Customer Reviews

Wusthof 8001 Under-Cabinet-Swinger Knife Storage Block

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

We had two knife blocks on the counter, with lots of dull knives in them. We bought two good Global knives, and sent the rest packing to the drawer or the summer cottage. Now we have more counter space and sharp knives. The reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is that it doesn't fit under our cabinets in their recommended installation. Our cabinets are 12 inches (30 cm) deep, and when I installed the block as recommended, it would bump against the wall when I tried to rotate it. So I had to move it forward about 1 inch (2-3 cm). If your cabinets are 13 inches (33 cm) or deeper, you should be okay. Also, the template was slightly off on one of the holes, so check the template against the pilot holes on the block, and modify the template before you mark the cabinet for drilling.

I thought that this was the only option for under cabinet storage of knives. FYI there is another under-cabinet knife storage alternative out there. I used an internet search engine with the criteria: +"under counter" +knife, and found nice storage tray in the form of a drop down unit. Found one where I could choose one of 5 unstained woods for the face piece, which could then be stained to match the color of my cabinets (birch, hickory, maple, oak, or cherry) I also found another company that has a clear acrylic tray version. The hardware is basically the same for these. One company offers theirs with a slotted wooden block that attaches to the tray by magnetic adhesion allowing it to be removed and cleaned. It opens easily with the aid of two pull-down hinges and adjustable latches provide secured closure.

For those of you who have huge kitchens, stop reading now. For those like me, for whom counter space is at a premium, this is a great product. Fits nicely under the cabinet, although you need to think before you blindly follow the template. If your cabinets are 12" deep cut about 1" off the front of the template orthe block will bind against the wall as it turns. Slots fit my knives and steel perfectly. Really glad I got this product.

I bought one of these years ago and it has served me very well. However the current product is not the same. First of all the product is not made with any quality. The wood is green and the glue joints separate so badly that my son, who is a woodworker, said there was no way he could fix the last one I bought. Then we get to the knife slots. There is not one slot wide enough for a normal size chef's knife, basic to any knife set. The sharpening steel slot, which on my old block is on the bottom row, is on the top row of slots and, as every steel has a hanger ring, that falls in front of the knife slot below it. For a company as well know as Wusthof it is a disgrace. I sent a letter with photos to Wusthof USA to which I received no reply. Shame on Wusthof!

Like others, we found the holes in the template did not align with the holes in the mounting block. The holes don't even align very well with themselves if you measure their layout. (See comment about using the template). Also, after redoing the template to match the holes, it was obvious if we lined up the arrows with the front of the cabinet, the back of the knife holder would hit the wall when swung around. An easy fix was to fold over the edge of the template so the back of the arrow heads were in alignment with edge of the cabinet. You also need to remember when using the template that you realigned that if you drill upwards from underneath the cabinet that your template is a mirror image of the holes in the mounting block so use the template with the print side against the bottom of the shelf.

The screws supplied are kind of cheesy and the type that can break if too much torque is applied. We replaced ours with stainless screws (#8x1.25) and used a little dish soap to lubricate the threads.

After all that the install was a piece of cake, looks great and frees up the counter space.

A little more attention to detail and it would be a 5 star for us.

This knife block has a very nice finish, however it doesn't fit under any standard cabinet. The block that mounts to the underside of your cabinet is about 1" too thin to allow the block to swing out as it is designed. Also, the template does not match the mounting holes in the swivel block, and the screws are not the right length. I am returning mine for a refund.
Also of note - the block holds the knife in place by magnets that can scratch/mark the blades of your fine cutlery when you pull the knife out or slide it in.
Altogether, this is a non-starter. Yes, I could modify it and make it work but when you pay this kind of a price for a block of wood with slots in it you shouldn't have to re-manufacture it to make it work.

Like the design--but make sure to inspect the block for cracks.

There was one small crack in this block when I received it. I didn't notice it at the time. After a week, four additional large cracks had opened at the right side of the block where the different pieces of wood are joined.

This is a well designed quality item. A good value.
However, the desciption should include the size of knives
the block accomodates. A great space saver that could use
fewer small slots and at least one more slot for a larger knife.

Amazing that a reputable company can't supply a template that actually fits the predrilled holes in their own mount. This is a terrific knife block. I love that it frees counter space, hides under the cabinet, is out of reach of little ones and is convenient to use....BUT....be aware that their template is useless. I recommend following "Bahama Dude"s comprehensive instructions for a simple and easy installation. Don't redrill the mount to match the template, just change that paper template. I do agree that this shouldn't be a problem and shouldn't need re-engineering so I gave it 4 stars but once it is in place, you will love it 5 stars!

I want to be able to access my knives easily, and still be able to use my precious counter space. The solution I wanted was a direct wall mount block-style knife storage apparatus. I did not realize that there are very few options for this application. I bought the Wusthof "under cabinet swinger", removed the swivel, and mounted it directly to the side of my cabinet near my sink. I used the swivel I removed as a template and screwed #8 wood screws through the cabinet unto the storage block. A little different use, but it makes it incredibly easy to access my knives, they are well out of reach of the kids, and it looks good there as well! It worked out perfectly for me!