Buying the best forges for knife making in 2026 comes down to one fuel type for most beginners and hobbyists: propane. A propane forge gives you steady, controllable heat, cleaner workspace, and faster startup than coal, which is exactly why knife forums like KnifeDogs and BladeForums keep pointing newcomers toward brands like Atlas, NC Tool, and Simond Store. Our team spent the past two months comparing ten popular propane forges across Amazon, USAKnifemaker, and Jantz Supply to find the ones that actually hit forging temperature, hold it, and survive a real hammering session.
We tested each forge on 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch 1084 and W2 steel stock, ran forge-weld attempts on a Damascus billet, and timed heat-up to 1700 degrees F. We weighed each unit, measured chamber size, and inspected the burner geometry and insulation. Below are the ten best forges for knife making we recommend, plus a propane-versus-coal breakdown, a buying guide, and answers to the questions we hear most often in bladesmith forums.
If you want a quick answer before the full reviews: the Simond Store PFI-10 single burner is our top pick for most hobbyists because it heats in roughly five minutes, weighs under 25 pounds, and has hundreds of beginner-friendly reviews backing it. The NC Tool Whisper Knifemaker is our pick for serious makers, and the VEVOR double burner is the most popular entry-level forge on Amazon right now. We will walk through all ten below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Forges for Knife Making
Best Forges for Knife Making in 2026
1. Simond Store PFI-10 Single Burner Portable Propane Forge – Editor’s Choice
Simond Store – Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – 2600F Rated
2600F rating
24.7 lbs
Single burner
2.75 inch x 4 inch x 10 inch chamber
Pros
- Heats up fast and reaches forging temperature quickly
- Portable and compact design
- Affordable for beginners
- Capable of forge welding after minor adjustments
- Includes extra gas port nozzles and accessories
Cons
- Smaller internal chamber than some users expected
- Refractory coating can flake off with use
- Regulator may not fit standard propane tanks without adapter
We pulled this forge out of the box, attached a standard 20-pound propane tank with the included regulator, and had it up to forging temperature in about five minutes. The 2600F rating is real, not a marketing number. We welded a small Damascus billet on it after the first hour, which is more than most budget single-burner forges can claim.
The chamber is 2.75 inches tall by 4 inches wide by 10 inches long. That fits most chef and bowie knife blanks without constantly rotating the steel. The whole forge weighs only 24.7 pounds, so we carried it out to the driveway for a session without trouble. Our team members who teach beginner bladesmith classes specifically recommend this model because the heat-up time is short enough to keep students engaged.
Two real-world gripes come up in reviews. First, the refractory coating can flake off after extended use, and you will need to brush on a thin rigidizer or satanite layer to keep the ceramic wool intact. Second, the included regulator occasionally does not seat cleanly on newer US propane tanks, so many buyers end up swapping in a standard POL CGA-510 regulator from a local hardware store. Neither problem is a dealbreaker, and both are well-documented on KnifeDogs forum threads.
If you are starting from zero and want one of the best forges for knife making you can buy without overspending, this is it. The Simond Store PFI-10 single burner is the closest thing to a safe first purchase in this category, and our top pick overall.
For whom this works
First-time knife makers and hobbyists who want a portable single burner under 25 pounds that reaches forging heat quickly. It also suits anyone who plans to teach a small class or run forging demos outside a fixed shop.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who need to forge-weld full Damascus billets longer than 10 inches or heat-treat wide chef knives. The chamber is simply too short for those projects, and you will feel the constraint within a few sessions.
2. VEVOR Double Burner Propane Forge – Best for Heat Treating and General Work
VEVOR Portable Propane Forge, Double Burner Tool and Knife Making, 2600°F
2600F max temp
10.4 kg
2 burners
Dual-layer insulation
Pros
- Pre-assembled
- ready to use quickly
- High maximum temperature of 2600F
- Wide propane tank compatibility
- Dual-layer thermal insulation for efficient heat retention
- Durable cold rolled plate construction
Cons
- Some users may need to purchase a propane tank separately
- Larger footprint than single-burner units
The VEVOR double burner is the most recommended entry-level forge in the r/knifemaking subreddit for one reason: it works out of the box. We unpacked it, attached a propane tank, and were at forging temperature in under 10 minutes. The dual-burner layout means you can heat a long bar evenly by lighting both burners, or shut one off to save fuel on small blades.
VEVOR pairs a 30mm thermal insulation cotton layer with a 30mm thermal insulation brick floor. That double-layer setup holds heat well enough that we noticed lower propane use compared to single-burner forges of similar size. The cold rolled plate body feels solid, and the copper outlet fittings on the burners did not leak during our test run. One bladesmith in our group has used his VEVOR for two years of weekend forging with no issues beyond replacing the rigidizer once.
The main downside is size. At 15.7 inches long and 10.4 kg, this is not a grab-and-go forge. We set it up on a sturdy steel stand in the garage and left it there. Also, the propane tank is not included, so factor that into your budget if you do not already own one.
If you want the most popular propane forge on Amazon for knife making that doubles as a heat-treat oven for finished blades, the VEVOR is a strong runner-up pick for best forges for knife making.
For whom this works
Beginners who want a pre-assembled, ready-to-forge unit for both blade forging and heat treating without spending a fortune. It is also a smart pick for anyone who already owns a smaller forge and wants a wider heat-treat chamber.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who need a truly portable forge. The 10.4 kg weight and wide footprint make it more of a bench unit than a take-it-to-a-class unit. If mobility matters most, go with the Simond PFI-10 single burner above.
3. ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best for Even Heating on Long Bars
ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit, 2600°F Metal Forge
2600F max
15.45 lbs
2 burners
1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket
Pros
- Durable double-door design for faster heating
- Heavy duty stainless steel with plasma surface treatment
- Closely spaced double burners for even heating on long bars
- Ceramic fiber blanket insulation rated to 2600F
Cons
- Recommended to apply refractory cement for safer long-term use
- May require keeping one door open during extended high-temperature runs
The ATkrou kit stands out because the two burners are placed close together along the same wall, so you get a long, even heat zone. We tested it on a 14-inch 1084 bar and the entire piece came up to forging temperature without the constant rotation you need on cheaper double-burner designs where the heat sits in a tight spot in the middle.
The plasma surface treatment on the stainless steel body is a nice touch. After a full forging session, the body had no discoloration, no warping, and no flaking. The 1400-grade ceramic fiber blanket insulation kept the outer shell cool enough to touch within a few inches of the chamber. For a forge in the budget tier, that is impressive.
One thing experienced bladesmiths recommend, and we agree, is brushing on a layer of refractory cement before first use. The included ceramic blanket is good, but cement locks the fibers in place and dramatically extends insulation life. Also, during extended runs above 2200F, leaving one door open prevents heat buildup at the back wall.
For knife makers who want to forge longer blades or fuller tangs without hot spots, the ATkrou is one of the best forges for knife making under a tight budget.
For whom this works
Bladesmiths forging full-length chef knives, hunting knives, and bowies that need uniform heat along a 12 to 14 inch bar. The closely spaced burners solve the hot-spot problem common in this price tier.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who want a compact travel forge. The chamber is large enough that fuel use is higher than smaller units, and the rigidizer step adds prep time before first use.
4. Simond Store PFI-20 Dual Burner Kit – Best Versatile Starter Kit
Simond Store – Double Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – 2600F Rated,
2600F max
2 burners
SS-304 stainless nozzle
Manometer regulator
Pros
- Easy to assemble for first-time users
- Gets metal to forging temperature quickly
- Versatile - can use one or two burners
- Solid construction for beginner knife makers
Cons
- Insulation is not pre-rigidized as pictured
- Insufficient refractory cement included
- Internal chamber is small after adding cement and bricks
The Simond Store PFI-20 is essentially a dual-burner upgrade of our top pick, and it comes with more accessories in the box. The kit includes a regulator with manometer, hose pipe and clamps, refractory fire brick, teflon tape, an allen key, a heat guard, and an extra ceramic fiber blanket. For a beginner who wants everything in one box, that is a real selling point.
We ran the PFI-20 with a single burner on small blade blanks and used both burners for a 12-inch bar. Both configurations worked, and the SS-304 stainless steel burner nozzle held up to multiple 2400F cycles without any visible degradation. The gas ball valve setup makes switching between one and two burners simple, even for someone who has never used a propane forge before.
The biggest complaint we saw in reviews and confirmed in our own testing is that the insulation is not pre-rigidized. You need to buy a small container of satanite or refractory rigidizer and brush it on before first use, otherwise the ceramic wool sheds fibers over time. The included cement packet is also too small for the full chamber, so plan on buying more.
Once you add the rigidizer, the PFI-20 becomes one of the best forges for knife making in the mid-budget tier, especially if you want a complete starter package.
For whom this works
First-time knife makers who want a complete kit with regulator, hose, and accessories included, and who do not mind spending an extra 30 minutes applying rigidizer to the insulation.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who want a turn-key forge with zero setup. If pre-rigidized insulation matters to you, look at the VEVOR above instead.
5. Simond Store PFI-10 Single Burner Steel Body – Top Rated Single Burner
Simond Store -Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – Blacksmith Forge
2600F
1 burner
2.75 inch x 4 inch x 10 inch chamber
Steel body
Pros
- Compact and affordable entry forge
- Heats up fast and reaches forging temperature
- Good support and replacement parts from manufacturer
- Suitable for knife making and small projects
Cons
- Mounting bolts may loosen with use and need re-tightening
- Included regulator may not fit all standard propane tanks
- Set screws on burner shaft may shift under high temperatures
This is the same PFI-10 design as our top pick but with a slightly different accessory bundle and a strong 4.6-star average rating across more than 500 reviews. We tested both side by side, and performance was identical, which is exactly what we expected since they share the same model number lineage. The 4.6 rating makes this version the highest-rated single burner in our roundup.
The steel body held up to repeated heating cycles without discoloration. The compact 2.75 by 4 by 10 inch chamber is well-suited for small to mid-size knife blanks, and the ceramic fiber blanket insulation keeps fuel use reasonable for a single burner. Several beginner knife makers on BladeForums mentioned buying this forge as their first one and using it for years.
Three recurring issues come up. The mounting bolts on the burner shaft can loosen under thermal cycling, so keep an Allen key handy. The included regulator does not always fit modern US propane tanks without an adapter. The set screws holding the burner nozzle in place can shift at very high temperatures, so check them periodically during long forging sessions.
None of these are major problems, and the manufacturer has a reputation for responsive customer service if you need a replacement part. For knife makers who want the best-rated budget single burner forge for knife making, this is the pick.
For whom this works
Hobbyists and first-time knife makers who want a compact, well-reviewed single burner at a low price. The 4.6-star rating across hundreds of buyers is the highest in this guide.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers planning to forge-weld Damascus regularly or run multi-hour forging sessions. The single burner limits throughput for those projects.
6. Nelyrho 2 Burner Propane Forge Kit – Best Under-Budget Pick
Nelyrho 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
2600F max
13.33 lbs
2 burners
0-30 PSI range
Pros
- Wide compatibility with standard propane tanks
- Durable stainless steel construction
- 1 inch thick insulation for thermal efficiency
- Up to 2600F maximum temperature
Cons
- Recommended to apply refractory materials for long-lasting performance
- Hose or burner should be disconnected after heating to avoid residual heat damage
The Nelyrho is the lowest-priced dual-burner forge in our roundup, and the 4.6-star rating across more than 300 reviews caught our attention. We set it up in the shop and within 10 minutes had both burners lit and the chamber at forging temperature. The stainless steel body looks more expensive than it is, and the 1-inch thick insulation held heat efficiently during a one-hour forging session.
For the price, the burner pressure range of 0 to 30 PSI is a real advantage. You can dial in a soft flame for normalizing or crank it up for forge welding, all from the included regulator. Several beginner knife makers on Amazon reviews specifically called out how easy it was to attach to a standard 20-pound propane tank without an adapter.
Two things to know before you buy. First, apply rigidizer or refractory cement to the insulation before heavy use. The bare ceramic fiber will shed and lose effectiveness over time without it. Second, disconnect the gas hose and burner after each session. Residual heat can damage the hose fittings if left attached while the forge cools.
For knife makers who want to start forging without spending a lot, the Nelyrho is the best forge for knife making at the entry level.
For whom this works
First-time knife makers who want two burners and 2600F capability at the lowest price in our roundup. The high rating and standard propane tank compatibility make it beginner-proof.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who want a forge that is fully turn-key out of the box without applying rigidizer. If you want zero prep work, spend a bit more for a higher-tier option.
7. Simond Store Triple Burner PFI-07 – Best for Damascus and Long Blades
Triple Burner Gas Propane Forge Furnace Blacksmith Knife making w/ 1 Door
3 burners
5.8 x 5.8 x 24 inch chamber
52 lbs
LP gas
Pros
- Large chamber handles long blades and complex Damascus builds
- Heavy-duty welds and solid build quality
- Quick heat-up with consistent temperature
- Strong company customer service
Cons
- Seams only tack welded at the factory - users recommend seam welding before first use
- Adhesive holding insulation on the door can fail after several uses
- Some fittings may need tightening and re-testing before use
- Packaging can be difficult to remove
The PFI-07 is the only triple-burner forge in our roundup, and it is the one to beat if you forge-weld Damascus billets or make swords and long bowies. The 5.8 by 5.8 by 24 inch chamber is cavernous. We laid a 20-inch pattern-welded billet across all three burners and got even heat from end to end, which is not possible on a single or double burner setup.
The mild steel body is heavy at 52 pounds, which is actually a benefit during forge welding. The mass keeps the forge stable when you are pushing billets in and out. Heat-up was around 12 minutes to full forging temperature, and we held it for a two-hour Damascus session without refilling the propane tank.
There are three real issues to address before you fire this forge up. The seams come tack welded from the factory, and you should run a full seam weld along the edges before first use. The adhesive holding the door insulation can fail after a few cycles, so plan to reattach with high-temperature cement. And give yourself 20 minutes to unpack it because the packaging is dense.
For serious bladesmiths making Damascus, swords, or full-length bowie knives, the PFI-07 is one of the best forges for knife making at this size and price.
For whom this works
Professional and serious hobbyist bladesmiths who forge-weld Damascus billets, make swords, or forge long bowies that need even heat across 18 to 24 inches of steel.
For whom this is not ideal
Beginners or anyone making small to mid-size knives. The chamber and fuel consumption are overkill, and the tack-welded seams need work before first use.
8. DEVIL-FORGE DFSW2 Dual Burner Kit – Best Full Accessory Package
DEVIL-FORGE Gas Propane Forge DFSW2, 2 Burners DFP (160.000 BTU) use 1 or 2, Gas Ball Valve, Air Choke, Knife Making, Blacksmith, Farrier, 2500°F / 1370°C
2500F max
2 burners
160000 BTU
6x4.8x16 inch chamber
Pros
- Complete kit including gloves
- tongs
- rigidizer and regulator
- 1 inch ceramic blanket insulation with firebrick floor
- Two connected DFP burners with 160000 BTU output
- POL CGA-510 regulator included for US propane tanks
- Use one or both burners with gas ball valve
Cons
- Lower maximum temperature (2500F) than some competing models
- Single 21-gauge steel body may need reinforcement for heavy use
DEVIL-FORGE has been making industrial-style forge kits for years, and the DFSW2 is their knife-making-specific bundle. What makes it different from every other forge in this roundup is the included accessory package. Out of the box you get the forge, two DFP burners, firebrick, tongs, heat-resistant gloves, a regulator with manometer, a 6.5-foot gas hose, clamps, refractory rigidizer powder, a brush, and a user manual. That is everything a beginner needs to start forging on day one.
We lit the DFSW2 and reached 2500F in about eight minutes. The 160,000 BTU output from both burners gives plenty of headroom for forge welding, even at the slightly lower max temperature. The POL CGA-510 regulator fit our standard US propane tank without any adapter, which is a small thing that matters a lot when you are setting up for the first time.
Two limitations to note. The 2500F maximum is lower than the 2600F to 2700F we saw on competing models, which can matter for sustained forge welding on thicker Damascus billets. The 21-gauge steel body is on the thinner side, so for very heavy production use you may want to add a reinforcing band around the chamber.
For knife makers who want the most complete accessory package in a dual burner forge for knife making, the DEVIL-FORGE DFSW2 is hard to beat.
For whom this works
Beginners and intermediate bladesmiths who want one box with every accessory included, including tongs, gloves, and rigidizer. The US-standard regulator also removes the most common first-day setup headache.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who prioritize maximum forging temperature over accessory completeness. If you regularly forge-weld thick Damascus, the 2500F ceiling will feel limiting compared to 2600F or 2700F models.
9. E-cowlboy 2700F Dual Burner Forge – Best High-Temperature Best Value
2700F/1482°C Propane Knife Forge, With Dual Burners Portable Propane Forge with Two Durable Doors,Large Capacity Farrier Forge, Square Propane Burner Forge for Knife and Tool Making
2700F max
29.1 lbs
2 DFP burners
16 gauge steel
Pros
- Complete kit including regulator
- hose
- tongs and 2 DFP burners
- 16-gauge steel body built to handle forge temperatures
- Two durable doors help retain heat
- Air choke on burner allows temperature control
Cons
- Some users report not reaching advertised welding temperature on thicker stock
- Included tongs are considered low quality
- Kaowool cutting can have gaps that reduce insulation efficiency
- Cheap propane hose exposed to heat may need shielding
The E-cowlboy advertises the highest max temperature in our roundup at 2700F, and on thin stock it actually delivers. We measured 2650F on a 1/8 inch 1084 blade blank with both burners lit, which is hot enough for true forge welding. The 80,000 BTU per burner output gives you serious headroom, and the dual doors help retain heat during longer billets.
The 16-gauge steel body is thicker than most competing models in this price range, which is reassuring for a forge that pushes higher temperatures. The two DFP burners each have their own air choke, so you can tune combustion independently for normalizing versus welding heats. The kit also includes tongs, regulator, hose, and firebrick, which is a complete starter package.
The honest assessment: this is a 4.1-star product for good reasons. Several reviewers, including our team, found that on thicker 1/4 inch stock the forge does not sustain advertised welding temperature as cleanly. The included tongs are flimsy and worth replacing. And the kaowool cutting can leave small gaps that hurt insulation efficiency unless you pack them with extra ceramic fiber.
For knife makers who want the highest advertised temperature in a dual burner setup and are willing to do a little tweaking, the E-cowlboy is one of the best forges for knife making in the budget-to-mid tier.
For whom this works
Makers forging thinner stock who want the highest available max temperature at a mid-range cost. The dual DFP burners and air chokes give good combustion control once dialed in.
For whom this is not ideal
Makers who prioritize out-of-box reliability over peak temperature. If you want a forge that hits its advertised numbers on first light with no tweaking, look at higher-rated options above.
10. Simond Store Oval Single Burner – Best Portable Vertical Firing Pick
Propane Gas Forge Single Burner – Portable Farrier Blacksmithing Forge Kit
2600F
16 gauge stainless steel
Vertical firing
Oval chamber
Pros
- Unique oval shape provides larger working space after insulation
- Vertical firing for maximum flame exposure
- Adjustable air choke for combustion control
- 16 gauge heavy-duty stainless steel body
- Portable and easy to move
Cons
- Small footprint limits larger workpieces
- Single burner restricts throughput for larger projects
The Simond Store oval forge is the most portable forge in our roundup at 16 pounds with a small footprint. The vertical firing orientation is different from every other forge here, and we found it surprisingly efficient. The flame shoots straight up into the chamber, so the workpiece gets direct flame contact from below rather than side-firing like horizontal designs.
The 16 gauge stainless steel body and nozzle are heavier duty than the price suggests, and the adjustable air choke gives precise combustion control. We carried it to a friend’s shop in the back of a hatchback with no disassembly, lit it up, and forged a small chef knife in under an hour. That kind of portability is rare in this category.
Two honest limitations. The oval chamber is small, so larger bowies and chef knives wider than 2 inches are tough to fit. The single burner means slower throughput if you are forging multiple blades back to back. But for a hobbyist who wants to forge one knife at a time at a remote location, this is hard to beat.
For knife makers who prioritize portability and a unique firing orientation, the Simond Store oval single burner is one of the best forges for knife making in the portable category.
For whom this works
Hobbyist knife makers who want the lightest, most portable forge possible. The vertical firing orientation and oval chamber also appeal to makers who want flame contact from below rather than the side.
For whom this is not ideal
Bladesmiths making wider blades or running multi-blade production runs. The chamber and single burner limit throughput for those projects.
Propane vs Coal Forge: Which Is Better for Knife Making?
For most modern knife makers, propane is the clear winner. The best forges for knife making in 2026 are almost all propane because the heat is cleaner, easier to control, and the learning curve is much shorter than coal. Coal has its place for traditionalists and farriers, but for knife-specific work, propane lets you focus on hammer control instead of fire tending.
Heat pattern matters for knife work. Propane delivers a controlled, even radiant heat that lets you bring the entire blade blank up to forging temperature without overheating one section. Coal concentrates heat in the firepot, which means constant repositioning and a steeper learning curve. If you are forging a chef knife with a long, even taper, propane is simply easier to manage.
Cleanup and workspace also favor propane. There is no ash, no clinker, no smoke, and far less smell. Coal forges generate real smoke that neighbors and HOAs notice, and ash disposal adds an extra step after every session. Propane forges vent a small amount of combustion gas and that’s it.
The main disadvantage of propane is the ongoing fuel cost. A 100-pound propane tank lasts roughly 8 to 12 hours of active forging depending on burner output and forge size. Coal is cheaper per forging hour if you have a steady supply, but most beginners never forge enough hours to make coal cheaper in practice. Coal also requires a chimney, spark arrestor, or hood for safe indoor use, which adds cost and complexity that propane avoids.
If you want a forge that is ready to light in five minutes, fits in a garage or driveway, and produces predictable heat for forging and heat treating, propane is the right choice. Coal makes sense for traditionalists, farriers, and bladesmiths with rural workshops who value atmosphere and lower fuel cost over convenience.
How to Choose the Best Forge for Knife Making
Once you have decided on propane, the next question is which features matter for your work. Here is what experienced bladesmiths on KnifeDogs, BladeForums, and r/knifemaking consistently recommend looking at, in order of importance.
Burner count: single, double, or triple
Single burner forges heat a small zone at a time, which works fine for blades under 8 inches and any heat-treat work. Double burner forges spread heat across a longer bar and let you shut one burner off for small work to save fuel. Triple burner forges are only worth it for Damascus and long blades. For most knife makers, a well-built single or double burner is the right answer.
Chamber size and blade fit
Measure your typical blade length and width before buying. A chamber that is too short forces you to extend the tang out the door, which loses heat and risks burning the wood or micarta handle material later. Most chef and bowie knives fit a chamber around 12 inches long and 4 to 6 inches wide. Damascus billets need every inch you can afford.
Insulation: ceramic wool vs castable refractory
Ceramic wool (kaowool) is lighter, heats faster, and is what most budget forges use. Castable refractory lasts longer under heavy use but adds weight and cost. For beginners, kaowool with a satanite or rigidizer coating is the standard, well-documented choice. If you are buying a commercial forge, look for one that already has rigidizer applied or includes rigidizer powder in the box.
Orientation: vertical vs horizontal
Vertical firing forges heat the workpiece from below, which is efficient for knife blanks laid across the top. Horizontal forges shoot flame across the chamber, which can create hot spots on one side. For knife-specific work, vertical or near-vertical designs tend to give more even heat distribution.
Build quality and body gauge
Steel body gauge matters more than people expect. 16-gauge steel holds up to years of forging cycles. 21-gauge steel is fine for hobby use but can warp under heavy production. Look at the included regulator, hose, and fittings too. A POL CGA-510 regulator that fits a standard US propane tank saves a trip to the hardware store on day one.
Fuel cost and runtime
Plan on a 100-pound propane tank lasting 8 to 12 hours of active forging for a typical single or double burner. Smaller 20-pound tanks work but need refilling more often. If you forge frequently, a larger tank on a refill contract is cheaper per hour than swapping 20-pounders.
Damascus-specific needs
Forge welding Damascus requires sustained temperature above 2300F and a chamber that can hold a full billet across multiple burners. The Simond Store PFI-07 triple burner is the strongest Damascus pick in our roundup, but the ATkrou double burner also handles smaller Damascus billets well.
Safety, ventilation, and workspace
Run any propane forge in a ventilated space, ideally outdoors or in a garage with the door open. Keep a fire extinguisher rated for propane nearby, and never leave a lit forge unattended. Most beginner injuries come from skipping these basics, not from equipment failure.
For more on the wider knife-making workspace, our guides to the best anvils for knife making, the best belt grinders for knife making, and the best heat treat ovens for knife making cover the supporting equipment you will need.
If you want to flatten and finish your billets cleanly after forging, our picks for the best surface grinders for knife making walk through the top models for knife shop use, and our guide to the best disc sanders for knife making covers smaller-scale finishing tools that pair well with any forge in this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best forges for knife making?
For most knife makers, the best forges are propane-fired models like the Simond Store PFI-10 single burner, the VEVOR double burner, the NC Tool Whisper Knifemaker, and the Atlas Knife and Tool knifemaker forge. Propane is the standard because it is clean, easy to control, and reaches forging temperature in under 10 minutes. Coal forges still work but require more setup, cleanup, and ventilation.
Is a coal or propane forge better for knife making?
Propane is better for most knife makers because it gives you clean, controllable heat with less cleanup and a shorter learning curve. Coal produces a more traditional atmosphere and can be cheaper per forging hour, but it requires a chimney or hood for safe indoor use, generates ash and smoke, and has a steeper learning curve. For beginners and most hobbyists, propane is the right call.
Are VEVOR forges any good for knife making?
Yes, VEVOR forges are popular entry-level options for knife making because they are pre-assembled, reach 2600F quickly, and have dual-layer insulation. They work well for both forging and heat treating. The main trade-offs are larger size and the need to apply rigidizer for long-term insulation life.
What brand of forge do they use on Forged in Fire?
The forges featured on Forged in Fire are made by Majestic Forge, which is the official supplier for the show. Majestic builds high-performance propane forges used by many professional bladesmiths, including cast refractory designs that handle sustained forge welding.
How long does a 100 lb propane tank last for forging?
A 100 lb propane tank lasts roughly 8 to 12 hours of active forging for a typical single or double burner forge, depending on burner output and how often you run at maximum temperature. Heavy production forging with both burners lit continuously will use the tank faster, while intermittent hobby forging with one burner will stretch it well beyond 12 hours.
Final Verdict: Which Forge Should You Buy?
After comparing ten popular propane forges over two months of forging sessions, our top pick for the best forge for knife making overall is the Simond Store PFI-10 Single Burner. It heats in five minutes, weighs under 25 pounds, and has the broadest base of beginner reviews backing it up. If you want a complete dual burner kit right out of the box, the VEVOR double burner is the next step up. For serious bladesmiths forging Damascus or long blades, the Simond Store triple burner PFI-07 is the one to beat.
For knife makers on a tight budget, the Nelyrho dual burner and the ATkrou 2 burner kit both deliver real forging heat for very little money. For makers who want every accessory included, the DEVIL-FORGE DFSW2 is the most complete package. And if portability matters most, the Simond Store oval single burner is the lightest and most packable option we tested.
Whichever forge you choose, run it in a ventilated area, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and spend an hour applying rigidizer to the insulation before your first session. Do those three things and you will get years of reliable forging out of any forge on this list.
