Abstract: A knife block and storage system are provided. The knife block includes a block body and an elongate slot formed in the block body. In some configurations, the elongate slot extends from the top surface and along a side surface. The knife block also may include a notch disposed in a top surface that is configured to receive and mate with a bolster of a first kitchen knife. The elongate slot is typically sized and shaped to accommodate a kitchen knife within the block body and is configured to permit removal of the kitchen knife from within the block body by sliding a blade of the kitchen knife out of the elongate slot through the side surface or by removing the knife blade through a portion of the elongate slot in the top surface.