Which magnets are suitable for knife racks?
Which magnets are suitable for DIY projects?
That depends, of course, on your specific implementation. Generally, we recommend S-15-08-N or even S-20-10-N disc magnets, if magnet and knife don't have direct contact.
In most cases, people drill holes in the backside of the wood and glue the magnets into them. You can't see the magnets from the front, but the adhesive force decreases with distance.
If you hang a knife onto a board that is drilled into the wall, you are only able to put approx. 5 times less weight on the magnet than we indicated. Please note our FAQ about shear force.
It all comes down to the distance. We recommend a maximum distance of 3 mm between magnet and knife. With many of the larger magnets, a curve the of adhesive force development over distance is listed in the web shop (see example on the left).
Normally, one magnet per knife is sufficient. With heavy knives (more than 100 g) you should use 2 magnets per knife, just to be on the safe side. It's best for you to do your own fine-tuning. How well the knives should hold on the board is subjective. Start with 3 mm wood between magnet and knife and then, if necessary, reduce the distance to 2 mm or even 1 mm, before you finally glue on the magnets.
The magnetic board and the base were sawed from a solid beechwood panel with a 2,8 cm thickness. Then he drilled 86 holes - exact diameter and depth are important so the magnets can be inserted flush into the wood. Thereafter, the wood is sanded down and holes are drilled into the base for the later attachment of the magnetic board. In the end, the 86 magnets are glued into the pre-drilled holes, the base is screwed to the board, and the knife board is varnished.
On the 500 x 250 mm panel, a magnet is embedded every 5 cm, which comes to 5 rows of 10 holes, equaling 50 magnets. To drill the holes, he used a drilling press (Ø 15 mm). Then, the magnets are glued in with wood glue and the wood is treated with linseed oil. The wooden strips for the wall mounting are screwed and glued to the main board. The smaller wooden panel 350 x 150 mm has to perfectly fit into the frame.
Detailed documentation on how to build this knife board can be found in this PDF document (in German).