Knife block with sharpening stones

Abstract

A knife block with built-in sharpening stones provides a physical structure and appearance which has become conventional for such items, but each knife slot contains a built-in sharpening stone. The stone is set at a slight angle to the side of the slot, such that any knife which is inserted or withdrawn from the slot will be sharpened by the stone.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A knife block with sharpening stones comprising a block; said block being shaped so as to provide a plurality of knife slots; each of said knife slots having affixed therein sharpening stone; and said sharpening stone being set at an angle. 
     
     
         2 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 1  wherein said angle is 11° relative to said slot. 
     
     
         3 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 1  wherein said block is set at 45° relative to vertical, and further comprising a support; said support being affixed to and descending down from said block. 
     
     
         4 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 3  wherein said angle is 11° relative to said slot. 
     
     
         5 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 1  wherein each said sharpening stone is configured specifically for either of the group of smooth knives or serrated knives. 
     
     
         6 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 2  wherein each said sharpening stone is configured specifically for either of the group of smooth knives or serrated knives. 
     
     
         7 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 3  wherein each said sharpening stone is configured specifically for either of the group of smooth knives or serrated knives. 
     
     
         8 . The knife block with sharpening stones of  claim 4  wherein each said sharpening stone is configured specifically for either of the group of smooth knives or serrated knives.