It’s dangerous to store knives in your kitchen drawers without protecting the blades — knives are sharp, after all — and it can dull or damage them over time, too. That’s why the best knife guards are designed to cover up the blade, keeping both you and your knives safe.
Before we get any further, let’s take a quick detour to discuss some terminology. The term “knife guard” is synonymous with terms like “edge protector,” “blade guard,” and “blade cover.” All of these products serve the same essential purpose: they cover and protect your knife blades when they aren't in use. A knife sheath, on the other hand, is not the same as a guard.
Choosing The Right Size
In order to select the appropriate knife guards for your collection, note the blade size (in inches) and type (for example, paring knife) of the knives you’re looking to cover. A knife guard that fits properly will fully protect your blade — no sharp tips sticking out — so it's worth putting in the effort to get the correct size. Many knife guards will fit any type of blade, so long as it's the correct length, but some are designed to be more specific. If you need to protect a bunch of knives, consider buying a set, rather than individual guards. (Pro tip: color-coded sets make it easier to identify your blades at a glance.)
Materials & Styles
Knife guards come in a few different materials, but plastic is overwhelmingly common because it is budget-friendly and sturdy. Some knife guards are lined with felt, which further protects the knives. It's recommended to use guards that lock onto the blades if you often travel with your knives, but you don't need a locking guard for knives that stay in your kitchen.
Whatever style you're looking for, know that these four knife guards are favorites on Amazon, and for good reason — they’re functional, durable, and safe.
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