A Knife Display/storage Case from a Silverware Chest?

V

VorpelSword

Joined
Dec 27, 2007
Messages
1,762
I am thinking of converting a used silverware chest into a storage/display box. The idea is to rip out all the silverware holding slots and put in knife retaining stuff.

Anybody have any thoughts on that?
 
It would help if you posted a photo of the chest you intend to use.
All silverware chests I've seen had covers so you could not see the silverware unless it was opened.
So it would be a knife storge chest, rather than a display case. Unless you intend to either always keep it open, or
modify it somehow with a clear cover. Modifying the inside/felt liner of course should be easy.
 
I did that several years ago. Found neat old silverware chests at a going out of business jewelry store. Make good knife storage boxes.
 
I mostly start off with off the shelf shadow boxes, which I then modify as needed to display my collection of "interesting objects".

With that said, absolutely, use that silverware box to fill a new need 👍😊👍

I've repurposed displays that were housing other items beforehand.
Below are two small rosewood boxes that had a couple of magnifying glasses in them. I relined their interiors and used them for what I wanted them for.

The other picture shows a dome display that I purchased as a clearance item at the local craft store after a Halloween had passed. I took it home and used a bit of my creativity to customize the display for one of my antique Opera Glasses.

20220227_093825_(1).jpg20220227_093906.jpg20220227_093930.jpg
 
Last edited:
Why not? I use a Jewelry Chest for some of my knives. Bought it at a garage sale for $20, and it's much more organized than the map chest or Tupperware totes I also use.

Du7tWcD.jpg
 
My brother gave me this one Christmas, so I felt obligated to use it. I really have no interest in displaying my knives and this makes them hard to just grab and go. The glass presses the knives back into a cloth covered foam piece. I thought the glass would break when closing the cover but it did not. I'd need a bunch more to display all my knives and that's not going to happen. This display case did free up some space in my knife cabinet so I could get a few more knives.

I think the silverware chest is a good idea.

EDIT- Wow, there are literally hundreds of silverware chests listed on Ebay for reasonable prices. I may get one to free up more space.

J3U28YD.jpg
 
Last edited:
Glenn Goodlett said:
My brother gave me this one Christmas, so I felt obligated to use it. I really have no interest in displaying my knives and this makes them hard to just grab and go. The glass presses the knives back into a cloth covered foam piece. I thought the glass would break when closing the cover but it did not. I'd need a bunch more to display all my knives and that's not going to happen. This display case did free up some space in my knife cabinet so I could get a few more knives.

I think the silverware chest is a good idea.

EDIT- Wow, there are literally hundreds of silverware chests listed on Ebay for reasonable prices. I may get one to free up more space.

J3U28YD.jpg
Click to expand...

Some years ago, I wound up ordering this Schatt & Morgan/Queen Cutlery glasss/walnut display case.
The thing is, I didn't realize that it was exactly as you described your display to be. It had a decorative cloth material covering a soft'ish foam that was underneath it. Just like your's was, one had to place the items where one wanted them, then close the glass lid atop of them, with the glass pushing the items into the base foam.
But... I just didn't care for that method. Since I was going to place the display case flat on a table, I didn't require the items inside, (the knives), to be held in place in any way.
So... I detached the cloth material and foam from the interior of the display. I did this carefully enough that I was actually able to reuse the cloth material to then line the display with it, (discarding the foam).
The knives were then just easily placed inside of the display case 😊


20220227_132457.jpg

This next display works the with the same "glass lid pushing the knife into the foam" method.
I did leave it this way because one, it's up on the wall, and two, I didn't want to modify this display that came with this Camillus Cutlery knife.

20220227_134614_(1).jpg
 
Last edited:
Sounds like a cool idea! Would love to see the results.

I myself go back and forth between display and just pure storage. Currently I am leaning towards storage, and repurposed a small Craftsman tool drawer that I keep beneath my desk to keep alot of the knives I rotate through most often.

KW2SH9I.jpg


DvGV4s5.jpg


MCT16uD.jpg


I do keep some out on display though, but just on the bookshelf next to my desk.

RjiEk9A.jpg
 
I've done watch boxes and knife cases out of a cigar boxes and pistol cases and poker chip cases. The poker chips case works good for knives.
The gerstner (knockoff) cases work well too. I used plastic 22 ammo sleevess to separate them.

So why not a silverware case.
 
I've got an old "bootleg bar" (cabinet with a false back that is designed to hold liquor bottles.). That would make a GREAT place for hiding things...
 
I repurposed this old Schrade Walden display. You can find them if you look hard, I have a larger one like this that was a Case display.

AWatgmU.jpg


Map chests work well too if you need storage. I got my last one for free, just a little refinishing and it was good as new.

xzTZI83.jpg
 
Knives&Lint said:
Sounds like a cool idea! Would love to see the results.

I myself go back and forth between display and just pure storage. Currently I am leaning towards storage, and repurposed a small Craftsman tool drawer that I keep beneath my desk to keep alot of the knives I rotate through most often.

KW2SH9I.jpg


DvGV4s5.jpg


MCT16uD.jpg


I do keep some out on display though, but just on the bookshelf next to my desk.

RjiEk9A.jpg
Click to expand...
Where did you find the turquoise ammo boxes on top of the Craftsman tool drawer? What brand are they?
 
VorpelSword said:
I am thinking of converting a used silverware chest into a storage/display box. The idea is to rip out all the silverware holding slots and put in knife retaining stuff.
Click to expand...

I thought the same ...
I like the ones that have at least one drawer along with typical top-open access.
Here is one of my stacks of silverware-chests, along with a line-up of in the works knives to help motivate you ;-)

Knife Boxes-720Wide.jpg
 
VorpelSword said:
I am thinking of converting a used silverware chest into a storage/display box. The idea is to rip out all the silverware holding slots and put in knife retaining stuff.

Anybody have any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

I woudn't do that to mine because: 1) it's a family heirloom and 2) even if it wasn't, I'd still need somewhere to store the silverware.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top