The beginner 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—carefully selected to elevate your knife-making journey. These may not be my highest-end tools, but they’re reliable, affordable, and perfect for getting you started.
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.
Check the price here: Grinding Jig
Hardness Testing Files
If you’re serious about knife making, knowing the exact hardness of your steel is non-negotiable. This TSUBOSAN Hardness Tester Checker File Set is your go-to for quick, reliable hardness testing. With six files covering HRC40 to HRC65, each color-coded for easy identification, you can swiftly assess your material’s hardness without the hassle of bulky equipment. Perfect for on-the-spot checks, especially when dealing with large workpieces or working outdoors. No more guesswork—just accurate, portable testing right at your fingertips.
Check the price here: Hardness Files
Ceramic Glass Platen
Glass Platen
If you’re serious about getting those bevels dead flat and smooth, this Ceramic Glass Platen Liner is a game-changer. Measuring approximately 7.87 inches long, 1.97 inches wide, and 0.20 inches thick, it provides a slick, heat-resistant surface that reduces friction and wear on your belts. No more dealing with uneven grinds or worn-out platens—this upgrade keeps your grinding consistent and your belts lasting longer.
Check the price here: Glass Platen
Flanged Knife Magnet
The MAG-Mate JF095R On/Off Fixture Magnet is a crucial tool for knife makers aiming to enhance safety and precision during grinding operations. With its robust 95-pound holding capacity, this rare earth magnet securely grips your knife blanks, ensuring they remain firmly in place while you work. The convenient On/Off switch allows for quick attachment and release, streamlining your workflow. By keeping your fingers safely away from the grinding belt, it not only protects you but also promotes consistent, high-quality results. Compact yet powerful, the MAG-Mate JF095R is an essential tool for any knife maker aiming to elevate their craft.
Check the price here: Knife Magnet
Anvil Feet
Anvil Feet
Adjustable Anvil Feet are exactly what you need if your shop floor isn’t perfectly flat (and let’s face it, whose is?). Bolt these into your wooden base and easily tweak each foot to eliminate wobble, vibration, and noise. Your anvil stays rock-solid, your strikes become cleaner, and your forging sessions become way less frustrating. Small upgrade, massive improvement.
Check the price here: Anvil Feet
Epoxy Syringes
These Epoxy Syringes are a must-have for making Wa handles—no more sticky mess, uneven epoxy application, or wasted materials. Load it up, precisely inject epoxy into handle cavities, and ensure a tight, clean bond every time. Small investment, big upgrade—especially when you care about getting your handles just right.
Check the price here: Epoxy Syringes
G-Flex Knife Makers Epoxy
G-Flex
G/Flex Epoxy from West System is the epoxy you grab when you need unbreakable, flexible strength. Perfect for attaching handles, sealing up hidden tangs, and bonding difficult materials like oily woods or synthetics. It cures tough, flexes without cracking, and sticks to literally anything—metal, wood, plastic, you name it. Quit messing around with brittle epoxies that let you down; G/Flex keeps your knives rock-solid and your reputation intact.
Check the price here: G-Flex
Rikon 1×30 6″ Disc Sander
The Rikon 1×30 Belt and 6″ Disc Sander is exactly what you need if you’re sharpening kitchen knives or chasing that perfect mirror finish without endless hand sanding. Its compact size fits any shop, but the variable-speed disc is the real secret—dial it down low for precision sharpening or crank it up to polish blades to a flawless, reflective shine. Quit sanding by hand and let this little powerhouse save your sanity.
I don’t recommend the grizzly, although they look the same, after doing a take apart I have other feelings about it.
Check the price here: Rikon 1×30 Variable 6″ disc
Bucktool 4×36 BD4603
BUCKTOOL 4×36 BD 4306
Bucktool BD 4306 is the belt and disc combo you grab when you’re knocking out Kiridashis, precision scalpels, or cranking through handle work in record time. Solid build, powerful motor, and smooth operation—this thing chews through wood, metal, or composite materials effortlessly.
Skip the other Bucktools; most aren’t worth your cash, and the metal-specific models have capacitors that blow up way too often. Stick with the BD 4306 and keep your sanity.
Check the price here: BuckTool BD 4306
Sharpening Stone Recommendations
If you’re serious about sharpening, ditch the cheap stones that constantly need flattening. I use Atoma Diamond Plates in a progression of 140, 400, 600, and 1200 grit—these things stay flat forever, cut fast, and get your bevels dialed in perfectly. Then finish off with Naniwa Chosera 2000 and 3000 grit water stones for a scary sharp, polished edge that’s silky smooth and ready to slice. Zero hassle, maximum sharpness.
Check Prices Here
Atoma 140 Grit Diamond Stone
Atoma 400 Grit Diamond Stone
Atoma 600 Grit Diamond Stone
Atoma 1200 Grit Diamond Stone
Naniwa Chosera 2000 Ceramic Water Stone
Naniwa Chosera 3000 Ceramic Water Stone
Naniwa Snow White Super 5000 Ceramic (Thin)
