This is a commission custom piece that a customer wanted. It holds 28 knifes and a sharpener. It is made out of purple heart and I found out how hard purple heart is to work with.
Binn,
To cut the slots for the knifes, I used a 3/16" straight bit on my router table for the bottom slots. And scroll saw for the top slots. And YES, it is a very difficult wood to work with. I had to use all new carbine tipped blades to cut it, so I didn't burn it.
Dusty56,
Thanks for asking, I forgot to mention that. I used 5 coats of a butcher block mineral oil finish.