The Tools I use to Make Knives
Craft Knives Like a Pro: Essential Tools from My Workshop to Yours
Every tool I personally use and recommend, curated to level up your knife-making journey.
My Mission
I’ve spent years refining my craft and testing various tools. To save you time and money, I’ve compiled this list of tried-and-true knife-making essentials—ranging from budget-friendly options perfect for beginners, to premium gear for the serious craftsman. Every item here is part of my own toolkit.
Tool Sections
Leatherstraps.org participates in the Amazon Affiliates Program. Purchases made through these links help support our community and content—thank you for your trust and support! These are what I recommned for beginners.
I started off with $500 in tools and upgraded my shop in time to a 60k workshop. You don’t need to invest an arm and a leg to get started. Just do the basics and sell knives / upgrade your gear.
Starter Anvil Recommendations
The Vevor / Happy Buy / Acciaio Anvil 132lb
Solid entry-level anvil. Beat the hell out of it until you’re ready to upgrade—it can take the punishment and still perform.
Check the price here: Beginner Anvil
Beginner Forge Recommendations
The ATKrou Gas Propane Forge. Purchased as a backup and can’t believe how freakin hot it gets. One of my happiest accidents was discovering this forge. I can forge weld with it and make damascus when needed.
Check the price here: Beginner Forge
Carbide File Guide
Derraco Engineering Carbide File Guide GEN 2
Essential for accurately filing tang shoulders and perfecting freehand bevels. Durable tungsten carbide faces ensure precise results every time
Check the price here: File Guide
Surface Plate Recommendations
Keeping things flat is the absolute key to knife making. This surface plate gives you a reliable, ultra-flat reference point—no guessing, just consistent, professional results.
Check the price here: HHIP Surface Plate
Fire Bricks
Rutland Fire Bricks
Rutland Fire Bricks are exactly what you want sitting in your forge. These bricks soak up and radiate heat evenly, handle direct flame without cracking, and won’t let you down even after countless forging sessions. Drop them in your forge, fire it up, and hammer away—no stress, no drama, just solid performance.
Check the price here: Fire Bricks
Refractory Cement
Rutland Dry Mix 211 Refractory Mortar is essential for patching cracks and sealing gaps in your forge, keeping your heat exactly where it should be. Sure, you’ll probably only use a couple pounds at a time, but trust me—you’ll want this 10-pound bucket on hand. Forges crack and chip over time, and nothing beats having extra mortar around to quickly patch things up and keep you forging without interruption.
Check the price here: Rutland 211
Rigidizer
Rigidizer
Rigidizer 16oz Concentrate is a no-brainer if you’re building or maintaining a forge. This stuff locks down ceramic fiber blankets so they’re safe and durable—no loose fibers flying around. Just mix it up, spray or brush it on, and you’re set. One small bottle goes a long way, giving your forge lining the protection and stiffness it needs to keep running strong and safe.
Check the price here: Rigidizer
Quenchant Oil for 1095
Rutlands and canola are fine when you’re starting out, but eventually you’re gonna step up your heat-treat game. This Parks 50 Quench Oil is the gold standard—fast, reliable, and predictable every single quench. Perfect for high-carbon steels like 1095 and W2, giving you that crisp, consistent hardness you’re after. Yeah, it’s a bit pricier than grocery store stuff, but it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about making knives.
Check the price here: Parks 50
Beginner Grinding Jig
GRINDING JIG
If you’re grinding bevels and want to keep your angles dead-on consistent, this Belt Knife Sharpening Jig is your secret weapon. Adjustable from -5° to 25°, it locks your blade down tight and takes the guesswork out of grinding bevels. Perfect if you’re tired of chasing angles by hand—especially if you’re pumping out batches or aiming for absolute consistency. Seriously, your bevel game will never be smoother.
