On a busy prep line, the knife you need is the one you can grab without looking. That is why so many restaurant kitchens hang their chef’s knife, cleaver and paring knife on a magnetic strip above the station instead of in a block or a drawer: the blades are dry, visible and one reach away while you work through onions, tomatoes and a pile of cilantro for pico de gallo. A good magnetic knife strip does the same job on a home kitchen wall.
The best magnetic knife strip holds your heaviest knife firmly, lets it go with a clean pull, and stays on the wall. That comes down to magnet strength, length, the surface the blade touches, and how the strip is mounted. This guide covers eight strips in stainless steel and wood from Global, Wüsthof, Norpro, Modern Innovations, HMmagnets, Gourmetop, Hamletoff and HOSHANHO, with what each maker states about magnets, mounting and capacity.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.
Quick verdict: which magnetic knife strip to buy
For most kitchens, the pick is the Global 20-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar: a long bar from an established Japanese knife maker, with an extra-strong magnet for heavy knives, and screws and anchors in the box. If you want wood against your blades, choose the HMmagnets 16-Inch Walnut Magnetic Knife Holder, with hidden neodymium magnets. If you cannot drill, the Hamletoff 16-Inch Stainless Steel strip mounts with adhesive.
Below, five standouts side by side, then all eight reviewed in full.
Five magnetic knife bars compared
One pick for each kind of wall and knife collection, with the length, material and mounting each maker states. All eight strips are reviewed below.
| Magnetic strip | Length | Material | Mounting | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 in | Stainless steel, dot pattern | Two screws and anchors (included) | View on Amazon | |
HMmagnets 16-Inch Walnut Magnetic Knife HolderBest wood strip
|
16 in | Walnut, hidden neodymium magnets | Screws only, hidden | View on Amazon |
| 15.75 in actual | Satin stainless over magnets | Screws (hardware included) | View on Amazon | |
Wüsthof 12-Inch Acacia MagnabarBest compact
|
12 in | Acacia, hidden super magnet | Hidden bracket and screws | View on Amazon |
| 15.5 in actual | 304 stainless, neodymium | Industrial adhesive tape | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Lengths, materials, magnets and mounting are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best magnetic knife strip
These eight cover solid stainless bars, wood strips with hidden magnets, long bars for a full set and no-drill strips for renters. Wüsthof’s 20-inch acacia Magnabar is left out here because it is already the magnet pick in our comparison of a knife block vs a magnetic strip; the 12-inch version below is the shorter sibling. If you are still deciding between storage types, that comparison and our guides to the best knife block and the best in-drawer knife block cover the alternatives.
1. Global 20-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar – A Knife Maker’s Long Wall Bar
Global is the Japanese knife maker known for its dimpled steel handles, and this bar comes from the same range. At 20 inches long and 2 inches high it is the longest strip here, with room for a working set: chef’s knife, cleaver, santoku, bread knife and paring knives, spaced so you can grab one without knocking the next. The listing says it is ideal for Global knives or others, and that an extra-strong magnet holds even heavy knives securely.
It mounts on the wall with two screws and anchors, both included. There is no adhesive option, which suits a bar this long: a loaded 20-inch strip belongs on screws. The dot pattern along the face is there to match Global’s handles, so it fits above a Global set and stays plain enough above anything else.
The listing is short. It does not name the magnet type or give a knife count or a weight limit, and the stainless steel comes from Global’s sibling bar and retailer listings rather than this listing’s own text. The face is metal, so set each blade spine-first against the bar and roll it flat, rather than slapping the edge against it. Hold your heaviest knife against the bar before you drill.
Why we like it
- 20 inches long, the most room here
- From an established knife maker
- Extra-strong magnet for heavy knives, per the listing
- Screws and anchors included
Key specifications
| Model | Global G-42/51 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall bar |
| Length | 20 in (2 in high) |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Stainless steel, per retailers |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | “Extra-strong magnet”; type not stated |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Two screws and anchors, included |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | A full working set |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook with a full set of knives who wants one long steel bar from a knife maker above the prep counter.
Skip it if you cannot drill, or if you want wood against your blades; see the Hamletoff and HMmagnets strips below.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest bar here
- Made by a knife maker
- Screws and anchors in the box
Cons
- Magnet type and knife count not stated
- Screws only
- Metal face against the blade
2. HMmagnets 16-Inch Walnut Magnetic Knife Holder – Hidden Magnets in Real Walnut
HMmagnets builds this 16-inch strip from walnut hardwood with heavy-duty neodymium magnets hidden inside the wood, so the blade touches wood rather than metal and the magnets cannot rust. The maker says the magnetic force is even across the bar, holding knives securely but releasing them with a gentle tug, and names chef’s knives, butcher knives, cleavers and bread knives among what it holds.
The installation is the thing to plan for. HMmagnets is unusually clear about it: the bar weighs 1.1 pounds and is designed for wall mounting with screws only, with no adhesive or fridge option. It hangs without visible hardware, so it appears to float on the wall, and a stencil is included to mark the holes. Check your wall type before ordering.
Because it is real walnut, the grain and color vary from the photos, per the maker. Wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it; do not soak wood. The listing does not state a knife count; at 16 inches, expect room for a typical home set of six to eight knives depending on blade width.
Why we like it
- Neodymium magnets hidden inside walnut
- Even hold with an easy release, per the maker
- Floating mount with a hole stencil
- Clear weight (1.1 lb) and mounting limits stated
Key specifications
| Model | HMmagnets wmnh4 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall strip |
| Length | 16 in |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Walnut hardwood |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Heavy-duty neodymium, hidden |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Screws only, hidden; not for fridge |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | Wood against the blade, clean look |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a wood face for good knives and can screw into the wall.
Skip it if you rent and cannot drill; there is no adhesive option.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wood face, hidden magnets
- No visible hardware
- Honest mounting details
Cons
- Screws only
- Wood needs gentle cleaning
3. Modern Innovations 16-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar – A Simple Steel Bar for Less
Modern Innovations makes one of the most familiar magnetic bars on Amazon: strong magnets covered in satin-finished stainless steel, with a fully magnetic surface along its length. The maker says it hangs even large knives securely. The bar is sold as 16 inches; the listing notes the actual length is 15 3/4 inches to leave a little room for mounting.
It comes with mounting hardware and illustrated instructions. At just under 16 inches it fits the space between a range hood and a window or the side of a cabinet, and the maker points out that the length lets it hold more knives than many knife blocks. It also works for shears, a bench scraper or a bottle opener.
The listing does not state a knife count, the magnet type or a weight limit. As with any metal-faced bar, place each knife spine first.
Why we like it
- Fully magnetic surface along the bar
- Satin stainless steel finish
- Hardware and illustrated instructions included
Key specifications
| Model | Modern Innovations MI 1005 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall bar |
| Length | 16 in nominal (15.75 in actual) |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Stainless steel over magnets |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | “Strong magnets”; type not stated |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Screws, hardware included |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | A first bar, tight spaces |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a plain stainless bar that does the job without a knife-brand name.
Skip it if you want stated magnet specs; the listing gives none.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Magnetic along the whole length
- Fits small spaces
- Hardware included
Cons
- Slightly shorter than its name
- Capacity not stated
4. Wüsthof 12-Inch Acacia Magnabar – A Short Wood Bar With a Hidden Mount
Wüsthof’s Magnabar mounts in two steps: you screw a bracket to the wall with the included hardware, then click the acacia-faced bar onto it. Wüsthof says this hides the bracket and screws and holds the strip tightly to the wall. Inside, a hidden super magnet holds the knives, per the maker.
At 12 inches it is short, and that is its use. It fits a narrow backsplash, the side of a cabinet, or the wall beside a cutting board station, and holds the three or four knives you reach for most: a chef’s knife, a paring knife, a serrated knife and perhaps a cleaver. Wüsthof is a family-owned knife maker from Solingen, Germany.
The acacia face keeps blades off metal. The listing does not state a knife count, a weight limit or care; wipe the wood with a damp cloth and dry it. For a full set, the 20-inch version reviewed in our block vs magnet comparison gives more room.
Why we like it
- Hidden bracket and screws, per Wüsthof
- Hidden super magnet behind acacia
- Compact 12-inch length
- From an established knife maker
Key specifications
| Model | Wüsthof 2059625630 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall bar on bracket |
| Length | 12 in |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Acacia-plated |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Hidden “super magnet” |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Screwed bracket; bar clicks on |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | Three or four everyday knives |
Why we recommend it
It suits a small kitchen, or a second station, that needs a few knives on the wall and a clean look.
Skip it if you own more than four or five knives; it is short.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Invisible mounting
- Wood face
- Fits narrow walls
Cons
- Limited room
- Capacity not stated
5. Norpro 18-Inch Magnetic Knife Tool Bar – Two Magnet Strips, Long Reach
Norpro’s 18-inch bar is the second longest here, and Norpro builds it with two extra-strength magnetic strips that it says grip cutlery securely yet release it easily. Two strips mean two contact lines on each blade, which helps a long knife hang straight.
Norpro describes it as a simple, practical way to store knives within reach and frames it as an alternative to drawers and blocks that it says protects blades from damage and dulling. It installs with the screws provided. Beyond knives, Norpro suggests it for kitchen gadgets, keys, scissors and even a row of metal spice tins.
The listing does not state the bar’s material, the magnet type or a knife count. At 18 inches it is a good fit for a long backsplash, or for a kitchen that keeps a cleaver, a chef’s knife and a long slicer together.
Why we like it
- 18 inches long
- Two extra-strength magnetic strips, per Norpro
- Screws provided
Key specifications
| Model | Norpro 22 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall bar |
| Length | 18 in |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Not stated |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Two extra-strength magnetic strips |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Screws provided |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | Long blades and a long wall |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a long, simple bar with two magnet strips from a long-running kitchen-tool maker.
Skip it if you want to know the material; the listing does not say.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long bar
- Two magnet lines per blade
- Easy screw mount
Cons
- Material not stated
- Plain looks
6. Gourmetop 16-Inch Acacia Magnetic Knife Holder – Adhesive or Screws, Rated for a Cleaver
Gourmetop’s 16-inch strip is solid acacia with dual rows of magnets positioned across its length, which the maker says leaves no dead zones and holds heavy cleavers, Damascus knives, chef’s knives and shears without slipping. It is one of the few listings to give a count: approximately seven to nine knives, depending on blade width.
It comes with two ways to mount it, and Gourmetop says which surface suits which. The full-length 3M adhesive tape is for smooth surfaces such as tile backsplashes, refrigerators and glass, and you press firmly along the whole strip when installing. The included screws are for drywall, solid wood, brick, concrete, and painted, matte, textured or uneven walls.
The acacia surface is smooth and moisture resistant, per Gourmetop, and wipes clean. If you hang a heavy cleaver on any adhesive-mounted strip, follow the maker’s surface advice closely and consider screws.
Why we like it
- Dual-row magnets, rated for heavy cleavers
- Holds about 7–9 knives, per Gourmetop
- 3M adhesive and screws both included
- Clear surface guidance for each method
Key specifications
| Model | Gourmetop 16inch |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall or fridge strip |
| Length | 16 in (listed 16.5 in) |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Solid acacia |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Dual-row powerful magnets; type not stated |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | 3M adhesive (smooth surfaces) or screws |
| Knife capacity | About 7–9 knives |
| Best for | Tile backsplash or fridge |
Why we recommend it
It suits a kitchen that wants wood and a choice of adhesive or screws, with a stated knife count.
Skip it if you want a known knife brand on the wall; Wüsthof makes its own bars.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two mounting methods
- Stated knife count
- Wood face
Cons
- Magnet type not stated
- Adhesive limited to smooth surfaces
7. Hamletoff 16-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Strip – Neodymium Hold Without Drilling
Hamletoff designed this strip for walls you cannot drill. It is a sealed body of 304 stainless steel, about 15.5 inches long, with neodymium magnets evenly distributed along its length, and it mounts with an industrial adhesive tape. Hamletoff says the sealed metal body resists moisture, water and rust.
The maker’s installation instructions are specific and worth following: mount it on a smooth wall or cabinet surface, clean and dry the surface thoroughly, press the strip in place, and wait 24 hours before hanging knives. A spare adhesive strip is included in case the first is damaged during installation.
Hamletoff says even the heaviest knife will be held securely without screws. Adhesive on a smooth, clean surface is the condition; on textured paint or plaster, choose a screw-mounted bar instead.
Why we like it
- No drilling needed
- Neodymium magnets along the full length
- Sealed 304 stainless steel body
- Spare adhesive strip included
Key specifications
| Model | Hamletoff MKH16 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall or cabinet strip |
| Length | 16 in nominal (about 15.5 in) |
| Material (wood/stainless) | 304 stainless steel |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Neodymium, evenly distributed |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Industrial adhesive; wait 24 hours |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | Renters, tile and smooth cabinets |
Why we recommend it
It suits a renter or anyone with a tiled wall who wants strong magnets without drilling.
Skip it if your wall is textured or plaster; adhesive needs a smooth, clean surface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No holes in the wall
- Strong neodymium magnets
- Rust-resistant sealed body
Cons
- Smooth surfaces only
- 24-hour wait before use
8. HOSHANHO 16-Inch Acacia Magnetic Knife Strip – Two Rows of Magnets in a Curved Wood Bar
HOSHANHO, a knife brand, makes this 16-inch acacia strip with two rows of magnets running through the entire length, which it says hold even large knives securely. The bar measures 16 by 2.5 by 0.7 inches and has a gently arched face.
Like the Gourmetop, it gives you two ways to mount it, and HOSHANHO is clear about the limits: the screws work on any wall, while the double-sided tape is only for smooth, stain-free walls, not paint, parget, plaster or wallpaper. On a painted kitchen wall, use the screws.
The wood face keeps blades off metal and, per the maker, is easy to clean. The listing does not state a knife count or the magnet type; at 16 inches, it holds a typical home set.
Why we like it
- Two rows of magnets along the full length
- Acacia face
- Screws or double-sided tape
Key specifications
| Model | HOSHANHO HSHDZ-2021-001 |
|---|---|
| Strip | Wall strip |
| Length | 16 in (16 x 2.5 x 0.7 in) |
| Material (wood/stainless) | Acacia wood |
| Magnet type/strength (as stated) | Two rows of powerful magnets |
| Mounting (screws/adhesive) | Screws, or tape on smooth unpainted walls |
| Knife capacity | Not stated |
| Best for | A wood strip on a budget |
Why we recommend it
It suits a cook who wants a wood strip with two magnet rows and the option of tape on tile.
Skip it if you want hidden mounting; the HMmagnets and Wüsthof strips hide their hardware.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two magnet rows
- Two mounting options
- Stated dimensions
Cons
- Tape not for painted walls
- Capacity not stated
How to choose a magnetic knife strip
Magnet strength, tested with your heaviest knife. A cleaver or a long chef’s knife is the real test. Makers rarely give a number; what they state is the magnet type (HMmagnets and Hamletoff name neodymium), the layout (Norpro, Gourmetop and HOSHANHO use two strips or rows) and, sometimes, what it holds (Gourmetop names heavy cleavers). Whatever the bar, test your knives on it before you mount it.
Wood or stainless. Stainless bars are easy to wipe and do not mind water. Wood faces keep the blade off metal, which some cooks prefer for thin blades, but need gentle cleaning and drying. Either way, put the spine against the bar first and roll the blade flat, and lift it off by the spine rather than sliding the edge along the face.
Length and capacity. Count your knives and add room between them. Gourmetop rates its 16-inch strip for about seven to nine knives; Global gives no count for its 20-inch bar, and a 12-inch bar like the Wüsthof suits three or four. If you own a cleaver and a chef’s knife from our guides to the best cleaver and the best chef knife, give each one its own space so you can grab it cleanly.
Mounting: screws or adhesive. Screws are the secure choice on drywall, wood or brick, and the only choice for some strips (HMmagnets says screws only). Adhesive works on smooth, clean surfaces: Gourmetop names tile, refrigerators and glass; HOSHANHO says its tape is not for paint, plaster or wallpaper; Hamletoff asks you to wait 24 hours before loading the strip. Follow the maker’s installation instructions exactly, and use screws when in doubt.
Where it goes. Mount the strip horizontally, above the cutting board and away from the stove’s heat and splatter, high enough that the blades are out of a child’s reach and not at head height where someone could walk into a handle.
How we chose these eight magnetic strips
We started from what a working kitchen asks of a knife strip: strong, even hold for heavy knives, easy release, and a mount that stays on the wall. We looked for strips from knife makers and identifiable kitchen brands sold on Amazon in the United States, in stainless steel and wood, in lengths from 12 to 20 inches, with screw and adhesive mounting. We checked that each was in stock when we wrote this, took every length, material, magnet and mounting detail from the maker’s listing, and wrote “not stated” where a maker gives no detail. Load and installation details are reported as each maker states them.
Wüsthof’s 20-inch acacia Magnabar is reviewed in our block vs magnet comparison, so it is not repeated. Messermeister’s acacia knife magnet bar and Wüsthof’s 18-inch Magnabars were only scarcely in stock when we checked, and Benchcrafted’s well-known wood strips are not sold on Amazon. We could not find Shun, Bellemain, Ouddy or Eunewr magnetic strips in stock on Amazon. We have not used these products ourselves.
Magnetic knife holder questions, answered
What is the best magnetic knife holder?
For most kitchens, the Global 20-Inch Stainless Steel Magnetic Knife Bar: a long bar from a knife maker, with an extra-strong magnet and screws and anchors included. For wood, the HMmagnets walnut strip; for no drilling, the Hamletoff.
Is a wooden magnetic knife strip better than metal?
A wooden face keeps the edge off metal, which some cooks prefer for good knives; a stainless bar is easier to keep clean around water. Magnet strength depends on the magnets inside, not the face, so compare the stated magnet type and layout.
Do magnetic knife bars damage knives?
Handled carefully, a strip is gentle storage: Norpro, for example, presents its bar as protecting blades from the damage and dulling of drawers. The risk is in how you put knives on and take them off. Place the spine first and roll the blade flat; lift by the spine.
Can you mount a magnetic knife rack on the wall without drilling?
Yes, on a smooth, clean surface. The Hamletoff is built for adhesive mounting, and the Gourmetop and HOSHANHO include tape as well as screws. Each maker limits tape to smooth surfaces such as tile or glass; on painted or textured walls, use screws.
How many knives fit on a magnetic strip?
It depends on length and blade width. Gourmetop rates its 16-inch strip for about seven to nine; most makers, including Global, give no count.
Our final pick for the wall above the board
Start with the Global bar if you want room for a full set, or the HMmagnets walnut strip if you want wood. Then keep those edges sharp with our guide to the best knife sharpener, and see the best knife set if you are filling the strip from scratch. For the rest of the kit a Mexican kitchen works with, read Mexican cooking tools.
When you would rather someone else did the chopping, see our menu and call to order.