Is this the safest knife block in the world?
If you’re a regular reader here may remember that a couple of weeks ago our eldest was inspired to peel vegetables for the first time as part of a review for designer kitchenware brand Joseph Joseph.
In that post I mentioned a brand new innovation that I’d be writing about soon. And here it is – looks like an ordinary, if rather stylish, knife block doesn’t it? But this is no ordinary knife block…
…because this knife block is kid proof.
With two little ones under six years old, safety in the kitchen is really important. I have nightmares about one of them tipping a pan of hot water over themselves or getting badly cut with a knife or scissors. So when Joseph Joseph asked if we’d like to try out their new innovative child-safe knife block I jumped at the chance.
Safe doesn’t have to mean frumpy – just look at this beauty. Clean lines that could grace any kitchen! A patent-pending Cam-Lock mechanism locks knives firmly inside the block and with the set that we reviewed, which includes knives, the colour coding means it’s easy to select the right knife and put it back in place.
To release any of the knives (and it’s worth pointing out here that the block will work with most knives not just Joseph Joseph ones) you just need to pull up on one of the catches on the side – there is one each side for left or right-handed cooks. This releases the Cam-Lock mechanism inside and the knife slides out easily. Otherwise they’re stuck firmly into the block so little hands can’t remove them. According to Joseph Joseph in tests 96% of children aged 5 and under were unable to take out the knives.
But I know this because I didn’t rely on the test results.
With my heart in my mouth – and an extra pair of adult hands nearby just in case! – we gave the block to our two and a half year old Little Man to see if he could pull a knife out. After a few scary moments and a lot of huffing and puffing he gave up. “It’s broken!” he said crossly. Cue Mummy beaming all over her face.
The knives that came with our block aren’t just sharp – they’re SUPER sharp. Made from forged Japanese stainless-steel with hand-finished taper-ground edges I seriously I think they’re chef quality and could slice through almost anything. They have ergonomic easy-grip handles which make them feel great in your hand and prevent any nasty slippage, even when wet, and they’ve certainly made short work of everything at The Barn from turnips and sweet potatoes to meat, dish, fruit and bread.
The Joseph Joseph LockBlock is definitely the safest knife block we’ve come across and such a simple but clever innovation it makes you wonder why it hasn’t been thought of before!
You can buy it online from Joseph Joseph (£60) and the knives are available separately.
And while we’re on the subject of safety in the kitchen here’s my top tips for keeping the kitchen a safe place when the little people are about…
#1 Use the back rings on the hob and turn the handles away from the edge when you’re cooking so little hands can’t reach them
#2 Use the childlock on your hob and microwave (if they have one)
#3 Don’t keep kitchen scissors or sharp peelers in an accessible drawer
#4 Keep step-stools in another room so that little ones can’t grab them and reach worktops – it can happen very quickly!
#5 Keep knives in a safety block or at the back of the work surface so they’re unreachable
#6 Make sure electrical cords are out of reach
#7 Don’t leave raw meat – or plastic bags of any kind – on a counter top when there are little people nearby.
Do you have any top tips for kitchen safety? Let me know in the comments – I love to hear from you!
Linking up with #TheList at You Baby Me Mummy, Brilliant Blog Posts at Honest Mum, Post Comment Love at Verily Victoria Vocalises
Like the look of this – great idea too #sharethejoy
Rebecca U recently posted…Quad Life
Oh this looks really stylish, I like the idea of the lock on the block too. Safety is so important!
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…My Top Ten favourite things about Breastfeeding
It’s a great idea isn’t it? Joseph Joseph are so good at design.
These are a great idea! We have a knife block that lies in the drawer because I don’t like the thought of the knives being easy to grab on the side and I really like it, but Ava is starting to show an interest in the drawer and I keep having to stop her from going in it – it’s scary. This is a great idea, especially as the kids get older xx #sharethejoy
Louise @ Birds and Lilies recently posted…Wedding Wednesday: Trying On My Dress, Flower Dilemmas and Cake
I know what you mean Louise, it can be scary once the little ones start being able to reach things – our Little Man is just the same, into everything, so this couldn’t have arrived at a bette time!
Thanks for sharing these helpful tips and the product looks great too as well as being super safe
The Mother says – A great idea and I really liked your review, especially how you tried it out. Lucas loves helping out in the kitchen. Thankfully he’s a little older now so does listen to what I’m saying but I am aware that I can never be complacent
#sharethejoy
kidGLloves recently posted…It’s all about the Dad’s…………
Thank you! You’re right, it can be easy to get complacent – thankfully this is one less thing for me to worry about
This is a great idea. You hear of such horrid things happening, it is better to be safe. Thanks so much for linking up to #TheList x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…Overcoming a Fear
It is a fab knife block too, not just a gadget which is why I really love it. Thanks for hosting Aby, one of my fav linkys x
Wow I may have to get these for hubby’s birthday! They sound awesome! #sharethejoy
Emma’s Mamma recently posted…First steps
They are fabulous and really sharp – they’d make a great gift!
That is a fantastic idea, and they look like quality knives (being a wannabe chef I do love a sharp knife!!) Brill safety tips too hon xx
Mummy Tries recently posted…Gluten, Dairy and Nut Free Coconut Pancakes
They are SO sharp Renee and thanks – glad you liked the tips
What a lovely idea, you’re right, it’s such a simple concept it’s actually surprising it hasn’t been developed before!
I can just imagine your heart in your mouth when the little man was pulling at the knives, hoping upon hope that he wouldn’t be one of the 4% who figure out how to release them!
Tinuke recently posted…Introducing PRIDE, the linky!
You’re So right Tin, it was a heart stopping moment! Thankfully he wasn’t one of them
What an ingenious idea!
Mrs TeePot recently posted…The Prompt: Calm
Joseph Joseph is a brand that I love because the design is well thought of. This is one proof that they do amazing kitchen accessories! #pocolo
Merlinda Little ( ) recently posted…Weightloss Journey Update
I agree Merlinda the design of Joseph Joseph products is awesome!