Best Knife Rolls for 2025

Are you a culinary school student, professional or home chef looking for convenient way to travel with your knives? In this post, we review some of the best knife rolls that are currently trending online.

What is a Knife Roll Anyway?

A knife roll is a type of carrying case designed specifically for chefs and other culinary professionals. As the name suggests, knife rolls “roll” up — protecting the blades, and making them easy to carry and store safely. For culinary students and food professionals on the go, these are a must-have.

Knife rolls are usually made from durable materials such as canvas, leather, or nylon and are designed with multiple pockets. While specifically designed for knives, they can hold other tools as well.

They can also be useful when on vacation. For chefs, there is nothing more frustrating than a kitchenette stocked with dull knives. Or worse, no knives at all. With a knife roll, you can bring your favorite kitchen knives with you.

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Why Use a Knife Roll?

Here at KnivesAdvisor, we recommend knife rolls for a number of reasons.

Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Protection: Knife rolls help protect the blades from damage and prevent them from dulling by keeping them separated and shielded from external objects. The protective design reduces the risk of the knives getting nicked or scratched.
2. Safe Storage: Storing knives in a knife roll helps prevent accidents. Instead of knives being left loose in a drawer or bag, the roll keeps them securely stored and minimizes the risk of someone getting cut by an exposed blade.
3. Portability: Knife rolls are designed to be portable, making them ideal for traveling chefs, food professionals, or anyone who needs to transport knives. The roll-up design makes it easy to carry and store, and it can fit into a larger bag or be carried on its own.
4. Organization: Knife rolls typically have designated slots or pockets for each knife, making it easier to organize your tools and quickly access the one you need. This is especially useful for chefs who need to work efficiently.
5. Space Saving: Knife rolls are compact and can be rolled up tightly, taking up less space than a bulky knife block or a large storage container. This makes them a great option for those with limited kitchen space.
6. Professional Appearance: For chefs or those working in the culinary field, carrying a knife roll gives a more professional appearance. It shows that you are organized and prepared, which can be important in a kitchen setting.

Best Knife Rolls for 2025

To kick off our review of the best knife rolls for 2025, we’ve segmented our list into three categories: budget knife rolls, professional knife rolls, and premium leather knife rolls.

Below is a list of the most popular knife rolls currently trending online. These are all highly-rated and recommended for both professional and home chefs. 

Best Budget Knife Rolls

Rating: 67% 5-star reviews

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 20″ W x 18″ H
• Material type: tough 10oz canvas
• Closure type: plastic clasp
• Strap type: shoulder
• # Pockets: 10
• # Colors: 6

The Asaya Canvas Knife Roll gets very strong reviews online, garnering 67% 5-star ratings.

Reviewers praise the company for offering a 12-month guarantee on workmanship, and appreciate the tough 10oz canvas material and 10-pocket design.

Some reviewers complained that the plastic strap clasp is not durable and can break with normal use. Some also complained that the bag can shrink after light washing and air drying. Otherwise, an excellent budget knife roll at a very reasonable price.

Rating: 73% 5-star reviews

Specifications

• Dimensions: 27.5″ W x 18.8″ H
• Material type: waxed canvas
• Closure type: strap
• Strap type: shoulder
• # Pockets: 11
• # Colors: 4

The Hersent Canvas Knife Roll also gets very strong online reviews, garnering 73% 5-star ratings.

This is another excellent choice for a budget knife roll, offering the same heavy duty waxed canvas fabric as the Asaya above. While the company does not offer a 12-month guarantee on workmanship, customers appreciate the generous 11 pockets and study construction.

Like the Asaya knife roll, the plastic strap clasp could be a an issue over time. Otherwise, the Hersent delivers excellent value for the money for a budget knife roll.

Best Professional Knife Rolls

Rating: 78% 5-star reviews

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27.5″ W x 18″ H
• Material type: fabric made from 100% recycled water bottles
• Closure type: zipper with interior Velcro enclosure
• Strap type: shoulder
• # Pockets: 8
• # Colors: 18

The Messermeister Cutlery Roll gets very strong reviews, garnering 78% 5-star ratings.

This is a great choice for professional chefs and culinary school students. Reviewers praise the workmanship of Messermeister bags, and love the tough zipper enclosure which closes the bag on all three sides. This is a well-built knife roll, and comes in 18 colors and styles. Once opened, the bag is roomy with 8 total pockets, including additional small pouches for smaller items such as thermometers.

The bag is made from recycled water bottles by a California-based company that has been producing knife rolls since 1981. An excellent choice for a high quality professional knife roll that is built to last.

Dexter 14-Piece Cutlery Case

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27.5″ W x 18″ H
• Material type: N/A
• Closure type: simple closure
• Strap type: hand
• # Pockets: 14
• # Colors: 1 (black)

A trusted name in the culinary world, Dexter is a family-owned American company that has been around since 1818. Their knives and culinary products are known throughout the industry for both reliability and performance.

Dexter makes a few different cutlery cases worth considering for any serious chef. Their 14-piece cutlery case is an excellent choice for the professional chef, culinary student, or travelling chef.

The highly durable case provides storage, protection, and safe transport for up to 14 knives. This is not a true knife “roll”, but a flexible case that folds up with a simple-to-use closure. There is no shoulder strap, but it does include a handle. There is even a slot for your business card.

Premium Leather Knife Rolls

Rating: 92% 5-star reviews

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 27.5″ W x 18″ H
• Material type: tough 12oz waxed canvas with top grain leather
• Closure type: zipper
• Strap type: shoulder
• # Pockets: 13
• # Colors: 1 (brown)

The Dalstrong Nomad Knife Roll gets very strong reviews, garnering 92% 5-star ratings. This is the highest of any bag we’re reviewed.

This Dalstrong knife roll is made from premium materials, including heavy-duty 12oz waxed canvas with 100% genuine, top-grain Brazilian leather straps and accents. Other design features include extra thick buckles, quality stitching and durable fasteners and zippers.

Founded in 2014, Dalstrong is a trusted leader in culinary knives and equipment. The company also backs their knife roll products with a solid money-back guarantee. However, this bag is not cheap. But if you’re looking for a premium knife roll that is built to last, it is one of our favorites.

What to Look for in a Knife Roll

When choosing a quality knife roll, there are several factors to consider. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it will help when shopping around.

1. Material Quality

• Durable Fabric: Look for high-quality, heavy-duty materials such as canvas, nylon, waxed cotton, or leather. These materials provide strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. This is critical – you don’t want your sharpened paring or chef’s knife to slice through the bag, which is likely with cheaper knife rolls
• Water Resistance: A water-resistant material or a waterproof lining is a great feature, especially if you need to transport your knives in various weather conditions.
• Padding and Cushioning: A good knife roll should have some level of padding or cushioning to protect the knives from being damaged. This is especially important if you’re traveling or storing knives for long periods.

2. Blade Protection

• Individual Knife Slots: The roll should have individual pockets or slots to keep each knife separate. This prevents the blades from rubbing against each other, which can dull or damage them. The pockets should be snug enough to hold each knife securely without allowing them to shift around. We suggest 8 pockets at a minimum.
• Knife Slot Size: Make sure the knife roll accommodates the size of your knives. If you have larger knives (e.g., chef’s knives, carving knives), the pockets should be spacious enough to hold them comfortably. Some rolls have adjustable or expandable pockets for different blade sizes.
• Blade Covers: Look for a knife roll that has blade covers or sheaths for extra protection. This can help prevent any accidental cuts when handling the roll.

3. Design and Organization

• Multiple Pockets: In addition to knife slots, some knife rolls feature extra pockets for other tools like scissors, tongs, spoons, paring knives, or sharpening stones. If you need to carry additional tools, a knife roll with extra pockets or compartments can be very useful.
• Zippers or Velcro Closures: Check that the roll securely closes. Many knife rolls use a zipper, Velcro, or snap closures to keep everything tightly secured. The closure mechanism should be strong and durable.

4. Portability and Comfort

• Straps or Handles: Look for a knife roll that is easy to carry. Many rolls have handles or shoulder straps for convenient transportation. A comfortable handle or a padded shoulder strap can make it easier to carry, especially if you’re transporting a heavy load of knives.
• Compact and Lightweight: The roll should be lightweight and compact for easy transport, yet large enough to hold all the knives and tools you need.

5. Security and Safety Features

• Secure Closure Mechanisms: The closure should be strong enough to keep the knives securely inside the roll during transit. This ones fairly obviously, but you certainly don’t want your knives to accidentally fall out or become exposed.
• Lockable Zippers (Optional): If you’re traveling with valuable or professional knives, consider a knife roll with lockable zippers for added security. This can provide extra peace of mind when you’re traveling or storing your knives.

6. Ease of Use

• Quick Access: A well-designed knife roll allows for easy and quick access to your knives when you need them. Look for a roll that allows you to open it up and access the knives without too much effort.
• Easy to Clean: Consider how easy the roll is to clean. Some materials, like leather or nylon, are easier to wipe down if they get dirty. A machine-washable fabric or one that can be easily spot-cleaned is a bonus.

7. Size and Capacity

• Capacity for Number of Knives: Depending on how many knives you need to carry, make sure the roll has enough slots or compartments. Most knife rolls hold between 8 to 20 knives, but you can find both smaller and larger options depending on your needs.
• Expandable or Adjustable Design: Some knife rolls come with expandable or adjustable sections, which can be helpful if you need to add extra tools or accommodate knives of varying sizes.

8. Style and Aesthetic

• Professional Appearance: If you’re using the knife roll in a professional environment, look for a design that suits your style and looks polished. Leather rolls have a classic, professional appearance, while nylon or canvas rolls can look more casual or utilitarian.
• Color: While this may be a matter of personal preference, consider the color of the roll. Darker colors like black, navy, or brown tend to hide dirt and wear better, while lighter colors might give a fresher appearance but may show stains more easily.

9. Price and Brand Reputation

• Value for Money: Quality knife rolls can range in price, depending on the materials, craftsmanship, and brand. Don’t settle for a cheap option if it compromises durability or protection. Look for one that offers good value for the features you need.
• Reputable Brands: Opt for well-known brands that specialize in high-quality kitchen gear, as they are more likely to offer reliable and well-crafted products. Reviews and recommendations from other chefs or culinary professionals can also help you make a more informed decision.

Final Words

In this post, we reviewed a range of highly rated knife rolls — ranging from budget to professional options as well as premium leather options. Based on our research, these are some of the best knife rolls that are trending online today.

In short, knife rolls are very useful for safely storing, organizing, and transporting knives. They are a must-have for professional chefs on the go, and make great gifts for aspiring chefs in culinary school. Explore some today.