Bringing Blade Sharpening In-House: Is an MVM Machine Right for You?
At Saturn Machine Knives, we’re proud to be the UK’s exclusive distributor of MVM grinding machines, giving businesses the option to bring precision blade sharpening in-house.
In this article, we explore the pros and cons of in-house sharpening versus using a professional service, and how to decide which option is right for your operation. From turnaround times and cost-efficiency to expertise and equipment investment, we’ll break down the key factors to consider - and show how MVM machines can offer a smart, scalable solution for those ready to take the next step in operational control.
MVM Machine LA 500
Who is MVM?
MVM is a globally recognised manufacturer of high-performance grinding machines, trusted by industries worldwide to restore blades to peak cutting condition. With decades of experience, MVM produces a versatile range of machines capable of re-sharpening blades of all shapes, sizes, and specifications - from granulator knives to chipper and shredder blades.
At Saturn Machine Knives, we’re proud to be the exclusive UK distributor of these specialised machines, giving British manufacturers and recyclers access to precision engineering that streamlines maintenance and maximises blade life.
The In-House Advantages
1) Saves Time
Probably the biggest and most obvious advantage of bringing blade and knife sharpening in-house is time. Blade sharpening itself can take anywhere between 15-60 minutes depending on the complexity and needs of the blade. However, when outsourcing your blade maintenance, this process can be extended to 5 days or longer, depending on your provider, which can be disruptive. It also means you would need to organise your blade maintenance effectively to minimise downtime and ensure you always have working blades available to keep operations running.
Having an MVM grinder in-house can greatly reduce the length of this process, as you will have on-site access rather than needing to spend time posting your blades, then wait for them to be redelivered once sharpened.
If your business operates on tight deadlines or you need blades sharpened quickly, having an MVM machine onsite is definitely worth strong consideration.
Bringing an MVM Machine in-house can help keep things running smoothly
2) Streamlines Operations
Similarly, another benefit of in-house sharpening is efficiency. Having grinding machines on site is a great way to streamline your operations, as it cuts out many steps of outsourcing - booking, packing, posting or arranging collection and needing to pay separately for this service each time. This allows you to focus on other important things, optimising your workflow.
Having immediate access to your own grinding machine means immediate access to blade maintenance. If you run into unexpected damage or have mismanaged your blade maintenance, this can be rectified faster than waiting on a provider to complete the work.
Refreshing your blades in-house can allow you to get back on track quicker, enhancing productivity.
MVM Machine Close-up
Factors to Consider
There are a few important factors to consider when deciding whether to bring blade sharpening in-house.
1) Industry Knowledge
One aspect to keep in mind is expertise. Blade sharpening is a technical process, with each blade possessing its own unique set of properties including shape, dimension and hardness that will need to be assessed and impact how the blade is sharpened.
Our experts know exactly how to sharpen an expansive range of blade and knife types, providing you with the assurance it will be performed correctly, and you will be covered by our Knifetime Guarantee should there be issues. Our experts are also able to assess damage, so can advise you if your blades require alternative solutions such as replacement.
That said, many businesses are choosing to combine this expert support with the flexibility of bringing regrinding in-house - using an MVM machine. By doing so, they gain total control over turnaround times and wear management, while still having access to our technical expertise when needed.
It’s not about replacing external support entirely, but about giving your operation the capacity to act faster, reduce long-term costs, and maintain consistent blade performance on-site. With training, ongoing guidance, and the right setup, your team can confidently manage sharpening for your most frequently used knives - without sacrificing quality or precision.
Operating an MVM Machine can require additional specialist training
2) Specialisation
Something else to consider is specialisation. Businesses may work with a variety of blades that could require a variety of different MVM machines and knowledge bases. You may decide to only invest in one machine, so you would still need to outsource maintenance for other blades. Or, you might only need one machine for now, but when expanding or changing operations, discover your investment does not fulfill your new requirements.
However, most businesses don’t need to sharpen every blade type in-house to make the investment worthwhile. Instead, the best returns come from focusing on the blades you use most often - the ones with the highest turnover or tightest tolerances. Granulator and shredder blades are a common example.
Ultimately, investing in one MVM machine isn’t about solving every sharpening need from day one. It’s about putting the infrastructure in place to regain control, reduce operating costs, and unlock long-term flexibility.
And for many businesses, the return on that initial investment - even if used for one blade category - can be seen within 12–18 months.
Our MVM Machines
We offer a comprehensive range of MVM grinding machines, designed for both straight and circular blades, alongside lapping machines for achieving precision surface finishes. Whether you're dealing with granulator knives, chipper blades, or shear knives, our MVM models deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Machines like the MVM MX150 are built to order, allowing us to tailor key specifications - such as automatic downfeed via Mini-PLC, a powerful 5.5 kW grinding motor, and an ultra-quiet, vibration-free grinding head - to suit your operational needs. From compact workshops to high-throughput facilities, we can help configure a solution that fits.
If you're considering bringing blade sharpening in-house, our exclusive MVM range offers the performance, reliability, and flexibility to make it a seamless and cost-effective transition.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, bringing blade sharpening in-house can be a smart move for businesses looking to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and take greater control over their maintenance schedules. By eliminating the need to book and coordinate external services, you can respond faster to wear and keep production running smoothly.
That said, expert blade sharpening requires skill, consistency, and the right equipment - which is why the decision to invest in an in-house solution should be carefully considered. For many, partnering with a professional sharpening provider like Saturn Machine Knives remains the most reliable and hassle-free option.
Whichever route you choose, one thing is clear: regular, high-quality blade maintenance is critical to maintaining performance, extending equipment life, and ensuring operational efficiency.
Get in touch for a tailored recommendation - whether it's investing in an MVM machine or optimising your current sharpening routine.