooden knife block in the dishwasher? No. Dishwasher heat and moisture will warp and crack wooden blocks. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and clean slots with a narrow brush.

Is a knife block or a magnetic strip better? A magnetic strip is better for edge preservation since the blade never contacts anything. A knife block is better if you prefer countertop storage, have wall mounting restrictions, or simply prefer the look. Both are far better than loose drawer storage.

Conclusion

Scanpan knife blocks are well-made, attractive storage solutions that fit appropriately with the brand's cookware aesthetic. If you're matching to Scanpan knives or want European-designed storage that complements warm-toned kitchen accessories, they're worth considering. If your primary concern is edge preservation, evaluate the slot design carefully and consider whether a magnetic strip might serve you better for the same money.