Robert Welch Professional Book Oak Knife Block Set
The Book Oak Knife Block Set won the Excellence in Housewares Cutting Edge Award in 2019, and it's easy to see why it stood out: at just 80mm deep, it has a remarkably slim footprint for a six-knife block, and its upright design stores knives blade-forward - the right orientation to reach for and remove them cleanly. The block is constructed from solid oak, sits on silicone feet to protect both the block and the worktop surface, and is sized to fit against a wall or underneath wall-mounted cupboards.
This set pairs the block with six Robert Welch Professional kitchen knives, covering the core blade types needed in everyday cooking. The Professional range is manufactured from German DIN 1.4116 stainless steel, ice-hardened to Rockwell 57, with fully forged construction and a full tang throughout. Buying as a set represents a saving of £97 compared to purchasing the knives individually.
- Block material: Solid oak on silicone stability feet
- Storage design: Upright, blade-forward - knives the right way round to reach for and use
- Footprint: Only 80mm deep - suitable for narrow worktops and under wall cupboards
- Capacity: Six knives
- Set saving: £97 saving versus buying pieces individually
- Award: Excellence in Housewares - Cutting Edge Award 2019
- Knives: Six Robert Welch Professional range knives (see full list below)
Suited to keen home cooks and professional chefs who want a complete, properly stored knife collection without giving up significant worktop space.
Please note: You must be aged 18 or over to purchase this product in the UK.
What's Included in This Set
Save £97 compared to buying the block and knives individually.
- Book Oak Knife Block (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Carving Knife, 22cm (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Bread Knife, 22cm (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Chef's Knife, 18cm (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Santoku Knife, 14cm (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Kitchen Knife, 14cm (1)
- Robert Welch Professional Paring Knife, 9cm (1)
Important: Always remove all knives before moving or repositioning the knife block.
What Customers Ask About the Book Oak Knife Block Set
In a conventional knife block the blades typically face inward or away from you, which means you grip the handle to draw a knife out - a natural motion. The Book Oak's blade-forward design places the cutting edge facing toward you as you look at the block. Robert Welch describe this as the correct orientation to reach for, remove and use the knives, and it means the knives are presented handle-up for safe, intuitive removal. If you're used to a traditional block, it can take a moment to adjust, but most users find it equally comfortable in practice.
Both use solid oak and the same six-knife Professional set, but the two blocks have different designs and footprints. The Book Oak is upright at just 80mm deep - its slim profile makes it a good choice where counter depth is limited. The Angle Oak has a vertically angled slot design and is 153mm deep, which some cooks find more stable or prefer for aesthetic reasons. Both are sized to fit under standard wall cupboards at 365mm tall and 220mm wide.
The block measures 220mm wide and just 80mm deep - a footprint roughly the width of an A4 page and barely wider than a large mug. It stands 365mm tall including knife handles, and is designed to fit beneath standard wall-mounted cupboards. Measure the clearance under your cupboards before ordering, as handle height will add to the overall reach above the block body.
This listing is for the complete set - block plus six knives. If you're looking for just a block on its own, contact us on 01737 222996 and we'll advise on what's available.
Yes. The knives are standard Robert Welch Professional range knives, identical to those sold individually, and carry the same Robert Welch lifetime guarantee.
The Cutting Edge Award is part of the Excellence in Housewares awards programme, which recognises standout products in the UK kitchenware industry. The Book Oak Knife Block sets won this award in 2019.
Specifications
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we've spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware and kitchen equipment. We've been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Care & Use Instructions
Block care: Wipe the oak block with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Do not submerge in water or place in a dishwasher. The silicone feet protect the block base and worktop surface from moisture and movement.
Knife care: Hand washing is recommended for all knives in the set to prolong blade life and handle finish. Dry knives thoroughly before returning them to the block.
Moving the block: Always remove all knives before moving or repositioning the block. The block is not designed to be carried with knives loaded.
Placement: Designed to sit against the back or side wall of a worktop, or under wall-mounted cupboards. Ensure the surface is flat and stable.
Safety: Keep out of reach of children. The knives included in this set are subject to UK age restriction - you must be aged 18 or over to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Return them anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items - if they don't perform as expected, we'll refund you. Contact us to arrange a return.
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally damage an item from this set, we'll replace it at half price with proof of purchase and evidence of the damage. Photos are acceptable.
Yes. The Professional range knives included carry the Robert Welch lifetime guarantee. For full details of what is covered, refer to the documentation included with the set or contact Robert Welch directly.
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
Yes - a complete, award-winning knife block set is a well-received kitchen gift. If you'd like advice on packaging or presentation, call us on 01737 222996. Please note that as the set includes knives, it is subject to the UK age restriction of 18 or over.
No. This set includes knives and is subject to UK age restriction. You must be aged 18 or over to purchase. Age verification may be required at checkout or on delivery.