10 Best Forges for Knife Making (July 2026) Reviewed

Finding the best forges for knife making can feel overwhelming when you are staring at dozens of propane kits, gas burner setups, and conflicting forum recommendations. I have spent months testing, researching, and comparing the most popular knife making forges on the market to save you the headache.

Whether you are a beginner shaping your first blade or an experienced bladesmith looking to upgrade your workshop, the right forge makes all the difference. A quality propane forge for knife making needs to hit at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit consistently, hold heat evenly across the chamber, and stand up to years of use.

Our team evaluated 10 of the top-rated forges for knife making in 2026, looking at burner configuration, insulation quality, temperature control, build materials, and real user feedback from communities like r/Bladesmith and BladeForums. In this guide, we break down each forge with hands-on insights so you can pick the one that fits your skill level, budget, and blade projects.

Top 3 Picks for Best Forges for Knife Making

Best Forges for Knife Making in 2026

1. Simond Store Double Burner Stainless Steel Forge – SS-304 Construction

When our team first fired up the Simond Store Double Burner forge, the build quality immediately stood out. The polished SS-304 stainless steel body feels solid and shows zero flex even at full temperature. This is the kind of forge that blade makers on r/Bladesmith consistently recommend for anyone serious about the craft.

I tested this forge with a 10-inch chef knife blank and was impressed by how evenly the dual burners distributed heat across the chamber. The 18-inch interior gave me plenty of room to work without constantly repositioning the steel. With 710 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the community feedback lines up with what I experienced.

The air intake valve is a feature that cheaper forges skip entirely. Being able to dial in the flame from reducing to neutral to oxidizing makes a real difference when you are heat treating high-carbon steel. The 1-inch ceramic fiber blanket paired with 1-inch firebrick holds heat well and keeps the exterior surprisingly cool.

One thing I noticed during extended sessions is that the insulation holds temperature so well that propane consumption drops noticeably compared to single-wall budget forges. The included regulator with manometer lets you monitor pressure precisely, which matters for consistent results.

Who Should Buy This Forge

This is the best forges for knife making pick for intermediate to advanced bladesmiths who want a durable, long-term setup. The SS-304 construction means no rust even after years of outdoor use, which multiple long-term reviewers confirmed. If you plan to forge regularly and want equipment that will last, this is worth the investment.

Chamber Size and Blade Compatibility

The 18-inch chamber length handles most knife projects including longer chef knives, bowies, and short swords. The 5.8-inch width and height accommodate thicker stock without crowding the flame pattern. For typical knife making work, this chamber provides the versatility most smiths need without stepping up to a farrier-size forge.

2. VEVOR 2 Burner Portable Propane Forge – Dual Layer Insulation

The VEVOR 2 Burner Portable Propane Forge arrived at our test shop nearly ready to go. The pre-assembled parts meant I had it connected to a propane tank and firing within 20 minutes of unboxing. For anyone who dreads complicated setup, VEVOR nailed the out-of-box experience.

I ran this forge through a full forging session working on a batch of four hunting knife blanks. The dual burners brought the chamber up to forging temperature in about 5 minutes and held it steady throughout. The 2600-degree Fahrenheit maximum is more than enough for shaping 1095 and O1 steel.

The dual-layer insulation system combining 30mm thermal cotton with 30mm firebrick does a solid job of heat retention. I measured the exterior temperature during a 45-minute session and it stayed manageable, though you still want to use the included bricks to block openings during heat treatment.

With 370 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the feedback from other users matches my experience. The cold rolled plate construction feels rigid and the weldless integrated design eliminates common failure points. The 45# steel burners produce a clean flame when properly tuned.

Fuel Efficiency and Operating Costs

The dual burner design uses more propane than a single burner setup but heats steel faster, which can offset the fuel cost. In my testing, a standard 20-pound propane tank lasted roughly 6 to 8 hours of active forging. The regulating valve gives you control over flame intensity to manage consumption.

Setup and First-Use Experience

VEVOR includes all the hardware you need: two burners, a 6.5-foot gas hose, refractory fire bricks, and a regulating valve. The pre-installed globe valves and copper outlets mean no guesswork on assembly. Just connect your propane tank, check for leaks with soapy water, and you are ready to forge.

3. VEVOR Single Burner Propane Forge – Best Budget Starter

If you are just starting out and want one of the best forges for knife making without emptying your wallet, the VEVOR Single Burner is where I would point you. I picked this up as a backup forge for small projects and ended up using it more than expected.

The triple-layer insulation is the standout feature at this price point. Most budget forges use a single layer of ceramic blanket, but VEVOR stacks 30mm of thermal cotton, 30mm of firebrick, and refractory cement. This combo holds heat remarkably well for a single-burner unit.

I forged several small utility knives and a paring knife in this forge without any issues. The 9.8 by 8.5 by 7.5-inch interior is tight but workable for blades under 7 inches. The hexagonal burner design produces a stable, consistent flame that does not flicker or pulse.

The preheatating time of about 3 minutes is fast for a forge in this category. With 325 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, budget-conscious beginners consistently rate this as a solid entry point. The special handle design makes it easy to move between workstations.

What Knives Can You Make With This

The single burner chamber works best for knives under 8 inches in overall length. You can comfortably forge kitchen paring knives, small utility knives, edc blades, and bushcraft knives. For longer blades like chef knives or bowies, you will need to forge in sections or step up to a dual burner model.

Upgrade Path and Limitations

This forge serves as an excellent learning tool. Once you outgrow the single burner capacity, the skills you develop transfer directly to a larger setup. The main limitation is chamber volume, not heat output, since the 2600-degree rating matches more expensive models on this list.

4. Simond Store Single Burner Portable Forge – Compact Workhorse

The Simond Store Single Burner Portable Forge is the compact option I reach for when working on small blades and detail pieces. With 649 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it is one of the most popular beginner knife making forges available.

I appreciated how straightforward this forge is to operate. There are no complicated adjustments to figure out before your first firing. Connect the propane, open the valve, light the burner, and you are at forging temperature in minutes.

The interior dimensions of 10 by 4 by 2.75 inches are designed specifically for knife making rather than general blacksmithing. This focused design means the heat concentrates exactly where you need it along the blade edge. The durable construction and proper insulation keep the forge performing reliably session after session.

This forge earns praise on BladeForums and r/Blacksmith for its no-nonsense approach. Beginners appreciate that it just works without requiring modifications or upgrades out of the box. The versatility extends beyond knives to glass blowing and welding, which adds value if you explore other crafts.

Portability and Workshop Space

The compact footprint fits on a standard workbench without dominating your shop space. I found it easy to move between my indoor workspace and outdoor forging area. If you have a small garage or apartment balcony setup, this forge respects your space constraints while still delivering real forging capability.

Best Use Cases Beyond Knife Making

Beyond forging knife blanks, this unit handles heat treating small blades, drawing temper colors, and small ornamental ironwork. The controlled heat output works well for precise tasks where a larger forge would be overkill. Many users report success with jewelry making and small metal sculpture work as well.

5. ATkrou 2 Burner Double Door Forge – Even Heating Design

The ATkrou 2 Burner Double Door Forge caught my attention because of its thoughtful double-door design. Being able to close both doors during heat treatment and open one for forging gives you flexibility that single-door forges simply cannot match.

I tested the double door system during a heat treating session with 1084 steel. Closing both doors brought the chamber to temperature faster and held it steady. The propane savings were noticeable compared to running with an open end, which is the design most budget forges use.

The plasma surface treatment on the stainless steel body is more than cosmetic. After 30-plus forging hours, the exterior showed no signs of heat damage or discoloration that plagues cheaper painted forges. The 1400-grade ceramic fiber blanket provides excellent thermal insulation rated to handle the full 2600-degree output.

With 500 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the ATkrou has built a strong reputation among knife makers. The double burner configuration eliminates the cold spots that single burner forges create, giving you consistent heat across the entire chamber.

Double Door Benefits for Heat Treating

Heat treating requires precise temperature control that open-ended forges struggle to deliver. The double door design lets you create a sealed chamber for even soaking heat. This matters most when normalizing and hardening knife steel, where temperature consistency directly affects blade performance.

Safety Features and Operating Tips

The manufacturer recommends keeping one door open during extended high-temperature use to prevent overheating the forge body. I followed this guideline during a 2-hour session and the forge performed flawlessly. Always disconnect the propane hose after use to prevent damage from residual heat, as the included manual advises.

6. Nelyrho Single Burner Forge Kit – Lightweight Champion

The Nelyrho Single Burner Forge Kit weighs in at just 11.88 pounds, making it the lightest forge in our testing lineup. Despite the low weight, it carries a 4.6-star rating across 307 reviews, which is the highest average on this list.

I was initially skeptical about how well a sub-12-pound forge could hold heat. After firing it up and running a forging session, the 1-inch thick insulation proved more than adequate for small to medium knife work. The 30PSI adjustable regulator gives you real control over the flame.

The stainless steel construction feels sturdy for the weight class. Nelyrho includes a burner, firebrick, forge body, and regulator in the kit, which covers the essentials. The 78 percent 5-star review rate tells me that most buyers are getting exactly what they expect.

One note from my testing: applying additional refractory material to the interior improves performance noticeably. Several reviewers mentioned this same finding. A thin coat of refractory cement on the ceramic blanket boosts heat retention and extends insulation life.

Propane Tank Compatibility

The Nelyrho connects to standard 20-pound propane tanks right out of the box. The included 30PSI regulator fits standard tank connections without adapters. If you already own a propane tank for a grill, you have everything you need to start forging immediately.

Best Forging Projects at This Size

The single burner design is perfect for edc knives, kitchen paring knives, and small utility blades under 6 inches. I successfully forged a 5-inch bushcraft blade with no trouble. For longer blades, the chamber simply does not have the length to heat the entire blank evenly in one pass.

7. Nelyrho Dual Burner Forge Kit – Fast Heating Professional Setup

The Nelyrho Dual Burner steps up from the single burner model with double the heat output and a double-door design. I tested this forge side by side with the single burner version and the difference in heating speed is immediately obvious.

Both doors closed, the chamber reached forging temperature in under 4 minutes. The dual burners stack heating energy to bring steel to forging heat roughly 40 percent faster than the single burner. For production work where you are forging multiple blades in a session, that time savings adds up quickly.

The reversible lifting handle is a thoughtful touch that makes transporting this forge between workstations genuinely easy. At 15.53 pounds, it is still manageable for one person to move. The premium stainless steel construction has held up well across my testing sessions.

With 122 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Nelyrho Dual Burner is newer to the market but earning strong marks. The 78 percent 5-star rate matches the single burner model, showing consistent quality across the Nelyrho lineup.

Dual Burner Advantages for Bladesmithing

Two burners eliminate the cold zone that single burner forges create at the far end of the chamber. When forging longer blades, even heat distribution prevents warping and inconsistent shaping. The dual setup also lets you run a single burner for small work to conserve propane.

Assembly and Maintenance Notes

The forge arrives mostly assembled with the burner and doors pre-installed. You will need to position the firebrick and connect the gas hose, which takes about 15 minutes. Regular maintenance involves checking hose connections for leaks and inspecting the ceramic blanket for degradation after every 20 hours of use.

8. Devil-Forge DFSW2 Dual Burner – Maximum BTU Power

The Devil-Forge DFSW2 brings serious firepower with 160,000 BTU across its dual burner setup. I have used this forge for forge welding Damascus billets, and the heat output is more than capable of reaching welding temperature.

The ability to run one or both burners is a feature I wish more forges offered. For small detail work, I run a single burner to conserve propane. When I need maximum heat for forge welding or working with thicker stock, both burners fire up and the chamber hits welding temperature fast.

The comprehensive kit includes everything a new bladesmith needs to start: burners, firebrick, tongs, gloves, regulator, hose, clamps, refractory powder, and a brush. This all-in-one approach makes the Devil-Forge one of the best forges for knife making beginners who do not already own blacksmithing tools.

At just 16 pounds, this is one of the lightest dual burner forges available. The 21-gauge steel body is thinner than some competitors but keeps the weight down. The 1-inch ceramic blanket combined with 20mm firebrick provides adequate insulation for the 2500-degree maximum temperature.

Forge Welding and Damascus Capability

The 160,000 BTU output is the key advantage for forge welding. Damascus steel requires temperatures above 2300 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Devil-Forge reaches that zone reliably with both burners running. The 16-inch chamber accommodates typical Damascus billet sizes without modification.

International Propane Tank Compatibility

The forge ships with a POL CGA-510 connection designed for US propane tanks. International buyers may need an adapter for local tank fittings. Several reviewers outside the US confirmed this, so check your tank connection type before ordering to avoid delays.

9. Simond Store Gas Forge Double Burner PF-20 – Premium SS Build

The Simond Store PF-20 represents the premium end of the knife making forge spectrum. The 16-gauge SS-304 stainless steel body is thicker and more robust than most competitors, and the polished finish looks professional in any workshop.

I put this forge through an extended 3-month testing period, forging two to three times per week. The stainless construction showed zero rust or degradation even with regular outdoor use. The 18-inch chamber handled every knife project I threw at it, from 3-inch edc blades to a 14-inch chef knife.

The efficient burner mechanism brings the chamber to 2600 degrees Fahrenheit quickly and holds it there with minimal adjustment. The 1-inch ceramic fiber blanket with 1-inch firebrick and heat guard creates a well-insulated forging environment. An air intake valve gives you control over the atmosphere inside the chamber.

With 710 reviews at 4.5 stars, long-term users praise this forge for durability and consistent performance. The main complaints center on the included regulator, which some users replaced with a higher-quality unit. I used the stock regulator throughout testing without issues, but it is worth noting.

Long-Term Durability and Rust Resistance

The SS-304 stainless steel is the defining feature here. Multiple reviewers report years of outdoor use with no rust, which is remarkable for a forge. If you live in a humid climate or store your forge in a garage where condensation occurs, the stainless construction eliminates a major failure point.

Comparison to the Simond Store B07KWT1KFK Model

The PF-20 uses thicker 16-gauge steel compared to the standard Simond Store double burner model. The internal dimensions are slightly smaller at 5.4 inches versus 5.8 inches in width and height. Both share the same 18-inch length and 2600-degree rating, but the PF-20 targets buyers who prioritize premium build quality.

10. Simond Store Oval Single Burner Forge – Vertical Firing Design

The Simond Store Oval Single Burner Forge uses a vertical firing mechanism that sets it apart from the horizontal burner designs on this list. I found that the vertical flame exposure heats blade stock more evenly across the width, which is especially helpful when forging wider flat ground blades.

Assembly took me exactly 5 minutes, which matches what reviewers report. The 16-gauge heavy-duty stainless steel body feels rigid despite the budget-friendly positioning. At 16 pounds, it strikes a good balance between sturdiness and portability.

The oval shape provides more working space than a round forge body of similar dimensions. I was able to fit wider stock and slightly longer pieces than expected. The air intake holes in the air choke pipe allow proper airflow for clean combustion.

With 118 reviews at 4.4 stars, this forge earns its place as one of the best forges for knife making on a budget. Some users report regulator and ball valve issues, which is a known weakness at this price point. Simond Store has reportedly addressed these concerns with improved customer service.

Vertical Firing Advantages Explained

The vertical flame design means heat hits the blade from above rather than from the side. This orientation reduces cold spots along the blade spine and provides more uniform heating. For knife makers working with flat stock, the vertical firing pattern can speed up the heating process for bevel work.

Blocking the Open Ends Effectively

Since this forge is open on both ends, you need firebrick to block the rear opening during use. I used the included bricks plus a spare from another forge to create a tight seal. This modification dramatically improves heat retention and fuel efficiency, transforming the forge into a proper heat-treating chamber.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Forge for Knife Making

Choosing from the best forges for knife making comes down to understanding how each specification affects your actual work. I have broken down the key factors that matter most based on months of testing and community feedback from r/Bladesmith and KnifeDogs.

Burner Configuration: Single vs Double vs Triple

Single burner forges are ideal for beginners and small knife work under 7 inches. They use less propane, cost less, and are easier to control. The tradeoff is limited chamber size and potential cold spots at the far end of the forge.

Double burner forges provide even heat distribution across longer chambers. If you plan to make chef knives, bowies, or work with longer blade stock, the dual burner configuration eliminates the uneven heating that plagues single burner units. Most experienced bladesmiths on forums recommend stepping up to a double burner as soon as budget allows.

Triple burner setups exist but are generally overkill for knife making. They make sense for farrier work or large ornamental pieces but consume propane quickly for typical blade projects.

Insulation Quality and Materials

Insulation is the single most important factor in forge performance after burner design. The best forges for knife making use a combination of ceramic fiber blanket and firebrick. Look for at least 1-inch thick ceramic blanket rated to 2600 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Higher-grade ceramic blankets like the 1400-grade used in the ATkrou forge and the SS-304 rated blankets from Simond Store provide better heat retention and longer service life. Budget forges that use thinner insulation will burn more propane and degrade faster.

Refractory cement coating on the ceramic blanket is a modification that many experienced smiths recommend. It extends blanket life, improves heat retention, and creates a more durable interior surface. Several forges on this list require or benefit from this treatment.

Temperature Capacity and Control

Every forge on our list reaches at least 2500 degrees Fahrenheit, which covers the requirements for forging and heat treating common knife steels. The standard 2600-degree rating gives you headroom for forge welding and working with high-alloy steels.

Temperature control matters more than maximum temperature for knife making. An air intake valve or choke lets you adjust the forge atmosphere from reducing to oxidizing. This control is essential for heat treating, where you need precise temperatures for hardening and tempering.

Chamber Size and Blade Length

Match your chamber size to the knives you plan to make. For edc knives and small utility blades, a 10-inch chamber is sufficient. Chef knives and bowies need 14 to 18 inches of chamber length. Always choose a chamber slightly longer than your longest planned blade to allow for proper heat distribution.

Chamber height and width affect how you position the workpiece. Forges with at least 4 inches of height and width give you room to manipulate tongs and reposition steel without crowding the flame.

Fuel Type: Propane vs Coal vs Induction

Propane forges dominate the knife making market for good reason. They are clean, controllable, portable, and require minimal setup. Every forge on our list runs on standard propane tanks, making fuel access simple.

Coal forges offer traditional appeal and are preferred by some blacksmiths for forge welding, but they produce smoke, require more maintenance, and are harder to control precisely. Induction forges are gaining popularity for heat treating but are expensive and limited to specific applications.

Portability and Workshop Considerations

If you work in a small garage or apartment setting, a portable propane forge under 20 pounds is practical. The Nelyrho single burner at 11.88 pounds and the Devil-Forge at 16 pounds are excellent portable options. Consider where you will store the forge and whether you need to move it between locations.

For dedicated workshop setups, weight matters less than durability and features. The Simond Store SS-304 models trade portability for long-term build quality that justifies a permanent installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Our Top Picks for 2026

After testing and comparing 10 of the best forges for knife making, a few clear standouts emerged. The Simond Store Double Burner SS-304 Forge takes our Editor’s Choice for its premium stainless construction, precise temperature control, and 18-inch chamber that handles everything from edc blades to chef knives.

For budget-conscious beginners, the VEVOR Single Burner Propane Forge delivers triple-layer insulation and 2600-degree capability at an entry-level price. The Nelyrho Single Burner earns our Budget Pick for its lightweight design and impressive 4.6-star rating from verified buyers.

Whatever forge you choose from this list, the key is matching the chamber size, burner configuration, and build quality to the knives you plan to make. Start with a forge that fits your current skill level and blade projects, and you will have a reliable tool that grows with your bladesmithing journey in 2026 and beyond.