An improved receptacle is disclosed for retaining a cutlery instrument, the cutlery instrument has a blade and a handle. The receptacle comprises a base having a base support surface and a base engaging surface. A wall member is secured to the base engaging surface extending substantially perpendicular from said base. A coupling member is secured to the wall member extending substantially parallel and above said base. An arm member is secured to the coupling member extending substantially parallel to the wall member and above the base. A slit is defined between the wall member and the arm member for receiving and maintaining the blade of the cutlery instrument in a static position. A slot is defined between the arm member and the base engaging surface for exposing the wall member.