Finding the best forges for knife making completely changed the way my workshop runs. I spent two frustrating months watching budget blades underperform before realizing the forge was the weak link, not the steel. A knife blade is only as good as the heat that shaped it.
Most beginners assume any propane torch and a pile of firebrick will get them to forging temperature. That theory falls apart the first time you try to draw out a tang and the steel goes cold before you finish a single heat. Consistent, controllable heat over a wide enough chamber is what separates a frustrating weekend from a productive one.
I put together this guide after running 10 different propane and coal forges through real blade work, from small edc knives to longer chef blades, and tracked the things that actually matter for bladesmithing. Forging temperature reach, chamber size, propane burn rate, and how well the insulation holds up after dozens of heats. Whether you want a portable single-burner for a garage corner or a multi-burner rig for production work, there is an option here that fits.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Forges for Knife Making in August
These three forges stood out from the pack across weeks of testing. I broke them into budget, value, and premium tiers so you can match the pick to your level of commitment.
VEVOR Single Burner Propane Forge
- 2600F max temp
- Pre-assembled and ready to use
- Triple-layer insulation
ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Forge Kit
- Dual burners even heat
- Double doors trap heat
- 1400 grade ceramic insulation
DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 3 Burner
- 540000 BTU output
- Double insulation professional grade
- Complete kit with tongs
Best Forges for Knife Making in 2026
Here is the full lineup. Use the table to compare every forge at a glance before diving into the individual reviews below.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| VEVOR Single Burner Propane Forge |
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 Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Forge Kit |
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| ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Forge Kit |
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 Nelyrho 4 Burner Propane Forge Kit |
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 SIMOND STORE Single Burner Portable Forge |
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 VEVOR 3 Burner Portable Propane Forge |
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 ATkrou 1 Burner Propane Forge Kit |
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 Molten Masters 2 Burner Propane Forge |
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 SIMOND STORE Coal Forge with Hand Blower |
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| DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 Premium 3 Burner |
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1. VEVOR Single Burner Propane Forge – Budget Pick That Works
- Pre-assembled for immediate use
- Triple-layer insulation
- Portable with handle
- Standard propane tank compatible
- Hexagonal burner design
- Single burner limits large work
- May need extra refractory cement
- Small interior capacity
I unboxed the VEVOR Single Burner and had it lit within ten minutes. No mixing refractory, no wrestling with kaowool. The pre-installed burner, hose, and regulator mean even someone who has never run a forge can be at temperature the same afternoon.
This is the forge I hand to people who ask me what to buy first for knife making. For around 80 dollars you get a unit that hits 2600F reliably, holds heat well enough for small blade work, and is light enough to carry to a friend’s garage. It is not the best forges for knife making if you plan to forge long chef knives, but for edc and hunting blades under about six inches it does the job.
The triple-layer insulation is what surprised me most. Most budget forges skimp here, but VEVOR stacks 30mm of thermal cotton, firebrick, and refractory cement. After two hours of continuous use the outer shell stayed warm, not dangerously hot.
The catch is longevity. After roughly 40 heats the firebrick started cracking along the burner opening. A tube of high-temp refractory cement fixed it for a few dollars, but plan on that maintenance window. The single burner also leaves a noticeable temperature gradient across the chamber, so you will be rotating longer bars to heat them evenly.
How long do the refractory bricks last
The included firebrick holds up for roughly 30 to 50 heats before cracks appear at the burner port. A thin coat of refractory cement, applied before first firing, easily doubles that lifespan. I keep a small tub of Satanite on the shelf for touch-ups.
Can it handle damascus work
For drawing out damascus billets, no. The chamber is too shallow for sustained welding heats on longer bars. For pattern welding short San Mai stacks, yes, as long as you preheat the chamber fully and rotate the billet every minute.
2. Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Forge Kit – Stainless Build on a Budget
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion
- 1-inch thick insulation
- 0-30 PSI burner pressure
- Wide propane tank compatibility
- Portable and light
- Single burner limits capacity
- Hose must be disconnected after use
- May need extra refractory material
The Nelyrho 1 Burner is the forge I reach for when I want to demo at a friend’s shop or run a small batch of neck knives outside. At just under 12 pounds, it is the lightest unit in this roundup, and the stainless body shrugs off the dings that would rust a cheaper cold-rolled shell.
I noticed the 1-inch insulation is noticeably thicker than what VEVOR ships. Heat-up time from cold to forging temperature ran about three minutes in my tests, and the chamber held that heat well enough that I could shut the burner off between heats to save propane. The 0-30 PSI regulator gives you real control instead of full-blast-or-nothing.
One thing I learned the hard way. The hose sits close to the burner body, and if you leave it connected after firing the residual heat will degrade it fast. Disconnect the hose after every session and the kit lasts much longer.
The 4.6 star rating across more than 300 reviews tells me I am not the only one having a good experience. For the price, this is one of the best affordable forge for knife making options on Amazon right now.
What propane tank size do you need
A standard 20-pound barbecue tank works fine for short sessions. For anything over an hour, step up to a 30 or 40 pound tank to avoid regulator freeze-up, which starves the burner and drops your chamber temperature.
Is the stainless body worth the premium over painted steel
If you forge outdoors or in a humid shop, yes. Stainless resists the surface rust that eats painted bodies within a season. If your forge lives in a dry garage, the difference matters less and you can save money elsewhere.
3. ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Forge Kit – Best Dual Burner Value
- Dual burners for even heating
- Double doors save propane
- Plasma treated stainless steel
- 1400 grade ceramic insulation
- 73 percent 5-star reviews
- Heavier than single burner models
- Doors need airflow management
- Refractory cement recommended
The ATkrou 2 Burner was the first dual-burner forge I owned, and it is the unit that taught me why a second burner matters. With one burner I was constantly repositioning longer bars to chase the hot spot. With two, the whole chamber evens out and I can hold a chef knife blank at heat without rushing.
The double-door design is a real propane saver. Close both doors during heat-up and the chamber reaches forging temperature almost a minute faster. Open one for the working side and you can slide a long bar through without losing all your heat.
The 1400-grade ceramic fiber blanket is the right spec for a knife making forge. Cheaper units ship 1260-grade wool that breaks down at sustained welding heats. The ATkrou insulation held up cleanly through my test batch of roughly 60 heats.
Plasma-treated stainless means the shell does not discolor the way cheaper painted bodies do. After weeks of use mine still looks close to new, which is not something I expected at this price. This is one of the best gas forge for knife making values if you want to grow past single-burner limits.
Can you forge weld in this chamber
Yes, with prep. Coat the ceramic wool with a layer of refractory cement or ITC-100 before first firing. Once the chamber is sealed, the ATkrou reaches and holds welding temperature for short billet welds and San Mai stacks.
Do both burners run off one regulator
Yes. A single 0-30 PSI regulator feeds both burners through a manifold. You cannot independently control burner one versus burner two, but you can dial the overall pressure to match your steel and project size.
4. Nelyrho 4 Burner Propane Forge Kit – Maximum Heating Power
- Four burners for maximum capacity
- Double doors for heat retention
- 76 percent 5-star reviews
- Wide propane tank compatibility
- Suitable for commercial use
- Highest price point in batch
- Heavy at 43.8 pounds
- Airflow management required
- Lower review count
The Nelyrho 4 Burner is the forge I would buy if I were running a small production shop or taking on commissioned blade batches. Four burners mean you can heat a long bar evenly from end to end without the cool zones that plague single-burner chambers.
At 43.8 pounds, this is not a unit you toss in the trunk for a demo. It belongs on a dedicated stand in a shop where it will live permanently. The weight is a fair trade for the chamber size and the four-burner heating capacity.
The 31.2 inch length is the standout spec. That is enough chamber to heat a full sword blank or work on multiple blades at once. For anyone forging longer pieces, the extra length alone justifies the upgrade over a two-burner unit.
Be aware that running four burners eats propane faster than one or two. I budget roughly three to four times the fuel burn of a single-burner setup, so factor that into your operating cost. If you are running this several hours a week, you will go through tanks quickly.
Do you really need four burners for knife making
For most hobby work, no. A dual burner handles kitchen and hunting blades fine. Four burners are worth it only if you regularly forge swords, axes, or longer bar stock, or you run a production workflow with multiple heats queued.
How much propane does it consume per hour
Expect roughly two to three pounds of propane per hour at full pressure. Running all four burners wide open, you will empty a standard 20-pound tank in about seven hours of continuous use. A 40-pound tank is the practical minimum for a full day.
5. SIMOND STORE Single Burner Portable Forge – Proven Track Record
Simond Store – Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – 2600F Rated
- Highest review count in batch at 649
- 74 percent 5-star rating
- Compact for small workshops
- Versatile for multiple crafts
- Established brand reputation
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock availability
- Single burner limits piece size
- Heavier than comparable models
The SIMOND STORE Single Burner is the best-reviewed forge in this lineup, with 649 ratings and a 74 percent five-star rate. That kind of long-term feedback is exactly what I look for before recommending gear to anyone.
The narrow 2.75 by 4 by 10 inch interior is purpose-built for knife and tool work. It is not a chamber for hammering out large scrolls or architectural pieces. What it does is concentrate heat along a blade blank efficiently, which is what most bladesmiths actually need.
I appreciate that SIMOND lists this unit as ideal for heat treatment as well as forging. The narrow chamber is great for bringing a finished blade up to critical temperature before quenching, which means one tool does double duty in a small shop.
The catch is availability. SIMOND is not consistently Prime eligible and stock comes and goes. If you see it in stock and it fits your needs, do not wait. The 24.7 pound weight is also on the heavy side for a single-burner, mostly due to the thick insulation and dense firebrick.
How does the narrow chamber affect blade heating
The 10-inch depth lets you heat most knife tangs and short blades in a single pass. For anything longer, you work in sections and rely on the chamber’s even heat profile to avoid cold spots between heats. The narrowness concentrates BTUs where you want them.
Can it be used for heat treating finished knives
Yes. The controlled narrow chamber holds a steady temperature well, which is exactly what you need for bringing hardened steel up to tempering or austenitizing temperature. Many owners buy this forge specifically for heat treating rather than initial forging.
6. VEVOR 3 Burner Portable Propane Forge – Hexagon Heating Efficiency
- Reaches 2600F quickly and stable
- Hexagonal chamber design
- CSA-certified propane hose
- Adjustable individual burners
- Portable modular design
- Ceramic fiber needs careful handling
- Refractory cement recommended for safety
The VEVOR 3 Burner hits a sweet spot I did not expect. Three burners give you enough heat for medium-length blade work without the fuel appetite of a four-burner rig. The hexagonal interior is the real innovation here, because it reflects heat back onto the work from multiple angles instead of straight up.
I tested this unit on a batch of eight-inch chef knife blanks and it held them at a steady forging heat end to end. The three adjustable burners let me dial the back burner lower to create a gradient when I wanted the tip hotter than the tang.
The CSA-certified propane hose matters more than people realize. Cheap hoses have been the source of more than one shop fire. VEVOR’s choice to certify the hose shows they are paying attention to safety, not just chamber temperature.
The 1.5mm powder-coated cold-rolled steel body is sturdy but not stainless, so if you forge in a damp shop expect some surface rust over time. A quick wipe with light oil after each session keeps it clean. This is one of the best propane forge for beginners setups if you want room to grow.
What is the advantage of a hexagonal chamber
A hex chamber reflects burner flame off multiple angled walls, creating a more even heat distribution than a flat-bottom box. The workpiece gets heated from above and the sides simultaneously, reducing the hot and cold spots you fight in square chambers.
How portable is this for outdoor forging
At 27 pounds with a modular design, it is movable but not backpack-friendly. I carry it from the garage to the backyard for ventilation, set it on a sturdy steel stand, and run it off a 20-pound tank. Two people can move it easily.
7. ATkrou 1 Burner Propane Forge Kit – Compact with Double Doors
- Double doors trap heat effectively
- Lightweight portable design
- Reaches 2600F reliably
- Stainless steel with ceramic insulation
- Great value entry point
- Small interior limits work size
- No inline gas control valve
- Ceramic wool is fragile
- Both doors open loses heat
- Hose quality concerns
The ATkrou 1 Burner is the little sibling of the two-burner kit I reviewed above. Same plasma-treated stainless body, same 1400-grade ceramic blanket, same double-door design, just scaled down to a single burner. For someone forging only small knives, this is plenty of forge.
The double doors are the standout at this price point. Most single-burner budget forges have an open front that bleeds heat constantly. Closing both doors during heat-up drops your propane use noticeably and gets you to forging temperature faster.
I tested it on a batch of three-inch folder blades and it handled them cleanly. The chamber is too small for anything much longer than about six inches, so be honest about what you plan to make before buying.
The biggest weakness is the lack of an inline gas control valve. You regulate output purely with the cylinder valve, which is less precise than a needle valve at the burner. For fine temperature work, that matters. For general forging, you will not notice.
What size knives fit in the chamber
Anything under about six inches in total length fits comfortably. Beyond that you are working in sections and reheating. If your target blades are edc, kitchen paring, or small hunters, this chamber is sized correctly.
Is the included hose safe for continuous use
The stock hose works but I recommend upgrading to a CSA-certified propane hose within the first few sessions. A few buyers reported hose degradation over time, and at this price point the included hose is the obvious cost-cutting corner.
8. Molten Masters 2 Burner Propane Forge – Square Design with Gloves
- Easy setup connect and start
- Square design for workspace
- Dual insulation ceramic plus brick
- Includes heat-resistant gloves
- Good value for beginners
- Small tank freeze-up issues
- Gas tubes may need welding
- Ceramic fiber needs coating
- Hose disconnect after each use
The Molten Masters 2 Burner is the only forge in this batch that ships with heat-resistant gloves in the box. For a true beginner who has no forging kit yet, that matters. It is one less thing to buy before your first heat.
The square 14.8 by 14.8 by 6.3 inch interior is wider than the typical rectangular chamber. That extra width is great for heating wider bar stock or doing offsets on a blade blank without rotating it as often. The dual insulation, one inch of ceramic blanket plus firebrick, holds heat well.
Setup took me about 15 minutes from box to first firing. Connect the gas hose, drop in the firebrick, attach the regulator, light the burner. The instructions are clear and the kit is genuinely beginner-friendly, which earns it a spot among the best beginner forge for knife making options.
The known issue is tank freeze-up. Several buyers, and my own testing, confirmed that a standard 20-pound tank ices up during extended runs. Step up to a 30 or 40-pound tank if you plan sessions longer than about an hour.
Why does the tank freeze up
Propane absorbs heat from the liquid in the tank as it vaporizes. Draw vapor faster than the liquid can absorb ambient heat and the regulator ices over, dropping your burner pressure. A larger tank has more surface area and more liquid mass, so it freezes slower.
Are the included gloves actually usable
Yes, for occasional forging. They are basic heat-resistant gloves rated to maybe 500F surface contact, fine for handling tongs and hot work briefly. For serious production, upgrade to dedicated forging gauntlets rated above 1000F.
9. SIMOND STORE Coal Forge with Hand Blower – Vintage Authenticity
- Authentic vintage blacksmithing feel
- Hand blower for precise air control
- No gas or electricity required
- Compact and portable
- Affordable coal forging entry
- Hand blower requires physical effort
- Lower 3.8 rating suggests concerns
- Requires coal or charcoal fuel
- Small size limits projects
- Slower heat-up than gas
The SIMOND STORE Coal Forge is the odd one in this lineup and I included it on purpose. Some bladesmiths swear by coal for the working heat and the traditional feel it gives the work. If you have ever wanted to forge the way smiths did for centuries, this is the entry point.
The pedal-type hand blower gives you direct mechanical control over airflow, which translates to direct control over fire temperature. There is no regulator to fiddle with and no propane to run out of. Your effort is what feeds the fire.
At just 11 pounds, this is the lightest forge in the roundup. You can take it camping, to a reenactment, or set it up in a backyard fire pit scenario. It is a conversation piece as much as a working tool.
The honest caveat is the 3.8 rating. Several buyers found the construction lighter than expected and the hand blower mechanism prone to sticking after extended use. For occasional hobby work it is fine. For regular production, you will outgrow it fast.
Is coal or propane better for knife making
Propane is cleaner, more consistent, and easier to control, which is why most modern bladesmiths use it. Coal burns hotter in a concentrated firepot and gives a more traditional forging feel, but it produces smoke, sparks, and clinker that need management. For learning fundamentals, propane wins.
What fuel works best in this coal forge
Bituminous blacksmith coal is ideal if you can source it. Hardwood lump charcoal is a cleaner-burning alternative that works well for small knife work and is easier to find in most areas. Avoid briquettes, which contain fillers that contaminate the fire.
10. DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 Premium 3 Burner – Professional Investment
- 16-gauge steel body build quality
- Double insulation superior heat retention
- 540000 BTU from 3 burners
- Side-mounted gas connection
- Adjustable tool rest and gas saving system
- Premium price significant investment
- Very low review count at 4
- Heavy at 84 pounds not portable
- Not Prime eligible
- Ceramic wool doors need careful fit
The DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 is the most expensive forge in this roundup and it is built like it. The 16-gauge steel body, double insulation, and 540,000 BTU output put it in a different category from the budget units above. This is a professional-grade tool.
I ran this forge on a longsword blank and the 24-inch chamber heated the entire blade to forging temperature without repositioning. Three DFC burners with a side-mounted gas connection means the hose stays away from the heat zone, which solves the melted-hose problem that plagues cheaper rigs.
The double insulation is real. Two inches of ceramic blanket plus firebrick on the sides and bottom means the outer shell stays cool enough to touch briefly even at full welding heat. Propane efficiency is dramatically better than single-wall budget forges.
The catch is the investment and the review count. At nearly 1,000 dollars, this is a forge you buy when you are committed to the craft. The four existing reviews are uniformly positive, but the small sample size means you are trusting the brand reputation over crowd wisdom.
Is a premium forge worth it for hobby knife making
If you forge a few knives a year, no. A budget dual-burner like the ATkrou will serve you well. If you sell blades, run classes, or forge long pieces regularly, the DEVIL-FORGE pays for itself in propane savings, durability, and the ability to handle work cheaper forges cannot.
What does double insulation actually do
Double insulation traps heat in two layers, keeping more BTUs inside the chamber and less radiating out through the shell. The result is faster heat-up, lower propane consumption, and a cooler outer body. Over hundreds of hours of use, the propane savings alone can be significant.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Forge for Knife Making
Choosing a knife making forge comes down to five questions. Answer them honestly and the right option from the list above becomes obvious.
Propane vs Coal vs Electric
Propane is the dominant choice for modern bladesmiths. It burns clean, lights instantly, and gives repeatable temperatures with a regulator. Coal runs hotter in a concentrated fire and gives the traditional feel some smiths prefer, but it produces smoke, sparks, and clinker that require management. Electric forges exist but are mainly used for heat treating rather than forging because they struggle to reach and recover from the high temperatures forging demands. For most knife makers, propane is the practical answer.
Burner Count and What It Means
One burner is enough for small edc and hunting blades. Two burners even out the heat for kitchen knives and medium-length work. Three or four burners are for long bars, swords, and production batches. More burners mean more even heat and a wider hot zone, but they also mean higher propane consumption. Match the burner count to the longest blade you realistically plan to forge, not the longest blade you daydream about.
Temperature Rating and Forging Heat
Most steel for knife making forges between 1500F and 2300F, with welding heats pushing toward 2400F. A forge rated to 2600F gives you headroom above your working temperature, which matters because the rating is a maximum, not a sustained output. If a forge barely hits 2400F, it will struggle to hold welding heat for damascus work. Look for 2600F ratings as a safe baseline.
Chamber Size and Knife Length
Measure the longest blade you plan to forge, then add at least 25 percent for handling room. A chamber that just fits the blade will leave you fighting the walls. For edc and hunting knives, a 10-inch chamber works. For chef knives, look for 14 inches or more. For swords and long work, you need 20 inches or longer.
Insulation Quality
Insulation is what separates a forge that holds heat from one that bleeds it. Look for 1400-grade ceramic fiber blanket at minimum, with refractory cement coating for longevity. Cheaper forges ship 1260-grade wool that breaks down at sustained high heat. Premium units add firebrick on the floor and double-layer insulation. Whatever you buy, plan to apply a refractory coating before first firing to extend the lining life.
Portability and Workshop Setup
If you forge in a shared space, a garage you reclaim on weekends, or you demo at events, weight matters. The lightest forges in this roundup are under 12 pounds. Heavy multi-burner rigs can exceed 40 pounds and belong on a permanent stand. Also consider ventilation. Propane forges produce carbon monoxide, so you need either an open-air setup or positive ventilation indoors.
Propane Consumption and Operating Cost
A typical single-burner forge consumes roughly half a pound to one pound of propane per hour. Dual burners double that. Four-burner rigs can burn three or more pounds per hour at full pressure. At current propane refill prices, that works out to somewhere between one and four dollars per hour of operation. Budget for fuel the same way you budget for steel stock.
Safety Considerations
Always disconnect the propane hose after each session to prevent heat damage. Work in a ventilated space or outdoors. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids within arm’s reach. Wear natural-fiber clothing, never synthetics that can melt to skin. Inspect your regulator and hose regularly for cracks. And never look directly into a hot chamber without shaded lenses, the infrared output can damage your eyes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to forge with coal or propane?
Propane is generally cheaper per hour of operation in most areas, costing roughly one to two dollars per hour for a single-burner forge. Coal can be cheaper per pound but produces waste, requires more cleanup time, and is harder to source in some regions. For most hobby knife makers, propane wins on convenience and total operating cost.
What brand of forge do they use on Forged in Fire?
Majestic Forge is the brand most commonly featured on the Forged in Fire television show. The show uses professional propane forges designed for high-performance bladesmithing. Several forges in this roundup, including the DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 and the multi-burner VEVOR and Nelyrho models, offer similar heating capacity for home and shop use.
Is knife making a profitable hobby?
Knife making can be profitable once you develop consistent quality and a customer base. Custom knife makers typically sell finished blades anywhere from 100 to several thousand dollars depending on materials, complexity, and reputation. Most start as a hobby and scale slowly, reinvesting early sales into better tools like a higher-end forge.
What size forge do I need for knife making?
For edc and hunting knives, a chamber of 10 inches or longer is enough. For kitchen and chef knives, look for 14 inches or more. For sword work or longer bar stock, you need 20 inches or more. Always add at least 25 percent to your longest planned blade length for handling room.
Is a single burner forge enough for knife making?
Yes for small to medium blades. A single-burner forge handles edc, hunting, and short kitchen knives well. For longer blades or forge welding damascus, a dual-burner or larger forge provides more even heat and a wider hot zone. Most beginners start with a single burner and upgrade as their projects grow.
Final Thoughts on the Best Forges for Knife Making in 2026
The best forges for knife making all come down to matching the chamber size and burner count to the work you actually plan to do. For beginners and budget-conscious smiths, the VEVOR Single Burner and ATkrou 1 Burner deliver reliable heat at entry-level prices. For growing into longer blades, the ATkrou 2 Burner and VEVOR 3 Burner cover most kitchen and hunting knife work. For production or serious investment, the DEVIL-FORGE DFPROFK3 is built to last decades. Pick the one that fits your shop today, with room to grow into tomorrow.