ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

Issue 45
The Escapes Issue
Cook perfect pancakes
Build a modern rustic bench
Sew new life into a vintage dress
Check out the RM Photo Gallery

Blade Runner

Stash your knives in bamboo

by by Sherif Shalaby

Photos by Jeffery Cross

Dear Al,
I just graduated from culinary school and received a beautiful set of professional knives as a gift. After searching for a unique block in which to store them, I fell in love with Martin Robitsch’s bamboo holder. Can you re-create something similar for me? My Wüsthofs will thank you for it!
Gratefully yours,
Liz Rice

Dear Liz,
I am always ready and willing to help out a fellow foodie. I also love Robitsch’s simple bamboo holder, and I came up with a way to assemble it using a commonplace two-liter bottle. It will only take about 10 minutes and doesn’t require any hardcore tools.
Good chopping to you,
Al

    1. Drink the liquid in a two-liter bottle or take one from the recycling bin (make sure it’s clean and dry).

    2. Remove the bottle’s label.

    3. Using the utility knife, cut off the top of the bottle of so that it now measures 10 1/2” tall.

    4. Fill the bottle’s bottom with about two cups of salt, sugar, or sand.

    5. Start packing the bamboo skewers (sharp ends down) until the bottle is full and tight.

    6. Gently stab your finest chef’s knives into the bamboo.

Knife Holder

$10

ingredients

    • Clear two-liter plastic bottle
    • 350 12” bamboo skewers
    • 2 cups salt, sugar, or sand

tools

    • Utility knife
    • Ruler