A chef knife roll is necessary to aid the user in organizing the sensitive tools in the kitchen. Although there are already ready-made knife rolls in the stores or online shops, it also pays off if you can make your own material. Make sure to make a roll bag in which all your knives will fit. You may think it does not make sense having a chef knife roll. But for professionals, it matters a lot to protect their priceless knives.
Now if you are planning to make one, here are seven easy steps on how to make a chef knife roll. Remember, as you do this process, be precise and attentive to the details.
Table of Contents
Easy Steps in Making a Chef Knife’s Roll
Making a DIY chef knife roll you will need the following materials:
- Measuring tool
- Marker
- Masking tape
- Hard sheet of paper
- Leather sheet
- Straps
- Buckles
Step 1. Properly line-up the knives and measure the length of leather you will need.
To start, determine which knives and tools you wish to place on the roll. Consider the best and most comfortable arrangement of the knives considering the size, use, etc. The arrangement of knives is important as it reflect your point of view as a chef or cook. For instance, you can lie up the blades according to size, large to small, or vice versa. This will allow you to easily and quickly grab the knife you need while cooking.
After determining which knives to include, measure the length of the material such as leather to make a knife roll. Each knife needs small extra length of leather for both sides of the knife. This is to allow space in the pocket that you will craft.
Among the tools that you will need in this stage are ruler, masking tape, marker, knives, and a sheet of paper that does not easily tear. Be precise with the length of the leather sheet that will cover the blades, the handles, and strap.
Once you have decided what layout to use, and had laid down the tools, measure the length and width of the area where you have placed the knives. This process should be accurately done as it will determine the right length of the leather you will use. This will also save you from having more spare / excess leather.
Step 2. Purchase the needed materials such as Straps, Leather, and Buckles
Bring your layout when you buy the materials needed for the roll. It is also good to carry with you the outline how the knives will be placed.
Online shopping is a trend nowadays. If you plan to buy online, send a personal message with the store. It is better to be clarified about the specifications of the material you are purchasing. You can send the photo of the design of your layout and the specified measurement to the shop. Whether you are purchasing the materials from a physical store or online, know the weight and quality of the leather.
Step 3. Pack and Prepare all leather working supply and tools
Before starting to cut, make sure to have all the necessary supplies and tools for this project. It will give you a hard time, standing and going back, to look for a necessary material you failed to prepare.
Among the basic and right tools, you need to prepare are good razor blades, x-acto knife, a number of punches, speedy-stitch awl, mallet, leather hand sewing needles, and heavy rubber mat. The supplies that are crucial for this process are rivets, wax linen, hook and buckles, and leather glue. However, the inclusion of these supplies will largely depend on your preferences.
Step 4. Duplicate your Cowhide with a Paper Copy
Using a butcher paper, create a copy of the cowhide. The butcher paper must be larger than the cowhide. The tools you may need on this stage are marker, painters tape or masking tape, and a pair of scissors. The tapes are used to piece the butcher papers together. Outline the cowhide by placing it on top of the butcher; use a marker to better see the lines. Once done, cut the edges of the outlined cowhide on the paper.
Step 5. Mockup Knife Roll Creation Outlined in a Paper
In this stage, you will create a copy of the knife roll using a paper as the dummy. Since you already have the initial design of your layout, mount it on a larger cowhide cut out from the paper. Position it and measure again create another piece for the bottom part, one that covers the blade.
Execute the same process to create the third piece for the top part’s flap, and the fourth copy for the flap on end. When the four copies are ready, cut and paste them together.
The working copy will be utilized in adjusting the design of the knife roll. Place the knives in the mockup and roll it up carefully. Be cautious how each handle bottom up another. Make sure that you allotted enough room for the blades to comfortably fit on the pockets. Craft the final design mockup and tape the final design together.
Among the tools are a pair of scissors, razor blade or x-acto knife, painters tape or masking tape, and pencil.
Step 6. Cut the Four Copies Out from the Cowhide; Assemble with Precision
Unfold and place the paper mock up on the cowhide. Cut every piece of the mockup and attach the folded bottom of the paper that covers the knife. In this part, attach the bottom, upper, and end folds. You are almost done assembling so put the knife into it and roll up. It is better to do this on a daily basis so that the leather will be stretched out.
Step 7. Attach a Strap, Handle, and Closure Straps
For a better craft, attach straps to the knife roll and put enough buckles to close the pockets. Use an aluminum bar in executing this process that will serve as an inner backing. Straps and handles will make your knife roll more attractive and comfortable.
Conclusion
A chef knife roll plays is significant not only to organize the knives but also to ensure safety. We know that anywhere a chef goes, the knives go along. With this, the roll can make transporting the knives more comfortable, safe, and convenient. It also gives assurance keeping your bunch of knives will not get damaged and dull. Thus, we recommend knowing how to make a chef knife roll on your own.