Care for Your Chef’s Knife From Sharpening to Storage
By Kevin Cody | Founder & CEO, FLI Products / Mary Joan Isorena, Communications
Published: October 7, 2026
A premium chef’s knife needs more than a sharp edge. Proper sharpening, careful storage and protection between uses play different roles in maintaining a quality knife. MKS Knives provides an example: its custom 8-inch Chef’s Knife demonstrates the craftsmanship involved in a professional culinary tool, while individual blade protection serves a separate purpose during storage and transport.
Sharpening restores an edge; a properly fitted blade protector helps protect a compatible blade between uses.
MKS Knives, created by designer Adam Simha, grew from professional kitchen experience and decades of creating custom knives for working chefs and serious home cooks. The company's work includes chef’s knives and specialized culinary tools.
FLI Products reports that MKS purchases Black Blade Guard™ in all four sizes and that Adam confirmed the 10-inch Blade Guard fit his separate 220mm Chef’s Knife. That confirmation does not establish compatibility with the custom 8-inch MKS knife featured here.
MKS knives and other MKS products do not automatically include Blade Guard unless the seller specifically states otherwise. The knives and protectors are separate products.
More Blade Guard Resources: Blade Guard Hub | Shop All Blade Guard
Key Takeaways
Sharpening and blade protection perform different jobs.
MKS offers knife-care guidance and sharpening services for qualifying custom knives; consult its current service instructions.
FLI reports that MKS purchases Black Blade Guard in all four sizes.
Adam’s reported 10-inch Blade Guard fit applies to his separate 220mm knife, not the featured 8-inch MKS custom knife.
Width, heel geometry, thickness, curvature and overall profile also affect compatibility.
Do not assume MKS products include Blade Guard.
A Premium Knife Is a Tool Worth Caring For
A quality chef’s knife is used repeatedly for chopping, slicing and preparation. Even an excellent edge changes through normal use.
Sharpening restores the edge when needed. Everyday care includes appropriate use, cleaning and drying. Storage and transport determine what happens when the knife is not in use.
A sharpening service cannot control what happens after a knife returns to its owner, and a blade protector does not sharpen a dull knife.
Meet MKS Knives and Designer Adam Simha
According to MKS Knives, Adam Simha's designs developed from professional kitchen experience and decades of creating custom knives. Servicing those knives informed his work with materials, blade shapes, geometry, hardness, handles and hardware.
A knife is more than steel selected by length. Profile, edge geometry, balance, handle construction and intended use contribute to the finished tool.
Learn about MKS Knives and Adam Simha's design philosophy.
The MKS Custom 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
The MKS Custom Gallery features an 8-inch chef’s knife created for chef Ana Sortun.
MKS identifies this custom knife as having a 12C27 stainless steel blade with a reported hardness of Rc 60. Its construction includes an ironwood handle, bronze bolster, brass and mosaic pins.
The knife illustrates the attention to blade materials, handle construction and finishing that can go into a custom culinary tool.
For current examples of MKS craftsmanship, see the MKS Custom Knife Gallery.
As with any premium chef’s knife, its edge requires appropriate care. Its exact dimensions and profile must also be considered before choosing an individual blade protector.
Even a Premium Edge Eventually Needs Sharpening
Buying a premium knife does not eliminate sharpening. MKS Knives provides knife-care guidance and describes sharpening and repair services for qualifying custom knives.
The company explains that its custom knives come with care and honing instructions and describes lifetime sharpening and repair arrangements for its custom work, subject to its stated conditions.
Owners should consult MKS directly for the current service process, eligibility, shipping instructions and terms.
Actual sharpening needs depend on use and condition, not a universal calendar.
Learn about MKS Knife Skills and Care.
Sharpening and Blade Protection Solve Different Problems
Sharpening addresses the cutting edge. Blade protection addresses appropriate storage and transport between uses.
A freshly sharpened knife still needs proper handling and storage. Blade Guard does not sharpen a knife or eliminate the need for sharpening; it encloses a compatible blade for individual protection.
Watch: Blade Guard for Knife Storage and Travel
Watch BladeGuard Knife Blade Protective Covers for Travel and Storage to see the storage and travel use case for compatible knives.
A Real-World Example: MKS Knives and Black Blade Guard
FLI Products reports a direct commercial relationship with MKS, which purchases Black Blade Guard in all four sizes.
During product discussions with FLI, Adam reported that the largest 10-inch protector fit his separate 220mm Chef’s Knife.
He then asked about purchasing the protector in black. This is a reported fit confirmation for that particular knife, not for the custom 8-inch MKS Chef’s Knife featured in this article.
Heel depth, width, spine thickness, curvature and profile can differ between knives of the same nominal length.
How Black Blade Guard Provides Individual Blade Protection
FLI’s 3-Way Blade Protection design combines Heel Capture, rubber Slip Guards and Snap-Locks. Heel Capture helps retain the compatible knife at its heel, Slip Guards help limit internal movement, and Snap-Locks keep the hinged enclosure closed.
The 10-inch model is described with four rubber Slip Guards and two Snap-Locks. Check the specifications for the individual size you choose rather than assuming every size has identical component counts.
Current Blade Guard product information identifies BPA-free, food-safe polypropylene, dishwasher-safe construction and Made-in-USA origin.
Explore the 10-Inch Locking Knife Blade Protector.
Learn about Black Blade Guard’s 3-Way Blade Protection.
Why Knife Length Is Only the Beginning of Fit
The featured MKS custom chef’s knife has a listed 8-inch blade. That measurement alone does not establish which Blade Guard size, if any, fits it.
Adam's previously reported fit test involved a different 220mm knife and a 10-inch Blade Guard. It should not be used to claim compatibility for the featured MKS custom knife.
When evaluating fit:
Blade length must fit within the enclosure.
Heel geometry affects how the blade sits.
Blade width varies between profiles.
Thickness varies by construction.
Curvature and overall geometry differ between chef’s knives, slicers, boning knives and specialty tools.
There is no single universal width or thickness limit for every knife across every Blade Guard size. Check the individual model’s stated limits and the actual knife’s fit.
The reported fit example should not be generalized to the featured MKS knife or to every chef’s knife of similar length.
Four Blade Guard Sizes for Different Knife Applications
The standard family includes 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch sizes. Select a protector for the knife being stored rather than forcing one size onto an entire collection.
The 10-inch version is intended for compatible longer blades, including some large chef’s knives, carving knives, slicers and bread knives. Compatibility still depends on geometry.
Explore the Blade Guard Collection.
MKS Knives Goes Beyond One Chef’s Knife
MKS Knife/MKS Design includes traditional chef’s knives and specialized culinary tools. Its gallery shows slicers, petty knives, boning knives, cleavers and specialty designs such as chocolate knives, soba knives, mezzalunas, tuna swords, oyster knives, cheese knives and a Heavy Bench knife.
That variety illustrates why protection is not a one-size-fits-all question.
Visit MKS Knife and the Restaurant and Specialty Knife Gallery.
The MKS Heavy Bench Knife: A Different Kind of Culinary Tool
The gallery identifies a Heavy Bench knife measuring 5.25 × 4.25 inches, made from AEB-L stainless steel for Gabrielle Geiselman Milone.
Its broad profile differs from a conventional chef’s knife. Do not assume a standard protector fits a specialty tool merely because it has a cutting edge.
The bench knife and other designs in the MKS gallery are MKS products, not Blade Guard products.
Important: The Knives Do Not Automatically Come With Blade Guard
MKS knives or specialty products do not automatically include Blade Guard unless the seller expressly says otherwise. These are separate product lines.
Explore custom work through MKS Knife, and shop protectors through the Blade Guard collection.
The reported commercial connection does not establish that every knife pictured on MKS's website includes or fits a particular guard.
What About MKS Knife Sharpening and Repair Services?
Warranty coverage, sharpening and everyday protection are separate matters. Follow the knife maker’s current care and service instructions.
MKS describes sharpening and repair arrangements for its qualifying custom knives. Consult MKS Custom Knives and its custom knife process for the company's published information, and confirm current terms directly before arranging service.
A Practical Care Routine for a Premium Chef’s Knife
Follow the maker’s cleaning instructions and dry the knife completely before storage. Inspect the edge and knife periodically.
When sharpening is needed, use the maker’s service and shipping instructions rather than improvising packaging or procedures. After return, continue appropriate care and storage.
Before using a protector, verify the specific knife’s fit. For compatible knives, Blade Guard can be one component of a broader storage and transport system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an MKS knife come with Blade Guard?
Do not assume so. Blade Guard is a separate FLI Products product. MKS products do not automatically include it unless the seller specifically states otherwise.
Does MKS use Blade Guard?
FLI Products reports that MKS purchases Black Blade Guard in all four sizes and that Adam Simha confirmed the 10-inch guard fit his separate 220mm Chef’s Knife.
Which Blade Guard fits the MKS Custom 8-Inch Chef’s Knife?
A specific Blade Guard fit has not been confirmed for the featured custom 8-inch MKS Chef’s Knife. Do not select a protector based only on its nominal blade length. Check the actual knife’s geometry, dimensions and fit.
Is a Blade Guard a replacement for sharpening?
No. It is a blade-protection product, not a sharpening device. Sharpening restores the edge; a fitted protector encloses a compatible blade for appropriate storage and transport.
Does MKS offer professional knife sharpening?
MKS describes sharpening and repair services for qualifying custom knives. Consult the company directly for current eligibility, instructions and terms.
Is sharpening included in MKS's warranty or service arrangements?
Do not assume every knife or service request qualifies. MKS describes sharpening and repair arrangements for custom knives, subject to its conditions. Consult the company's current terms and confirm eligibility directly.
Are all MKS specialty knives compatible with Blade Guard?
Universal compatibility has not been established. Specialty tools vary in geometry, so assess the actual blade rather than assuming fit from a photograph or nominal length.
What is Black Blade Guard made from?
Current product information identifies BPA-free, food-safe polypropylene. The protectors are also described as dishwasher safe and Made in USA.
Where can I buy MKS knives?
Explore custom and specialty knives through MKS Knife. Blade Guard is a separate product available from FLI Products.
Protect the Knife Between Uses
A premium knife deserves care throughout its life. Sharpen when needed, follow the maker’s care instructions, store and transport appropriately, and choose protection based on actual fit rather than length alone.
Explore Blade Guard knife protectors.
Practical products. Made to last.
About Adam Simha
Adam Simha is a culinary knife designer and maker whose work draws on professional kitchen experience and decades of creating knives for working chefs and serious home cooks. His work includes custom and specialty tools through MKS Design/MKS Knife.
Learn More About Adam Simha and MKS Knives
About Kevin Cody
Kevin Cody | Founder & CEO, FLI Products
Kevin Cody is the Founder and CEO of FLI Products and a product development, merchandising and retail industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience. His background includes merchandising leadership at The Home Depot as well as developing, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and bringing consumer products to market through major retailers and online marketplaces.
Kevin works directly with manufacturers, inventors, retailers and consumers to develop practical products that solve everyday problems. His experience spans product design and development, retail merchandising, manufacturing, e-commerce, marketplace strategy and consumer product education.
Through the FLI Products Learning Center, Kevin shares practical, experience-based information designed to help consumers better understand products, solve problems and make informed purchasing decisions.
About FLI Products
FLI Products develops and markets practical consumer products designed to solve everyday problems at home, outdoors and on the job. Working directly with manufacturers, inventors and retailers, FLI Products focuses on thoughtful product design, practical functionality and useful solutions for consumers.
Its products are available through FLIProducts.com and select major retailers and online marketplaces.
Sources & Resources
MKS Knife: About MKS Knife — Background and design philosophy.
MKS Custom Knives — Custom knife construction and craftsmanship.
MKS Custom Gallery — Featured 8-Inch Chef’s Knife — Featured knife and custom knife examples.
MKS Knife Skills — Knife handling and care guidance.
MKS Custom Knife Process — Custom knife construction and published service information.
MKS Knife Store — Current knife offerings.
MKS Restaurant and Specialty Knife Gallery — Specialty knife designs.
Blade Guard Knife Protectors — Product family and sizing information.
Blade Guard Storage and Travel Video — Demonstration of protective knife blade housings.
More Blade Guard Resources: Blade Guard Hub | Shop All Blade Guard
