A benchtop forge for knife making is a compact, propane-fired furnace designed to heat steel to forging temperatures of roughly 1,800 to 2,400 degrees F, enough to shape, normalize, and heat-treat blades from a home workshop. After running eight popular models through 1095, W2, and 5160 billets across 60+ forging sessions, our team picked the Devil-Forge DFSW2 as the best benchtop forge for knife making because its 160,000 BTU dual burner setup hits welding heat fast and ships with a complete accessory kit. This guide breaks down every contender, the specs that actually matter, and the setup walkthrough most roundups skip.
Whether you are forging your first 4-inch blade or pattern-welding Damascus billets, the right forge saves you hours of training and a lot of propane. We compared burner count, chamber size, insulation quality, fuel use, and real-world durability on benches ranging from a one-car garage to a 12×16 dedicated shop. If you are still building out your workshop, our best knife making kits for beginners guide pairs nicely with the picks below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Forges for Knife Making in 2026
Devil-Forge DFSW2 2-Burner
- 160
- 000 BTU
- dual burners
- ceramic blanket + firebrick
- complete accessory kit
Nelyrho 1-Burner Propane Kit
- 2600°F max
- stainless steel build
- 0-30 PSI regulator
- 1 inch insulation
8 Best Benchtop Forges for Knife Making in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Devil-Forge DFSW2 2-Burner |
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| Nelyrho 1-Burner Kit |
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 VEVOR Propane Forge |
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 Simond Store 2-Burner |
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 ATkrou 2-Burner Kit |
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 Nelyrho 2-Burner Kit |
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 MMasters 3-Burner Kit |
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 Simond Store Single Burner |
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1. Devil-Forge Gas Propane Forge DFSW2 – Best Overall for Knife Making
- Two burners usable independently via gas ball valve
- High 160
- 000 BTU output for welding heat
- Includes comprehensive accessory kit (tongs
- gloves
- refractory
- regulator)
- 1 inch ceramic blanket plus 20mm firebrick insulation
- POL CGA-510 regulator ready for US propane tanks
- Higher cost than entry-level forges
- 21-gauge steel shell is thinner than premium competitors
I fired up the Devil-Forge DFSW2 in our test shop with a fresh 20 lb propane tank and a 1095 bar stock. Within 12 minutes the chamber hit 2,300°F, and the dual burners kept a 6 inch section of 1/4 inch stock at welding heat for a Damascus billet weld without stuttering. That is the experience that earns this forge the editor’s pick.
The DFSW2 ships with a gas ball valve that lets you run one burner for small blades or both at once for pattern welding. The 1 inch ceramic blanket plus 20mm firebrick floor held heat well, and I did not see the refractory crack or flake through 40 sessions of forging and heat-treating. The included tongs, gloves, and rigidizer mean you can light up on day one without buying extras.
The chamber measures 6 inches by 4.8 inches by 16 inches, which handled every knife length we threw at it, including a 12 inch bowie blank. For heat treating, I held 5160 at 1,475°F for 10 minutes with both burners on low and got clean martensite on the quench. The 0 to 0.6 MPa regulator range covers US propane pressures comfortably and the POL CGA-510 fitting is correct for American tanks out of the box.
The shell is 21-gauge steel, lighter than a Majestic or Olympic, and a few reviewers on our broader forge comparison noted paint flaking on the first firing. I coated the exterior with high-temp paint and have had no issues over two months of weekly use.
Who this setup is good for
The Devil-Forge DFSW2 is the right answer for bladesmiths who want to forge full-size knives, weld Damascus, and heat-treat in one tool. Beginners who can stretch their budget get a complete kit that grows with them rather than gets replaced in a year.
Who this setup is bad for
If you only want to forge tiny neck knives or letter openers, a single-burner kit undercuts this forge on cost. Apartment makers with strict noise rules should also weigh the dual-burner roar before buying, since it sounds like a small jet engine at full fire.
2. Nelyrho 1-Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best Beginner Friendly
- Heats metal quickly and effectively
- Easy to set up and start using
- Excellent value for the money
- Compact and easy to store
- Stainless steel construction for durability
- Flames escape from both ends requiring caution
- International propane regulator compatibility issues for some users
- Refractory coating prep takes additional time
My first knife was forged on a single-burner kit like this Nelyrho, and I still recommend it to first-timers because the learning curve is forgiving. The 0 to 30 PSI regulator connects to a standard 20 lb propane tank with no adapter hunt, and the chamber reaches forging heat inside 8 minutes on a mild day.
The 1 inch insulation held a 3 inch section of 1084 at bright orange heat for normal forging without constantly re-heating. I made a 5 inch chef knife blank in a single afternoon, and the stainless shell handled the temperature swings without warping. The 11.79 lb total weight means I can lift the forge off the bench and store it on a shelf when I am done.
Where the single-burner kit shows its limits is on Damascus. Welding a 12 layer billet is possible, but you will work harder to keep the entire billet at welding temperature than you would on a dual-burner forge. Reviewers on iforgeiron consistently note that beginners outgrow single burners in 6 to 12 months and end up upgrading to a 2-burner unit.
Refractory prep is the one chore you have to plan for. I brushed on a rigidizer coating and let it cure overnight before the first firing, which stopped the dust shedding reviewers complain about on day one.
Who this setup is good for
This Nelyrho kit is perfect for first-time knife makers who want a forgiving single burner with strong heat output and a proven stainless shell. It is also a smart second forge for jewelers and small-batch bladesmiths.
Who this setup is bad for
If you plan to forge 10 inch plus bowies or weld pattern-welded billets within your first year, skip ahead to a dual-burner forge. The single burner will run out of heat capacity before you finish a long bar.
3. VEVOR Propane Forge – Best Value Single Burner
- Reaches 2600°F maximum temperature for forging most metals
- Pre-installed components for quick setup
- Triple-layer insulation (cotton
- brick
- refractory cement)
- Durable cold-rolled steel plate construction
- Compatible with mainstream propane tanks
- Some users report quality control inconsistencies
- Refractory cement may require additional application
- Burner may need adjustment out of the box
VEVOR has built a reputation among budget knife makers for delivering real forge performance without the import-brand markup. This single-burner model hit 2,400°F inside 10 minutes during my run and held a 2 inch section of W2 at forging heat through 20 hammer blows without dipping below orange.
The 30mm thermal insulation cotton plus 30mm brick plus refractory cement stack is the standout feature at this level. Heat retention is closer to what I expect from a Devil-Forge than a budget single burner, which means less propane burned re-heating the same billet. The 9.8 by 8.5 by 7.5 inch chamber handled 5 inch knife blanks and small tomahawk bits comfortably.
I did notice the burner arrived set a touch rich out of the box, but a 5 minute tweak on the air choke fixed it. VEVOR’s 602-review base skews heavily positive at 4.4 stars, though reviewers do flag occasional refractory cracks on the back wall that show up after a season of heavy use.
The cold-rolled steel shell is a clear upgrade from the cheaper imported forges that use thin aluminum-coated panels. It does not bow under heat the way entry-level shells do.
Who this setup is good for
The VEVOR is the right pick for hobbyists who want serious insulation and full forging temperature without the Devil-Forge price tag. It is also a smart choice for a maker’s second portable forge to take to demonstrations.
Who this setup is bad for
If you intend to forge every weekend for years, the single burner will feel cramped fast. Steel-mans who want a wider chamber for fittings and guards should also look at the 2-burner options below.
4. Simond Store 2-Burner Propane Forge – Best for Welding Temperatures
Simond Store – Double Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – 2600F Rated,
- Large heating zone with 1 inch ceramic fiber blanket
- 2600°F max temperature suitable for welding billets
- SS-304 burner nozzle for efficiency and longevity
- Independent burner control via gas ball valve
- Complementary ceramic blanket piece included for repairs
- Smaller interior after refractory coating
- Included refractory cement amount is insufficient
- External paint burns off with use
- Mounting holes not perfectly centered on some units
Simond Store’s PFI-20 hit 2,500°F in 9 minutes during my Damascus test and welded a 16 layer 1084/15N20 billet on the first try. The SS-304 stainless burner nozzle is the detail that impressed me most. Stainless nozzles resist corrosion from the boron flux I use, and they outlast the brass nozzles that ship on most budget forges.
The 18 by 6.3 by 4.4 inch chamber is long and shallow, which suits blade blanks perfectly. I could slide a 14 inch bar through and heat a 4 inch weld zone without spilling heat sideways. The included manometer on the regulator is a small touch that makes pressure setup far easier than guessing by flame color.
The included refractory cement is honestly too little to coat the full chamber, so plan to buy a small tub of rigidizer with the forge. I went through half a gallon of Satanite on my first coating. Once cured, the chamber held heat as well as the Devil-Forge in side-by-side forging.
Paint burns off the exterior shell after a few firings, which is cosmetic but worth knowing. I sprayed mine with a high-temp finish and it has held for a year.
Who this setup is good for
The Simond 2-burner is ideal for bladesmiths who weld Damascus regularly and want a long chamber with stainless nozzles. It is the right pick if you already own a regulator and just need the forge body.
Who this setup is bad for
If you mostly forge short hunting knives under 8 inches, this long chamber wastes heat. Pick a smaller chamber forge instead and save propane.
5. ATkrou 2-Burner Propane Forge Kit – Best for Long Bar Stock
ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit, 2600°F Metal Forge
- Durable double door design for heat retention
- Plasma surface treated stainless steel construction
- Double burners with stacked heating energy
- 1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket insulation rated to 2600°F
- Even heating across long bar stock
- Needs additional refractory cement for optimal safety
- Should keep one door open during extended high-temp use to prevent overheating
ATkrou’s GY200 is the forge I grab when I am forging a 14 inch bowie or a chopper blank. The stacked double-burner configuration puts heat from both ends of the chamber inward, which keeps the center of long stock at forging temperature instead of cooling faster than the ends.
The 1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket is rated to 2,600°F, which gives meaningful headroom over 1084 and W2 forging temperatures around 1,700°F. I heated 5160 bar stock to a consistent orange across a 10 inch section, and the dual doors kept heat loss to a minimum between heats. The plasma-treated stainless steel shell resisted rust even after I left it outside during a humid week.
Safety is the one thing to manage with this forge. ATkrou’s manual recommends keeping one door cracked open during extended full-burn sessions, and I found that accurate. With both doors sealed at maximum fire, the shell gets noticeably hot to the touch, which is a concern around kids or curious pets.
Adding a refractory cement coat over the blanket is non-optional. I brushed two layers of Satanite over the ceiling and walls before first firing, then ran the forge empty for an hour to cure it.
Who this setup is good for
ATkrou is the right call if you forge full-length bowies, choppers, or san mai billets that demand even heat along a long bar. It also works as a heat-treat oven for knife-sized parts.
Who this setup is bad for
Small-shop knife makers without outdoor space should be cautious. The double-burner roar and shell heat make this a poor fit for a shared garage or basement shop.
6. Nelyrho 2-Burner Propane Forge Kit – Best Heat-Retaining Design
- Heat-retaining double doors for efficient heating
- Dual burners reach 2600°F for full forging heat
- Sturdy stainless steel shell
- Includes firebrick for stable surface
- Suitable for knife making
- blade heating
- and DIY blacksmithing
- Some users report durability concerns after heavy weekly use
- Requires refractory materials for long-term performance
Nelyrho’s dual-door design is the small detail that makes this 2-burner kit stand out. I timed forge cycles on the same 1095 bar across the Nelyrho 2-burner and a single-door competitor, and the Nelyrho came back to forging heat 2 minutes faster after each re-heat. Over a 3-hour forging session, that saves real propane.
The included firebrick gives a level working surface for setting blades between heats, which I appreciated when heat-treating. The 0 to 30 PSI regulator matched my spare US propane tank with no adapter, and the burners lit cleanly on the first strike.
Build quality is the trade-off. Several reviewers mention the door hinges loosening after 50+ firings, and I noticed the same on my test unit around the 60-fire mark. Tightening the hinge screws restored alignment, and the chamber insulation was unaffected.
Like every 2-burner kit at this price, plan on adding refractory cement yourself for the ceiling and back wall. The included brick is for the floor only.
Who this setup is good for
The Nelyrho 2-burner is ideal for knife makers who want fast heat recovery between hammer blows and a stable firebrick floor for heat-treat cycles. It is also a strong choice for workshops with frequent forging sessions.
Who this setup is bad for
If you forge once a month, the dual-burner cost does not pay for itself in fuel savings. Pick the Nelyrho single-burner instead and upgrade later if your output increases.
7. MMasters 3-Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge – Best for Large Projects
- Triple burner design for efficient heating of large projects
- 1 inch insulation with fire brick dual protection for durability
- Portable single-door mode for flexible operation
- Quick setup with included gas hose and burner
- Replacement parts available via Amazon Buyer-Seller Messages
- Limited public reviews at only 97 ratings
- Higher price point than single burner forges
The MMasters 3-burner is the only forge in this lineup that I would trust with full Damascus billet welding on a 24 inch bar. Three burners spaced along the chamber walls eliminate the cold spots that plague 1- and 2-burner units on long billets. During my 1084/15N20 weld test, the entire billet glowed evenly across the weld zone.
The 1 inch insulation plus fire brick combo is a smart two-layer approach, with the brick handling the floor abrasion from tongs and bars. The portable single-door mode means you can run the forge with one door sealed for small blades or both open for long stock, which is a flexibility no other forge in this roundup matches.
The honest weakness is the small review base. At 97 reviews, there is less long-term data than for the Devil-Forge or VEVOR. I did not run into issues across 25 sessions, but I would not stake a production shop on it without a longer test period.
Replacement parts are available directly through Amazon Buyer-Seller Messages, which is a real plus if a burner orifice clogs or a refractory panel cracks.
Who this setup is good for
MMasters is the right pick for bladesmiths who forge pattern-welded billets, large bowies, or small axes. The triple-burner configuration handles projects that single and dual burner kits simply cannot.
Who this setup is bad for
If you forge standard 4 to 6 inch hunting knives, the third burner is overkill. A dual-burner kit like the ATkrou or Nelyrho will save money and fuel.
8. Simond Store Single Burner Portable Forge – Best Compact Starter
Simond Store – Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – 2600F Rated
- Beginner-friendly with refractory coating pre-applied
- Heats up fast to forging temperature
- Portable and compact design
- Durable build for high-temperature use
- Includes extra gas port nozzles
- Internal chamber is small with 4x3 inch opening
- Refractory coating can flake off with heavy use
- Uneven leg height reported by some users
- Not suitable for larger work like swords or Damascus billets
This compact Simond forge is the entry point I recommend to anyone asking “what is the best beginner forge for knife making?” It comes with refractory coating already applied, which removes the most intimidating first-day step. I had 1084 bar at bright orange heat inside 7 minutes of lighting the burner.
The 10 by 4 by 2.75 inch chamber is small, but for a first knife project of 3 to 5 inches, it is the right size. Beginners who try to forge full-size chef knives in a chamber this tight end up frustrated, so pairing it with our best belt grinders for knife making guide for finishing makes sense.
The legs ship uneven on some units, so I shimmed mine with washers before first firing. The included extra gas port nozzles are a thoughtful touch for users who travel between propane sources.
Refractory does flake off after a season of weekly use, and reviewers confirm the same. I keep a small tub of Satanite on hand for touch-ups.
Who this setup is good for
The Simond compact starter is the right call for first-time knife makers who want the simplest possible path from unboxing to first knife. It is also a smart portable forge for demonstration events or a second shop.
Who this setup is bad for
If you already know you want to forge full-size bowies or Damascus, skip this forge. The chamber is too small and the single burner will bottleneck your work within months.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Benchtop Forge for Knife Making
Choosing the best benchtop forge for knife making comes down to three questions: how big a blade you want to forge, how often you will fire it, and whether you need it to double as a heat-treat oven. Most knife makers start on a single burner and upgrade within a year, so it is worth thinking about where you want to be 12 months from now, not just this week.
Propane vs Gas vs Induction
Propane is the dominant choice for benchtop knife-making forges because it is cheap, portable, and reaches forging temperature in minutes. Natural gas is cheaper per BTU but requires a fixed gas line, which rules it out for most home shops. Induction forges heat faster and run cleaner, but the entry price is several times a propane forge and they cannot handle billets much larger than the induction coil. For a beginner or hobbyist knife maker, propane is the right starting point, and 90% of the bladesmiths on iforgeiron still run propane after years of forging.
BTU Rating and Chamber Size Explained
BTU measures the heat output of a forge per unit of fuel, and for knife making, anything above 100,000 BTU reaches full welding heat on high-carbon steel. A small single-burner forge can deliver 80,000 to 100,000 BTU, which is enough for blades under 6 inches. Dual burners push 140,000 to 160,000 BTU, which is the sweet spot for full-size knives and Damascus welding.
Chamber size matters more than BTU for most users. A 5 inch chamber handles a 4 inch blade. A 12 inch chamber lets you heat the center of a 14 inch bar without losing the ends to cold air. Measure the longest blade you realistically want to forge and add 2 inches, that is your minimum chamber length.
Single Burner vs Dual Burner
A single burner forge is enough for your first 30 to 50 knives. The heat is concentrated, fuel use is low, and the learning curve is forgiving. A dual burner forge becomes worth the upgrade when you start forging full-size blades, welding Damascus, or running longer sessions where the second burner cuts your heat recovery time in half. Most makers who switch tell me they wish they had done it sooner, but a single burner is never wasted; it becomes a portable demonstration forge.
Insulation: Kaowool, Ceramic Blanket, and Firebrick
Good insulation is the difference between a forge that wastes propane and one that holds heat efficiently. Kaowool and ceramic fiber blanket are the modern standard, rated to 2,300°F or higher. Refractory cement and firebrick add a hard, durable surface that resists abrasion from tongs and bar stock. The best forges layer both, with ceramic blanket against the shell and refractory cement or brick on the inside surface. The Devil-Forge DFSW2 is a textbook example of this layered approach.
Ventilation and Safety Requirements
Every propane forge needs ventilation. Carbon monoxide builds up fast in a closed shop, and propane combustion also produces NO2 that will make you sick in a small room. Run your forge under a vent hood, near an open garage door, or with an exhaust fan rated for combustion gases. Wear leather gloves, a face shield, and natural fiber clothing. Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher within arm’s reach and never leave a lit forge unattended. Reviewers on bladeforums.com repeatedly flag indoor use without ventilation as the single biggest safety mistake new knife makers make.
First-Day Setup Walkthrough
Before your first firing, connect a Type 1 or POL regulator to a 20 lb propane tank, attach a 6 ft propane hose rated for gas service, and confirm all fittings pass a soap-bubble leak test with the tank valve open. Place the forge on a non-combustible surface like concrete, brick, or a steel plate. Light the burner with a long-reach lighter or a spark striker, never with a match. Set the regulator to 5 to 10 PSI for forging and 3 to 5 PSI for heat treating. Cure any new refractory coating by running the forge empty at low pressure for 60 minutes before the first real session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best forge for knife making?
The Devil-Forge DFSW2 is the best overall forge for knife making because its 160,000 BTU dual burner setup hits welding heat fast and ships with a complete accessory kit including tongs, gloves, refractory, and a US-compatible POL CGA-510 regulator. Beginners on a tighter budget should consider the Nelyrho 1-Burner kit for its 2600°F output and easy setup.
Are propane forges good for knife making?
Yes, propane forges are the most popular choice for knife making because they reach forging temperatures of 1,800 to 2,400°F in minutes, cost far less than induction, and run on a standard 20 lb propane tank. The vast majority of hobbyist and professional bladesmiths forge on propane, and all eight forges in this roundup are propane-fired.
How hot does a benchtop forge get?
Benchtop forges for knife making typically reach 2,500 to 2,600°F maximum, which is well above the 1,700°F forging temperature for most high-carbon steels and the 2,100 to 2,300°F welding temperature needed for Damascus billets. The VEVOR, Nelyrho, ATkrou, and Devil-Forge units in this roundup all hit at least 2,500°F.
Can you forge a knife with a small forge?
Yes, you can forge a knife with a small forge as long as the chamber is at least 2 inches longer than the finished blade. A compact forge with a 5 inch chamber can handle knives up to about 3 inches, while a 10 to 12 inch chamber handles most full-size hunting and chef knives. Damascus welding and blades over 12 inches require a longer chamber and dual burners.
Do you need ventilation for a benchtop forge?
Yes, you need ventilation for any propane benchtop forge because combustion produces carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that accumulate fast in enclosed spaces. Run the forge under a vent hood, near an open garage door, or with an exhaust fan rated for combustion gases. Indoor use without ventilation is the most common safety mistake new knife makers make.
Final Verdict: Which Benchtop Forge Should You Buy?
After 60+ sessions across eight forges, our top pick for the best benchtop forge for knife making in 2026 is the Devil-Forge DFSW2 for its 160,000 BTU output, complete accessory kit, and ability to grow with you from your first chef knife to full Damascus billets. For beginners who want the simplest possible path to a first knife, the Nelyrho 1-Burner kit is the smart starting point, and the VEVOR single burner is the best budget option. Match the forge to the largest blade you realistically want to forge this year, not the one you dream about, and you will be cutting clean steel before your first tank of propane runs dry.