The Absolute Best Way to Store Your Knives, According to Ina Garten

When it comes to kitchen organization, I thought I had everything figured out—pots, pans, dishes, drinkware—all with a designated spot. But then it hit me: Where do my knives go? That’s when Ina Garten—the queen of effortless elegance—came to the rescue.

If you don’t know Ina (but seriously, who doesn’t?), she’s the Barefoot Contessa, a former specialty food store owner turned cookbook legend and Food Network icon. Ina is all about simple, foolproof cooking with a side of “store-bought-is-fine” wisdom. But beyond her incredible recipes, she’s also a pro at kitchen organization, because when you cook as much as she does, you need a space that works.

I have watched a lot of videos that show Ina wielding a knife, and her knife block is always within reach of her prep station, so that's definitely where it should go, but the way she stores those knives is what really caught my attention.

She explained the unusual technique in an Instagram video (@inagarten) and it makes a lot of sense! This is going to keep my knives sharper.

Related: The Simple But Fancy Dessert Ina Garten Says She Can Make In Her Sleep

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How to Store Your Knives Like Ina Garten

If you want your kitchen to function at Ina level (and who doesn't) you need sharp knives.

"It’s really important to have sharp knives, and I try not to do things that dull them. I choose knife blocks that hold most of the knives sideways. However, any knives that are held vertically, I have another trick for saving the blade," she wrote in the caption of her Instagram post.

Ina stores her knives upside down in the knife block (blade side up). It might look unusual, but it's smart!

Normally, when you slide a knife into a knife block, the sharp edge rubs against the wood, dulling the blade over time. By storing them upside down, Ina prevents unnecessary wear and tear, keeping her knives sharper for longer.

This method also makes knives easier to grab without forcing them against the grain of the knife block, which can cause tiny nicks on the blade. This is such a simple change, but it makes a huge difference—just another reason why we all want an Ina-approved kitchen!

Related: The Best Way To Make Oatmeal, According to Ina Garten

Other Ways To Keep Your Knives Sharp

Aside from this simple tip, there are other ways to keep your knives in tip-top shape. Keeping your kitchen knives sharp and knick-free isn’t just about convenience—it makes cooking safer and easier. Aside from a knife block, you can use a magnetic strip to keep knives accessible without rubbing against surfaces.

Avoid tossing knives in a drawer—they can bump into other utensils and get nicked. If a drawer is your only option, use knife guards.

Stick to wood or plastic cutting boards—glass, stone, or metal boards will quickly dull blades, and sharpen knives every few months using a whetstone or find a local knife sharpener who will sharpen your knives for you.

Your cooking knives also are a hand-wash item. Don't put them in the dishwasher—the heat and banging around will dull and damage the blades.

Taking care of your knives means they’ll last years longer and make every slice and dice effortless!

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