Knife Storage

The Best Way to Store and Protect Your Knife Collection? Here's What I've Learned.

If you’ve been collecting knives for any length of time, you’ve probably found yourself asking: Where should I keep them? It’s a deceptively simple question because as your collection grows, so too do the demands of protecting, organising, and displaying your knives.

Over the past year, I’ve been on a mission to answer this question for myself. I’ve tested nearly every method under the sun from desk displays and tool rolls to fancy toolboxes and after much trial, error, and the occasional spot of rust, I’ve landed on what I believe to be the best solution out there.

But before I get to that, let’s run through the options and why they fall short.

Original Boxes, The Nostalgic Trap

Storing knives in their original boxes seems like the obvious choice, at first. It’s easy, and it keeps everything “together.” But that’s really where the benefits end.

The problem? Boxes are a barrier. You can’t see your knives. You don’t interact with them. And worst of all, you don’t know what’s happening inside them. Corrosion operates best in the dark, it's a restless enemy and plots constantly to consume your knives. Add in flimsy cardboard that doesn’t stand up to regular opening and closing, and you've got a storage method that’s neither secure nor sustainable.

The Desk Display, Tempting but Troublesome

I’ll admit, there’s something satisfying about seeing your knives laid out on your desk, ready to be handled or admired. It’s how I used to store my regular carry rotation.

But eventually, the downsides caught up with me. Dust builds. Space vanishes. And your partner (or visitors) start questioning your sanity.

Worse still, there’s no protection from temperature swings or humidity, which can quietly wreak havoc on your blades.

Tool Rolls, Portable but Problematic

Tool rolls should be ideal: they’re lightweight, portable, and relatively affordable. But in practice, they’re far from perfect.

I once stored a few prized blades in a collector roll, carefully oiled and wiped before storage. A few weeks later, I opened it up and found, to my horror, spots of random corrosion on some of my tool steel blades. Condensation is the silent killer here, especially with plastic pocket windows trapping moisture.

They’re great in a pinch, but not for long-term, worry-free storage.

Tool Boxes, Almost There

A good tool chest has undeniable appeal. They’re solid, offer decent protection, and allow quick access for maintenance or rotation.

But they’re not without faults: they’re bulky, expensive (especially with the current demand from tradespeople), and not exactly ideal if you ever want to move your collection around. Knives can also come into contact with one another which is never a very nice feeling.

So What is the Answer? 

After testing everything, there’s only one solution I recommend now and that’s a Peli hardcase fitted with custom milled foam inserts, purpose-built for pocket knife collectors.

Why Peli?

These cases are military-grade for a reason:

• IP67-rated – Fully waterproof and dustproof, they even float when thrown in water.

• Crushproof & lockable – Built for maximum protection.

• 360° impact resistance – If anything can hurt your knives when they're in the case, they're probably the least of your worries.

• Compact yet space-efficient – Fits neatly in cupboards, under beds/desks or in the boot of your car.

• Highly portable – Take your collection to shows or meetups with zero worry, or even just to friends and family when the house is going to be empty.

• Foam protection – Knives stay separated, snug, and scratch-free.

• EDC-friendly – Easy access for maintenance, perving or rotation.

• Cost-effective – When you consider the knives it's protecting and the degree of protection that you're getting, it's a smart one off investment.

• Cool factor - They look ridiculously cool. Let's be honest, it's an important consideration.

Honestly, the only “con” is the upfront cost but when weighed against the risk of damage, degradation, or just plain disorganisation, it’s a complete no-brainer. This is the kind of setup that makes you proud to own your collection and confident it’ll stay pristine.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re storing five knives or fifty-five how you keep them matters. Don’t leave your blades at the mercy of dust, condensation, neglect or accidental damage. A custom Peli case isn’t just a storage solution it’s peace of mind and honestly... it just looks the absolute business... Plus, they're a great canvas too for all of those knife stickers that you've been accumulating wondering where to put them.

I'm immensely proud to present a UK first with our own line of Peli hardcases outfitted for knife storage. Please take a look at our new Peli 1500s with bespoke foam inserts, custom milled here in the UK from one monolithic block of foam, designed specifically for high-value knife storage. Built for collectors, by collectors.

https://arcticknife.com/peli-1500eu-protector-case-w-custom-55-knife-foam-insert/