Replies

1. 
   Mackwood | Jan 27, 2004 05:33am | #1

   I built one several/many years ago and used seven coats of marine grade varnish; the second time!  The first finish was clear Deft (don't remember what variety), which proved unsatisfactory as soon as the first water spots formed.  The varnish has held up beautifully with only the anticipated minor wear where the knives enter the slots.  I certainly would not worry about the "food safe" issue, only the enviroment where it's kept.  If you're gong to keep it near the sink, I think a "film" finish of some type would hold up better than an "oil".  Enjoy!

   Mack 

   Mack

1. 
   randyb | Jan 27, 2004 03:17pm | #2

   Thanks Mack,

   I can't wait to see the grain on this piece.  My wife just told me to get on with it so she can have her knives back.  I seem to have taken all of them down to the shop to measure for the slots and there they found nice homes amoung the clamps and scraps from the project.  I think she may be getting tired of having to treck down there each time and wipe off dust.  Some people are so picky.

1. 
   BG | Jan 27, 2004 04:30pm | #3

   Randy,

   I built one about a year ago out of some scraps of white oak.  I left it natural, no finish.  The one thing I wanted to do was get the angle right so I could pull the knives out and not have to slide it out from under the upper cabinets on the counter. Some of the slots were wide than required...they are my wife's favorite slots...hint, hint...wider is better.