The Best Knife Grinder for Beginners

Knife designing extends back to prehistoric times when a good knife could differentiate between life and death. While knives aren’t as important today as they were many days ago, that doesn’t mean that knife making is gone. Knife making, as a hobby, has become so popular.

A machine will always make things easier while you have the art. Also, are you ready to grind your knives against rocks like in the prehistoric times? Well, in the twenty-first century, it doesn’t seem practical. If you are a serious hobbyist who wants to make more knives or is a newcomer looking for his first machine, you must have a top-notch knife grinder.

There are tons of knife grinder brands here, and choosing the right one can be difficult, especially for a beginner. However, now that you have found this reading, there is no need to look anymore.

Why Use a Belt Grinder for Knife Making?

Using a belt grinder is not a prerequisite for knife making. At the beginning of the iron age, people used to grind their metal knives with rocks manually. So, you can choose to grind your knife if you have all the time in the world and don’t bother being left with a primitive-looking weapon. 

A knife grinder makes chiseling, beveling, sharpening the blade, and making a breeze. Your work will be more symmetric, accurate, and time-saving. 

If you want to work with exotic or exquisite designs on your knives, then a grinder is necessary. Besides, other than knife making, sharpening household tools like a lawnmower and kitchen knives also need sharpening. A knife grinder will save you from purchasing the whole set of tools and knives by sharpening with the minimum effort. 

Are Grinder and Sander the Same?

Grinding and sanding are the different results of the same motion. Sanding is referred to as polishing material by light strokes. Usually, wood and similar materials need sanding for removing paint and polishing. 

On the other hand, grinding refers to removing a lot of material very fast from a metal piece. This motion helps to sharpen and chisel knives. Usually, all the knife grinders can be used as a sander as well. If you change the belt, speed, and hold the workpiece against the belt lightly, it will sand the knife instead of grinding. Besides, the sanding option helps to work with the knife handle while the grinding is a must for blade making.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Right Speed

Right power and the right speed of a knife grinder is a must thing you should know. It can affect the project process time. On the other hand, if you get one with more power, it can also be unable to give you much better ending results. So, you need to get the grinder with the right speed.

Power

A knife grinder is powered through a motor. So, the motor should be powerful according to your project; otherwise, it will slow down your work.

Durability

Some knife sharpening grinders are made of metal materials or solid aluminum, which means they can last longer. Some of them are made up of cheap materials, which means they can probably break and can be useless in a little passage of time.

Belt Size

Which grinders have narrower belts can give you more control over small objects like knives. But if you are planning to work on larger objects, you better get off with a belt with features like a wider belt.

Ease of Use

A machine you are buying must be easier to operate and to maintain. So that means the more you use it, the faster you’ll be able to work. It should be easy to assemble too. As you can change belts easily whenever it is needed.

View Our Top 8 Best Knife Grinder for Beginners, Below

1. Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

• Replaceable abrasive grit belts;
• Precision angle sharpening guides;
• 110 volts power supply.

This tool will sharpen kitchen knives at a 40-degree angle. Outdoor blades will sharpen at 50 for perfect results. It is a 110 volts equipment, but it can also run from a 12 volts power source. Its precision-angled sharpening guides ensure that you get the right results every time you use the tool.

It uses abrasive belts that are flexible and responsible for the ability to sharpen knives of all sizes. With this grinder, you are sure of fast, easy, and consistent results. All you have to do is repeat the procedure.

Pros

• User friendly tool;
• Replaceable belts changing is easier;
• High-quality edge;
• Easy & quick delivery;
• Uses for a wide range of knives;
• Perfect results.

Cons

• Not so good for short knives.

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2. Work Sharp Blade Grinder Attachment- WSSAKO81112

• Made with high quality materials;
• Speed control;
• Included 5 abrasive belts;
• Bench mounting tab;
• Hub fastener.

This knife grinder is made from premium quality materials for newcomers and is manufactured for maximum durability and performance. It comes with a blade grinding attachment that quickly installs to the KTS-KO base. In addition, it measures 8.5″ x 2.5″x 6.5″ and weighs 7 ounces.

It also comes with five rough belts such as 1200 extra fine, X4-fine, X22-medium, X65-course, and P120-extra thick, thus great for all your work. Also, its belt can work at 900, depending on your project requirements.

Pros

• Works better to sharpen knives;
• Affordable price;
• Durable & sturdy;
• Simple to use;
• Easily controllable.

Cons

• The top wheel is slightly too large.

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3. Kalamazoo Industries Abrasive Belt Sander W/ Motor-2FSM

• 3450 rpm speed;
• Full hinged guard;
• Tilt table;
• Removable platen.

Kalamazoo’s 2FSM grinder grinds and removes materials at high speed. It has a powerful motor and overall quality which makes it a good entry point grinder for most knife manufacturers.

This removes the materials very quickly and tragically, also makes it pretty good bevels. However, it can not create empty spots because the motor would obstruct the large drive wheel.

Pros

• Works horizontally or vertically;
• Powerful motor;
• Quick belt changing facility;
• Provides contact wheel.

Cons

• Expensive.

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4. Shop Fox- Knife Belt Sander/Buffer W1843

• 4500 fpm belt speed;
• 1hp motor;
• All ball bearing construction.

This knife grinder has a cool-running 2″ x 72″ abrasive belt and an extended buffing wheel shaft for full-access buffing or stropping. The belt can be utilized along the platen, above the platen for free forming, or against the 10″ elastic-conflicted drive wheel.

The infinitely adjustable equipment holder provides a stable platform for consistent results. This knife grinder is ideal for sharpening extra-long lead turning gouges and chisels. Auxiliary Arbor accepts folding wheels for use in buffing wheels, armored drums or fold wheels for use in carpentry applications. 

Pros

• High speed motor;
• Cool-running rough belt;
• Easy to use;
• Fast and consistent work.

Cons

• Pricey.

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5. Palmgren 2″ x 42″ Belt Bench Finishing Machine

• ‎3.5 Amps;
• Easy belt tracking knob;
• Cast iron base;
• Metal handle for table lock;
• Removable belt platen.

‎Palmgren – Drop Ship 2″x42″ belt sander 6″ seat Processor finishing machine is a suitable power material for universally effective sanding and completing on most metals, wood, plastics, and various materials. You can do all the typical operations, including surfacing, finishing, sanding, grinding, polishing, and deburring with that.

Its heavy-duty construction gives long life, an induction motor that provides the needed power running under load. The belt action can be located either horizontally or vertically. Cast iron belt sander work table that can provide better support when sharpening.

Pros

• Works on various materials;
• High-quality metal sanding belt;
• Safety switch with key;
• Quick rust removal.

Cons

• Vibrates a lot.

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6. Happybuy 2Hp  Knife Grinder

• Aluminum rubber roller;
• 2800 rpm speed;
• Cast-iron body;
• Ball-bearing construction;
• Quick-release belt tension.

The Happybuy comes with a powerful 2 hp motor, it has no variable speed, but the equipment is fast (2800 rpm), more than enough speed for most metal and woodwork.

This sander is mostly used in the beginning by those who started making knives. Since it is easy to use, it will give you the right experience of making knives. However, don’t expect to make gorgeous knives with it, as it is difficult to make symmetrical cuts with it.

What I like about this unit is its durability. If you buy it, you will be stable year after year. It is designed with a ball bearing construction, an aluminum roller, and a cast alloy body. If you are just starting out with metalwork and need some experience, then we highly recommend this tool

Pros

• High-quality grinding;
• All-steel construction;
• High-speed copper motor;
• Easy operation and variable speed.

Cons

• Pricey.

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7. ANGELLOONG Benchtop Buffer Rock Grinder

• Stainless steel body;
• 0-10000 rpm speed;
• Built-in double bearing.

This tool is a mini portable, low noise, multifunctional belt sander which can be used for high-speed steel drill bit blade edging, rough grinding, fine grinding tungsten steel turning tool, polishing Bodhi root, etc. It is simple to install and operate. This is a perfect home DIY tool.

Besides, its motor uses dual bearing, premium speed, and high torque. Additionally, it has anti-vibration adjustable height footpads. You can remove the footpads as well as screw the machine on wood or a table for proper use. Additionally, you can easily adjust the worktable angle hence very simple to utilize.

Pros

• Easy to use;
• High speed;
• Smooth operation.
• Non-slip design;
• Affordable price.

Cons

• The belt climbs off very badly.

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8. Dewalt Bench Grinder, 6-Inch -DW756

• Rear exhaust ports;
• 3,450 rpm speed;
• Induction motor for heavy-duty;
• Industrial cast iron base.

The equipment’s tool rest is a strong and durable building of aluminum, although the base and motor housing are cast iron. With this tool, you will be assured of a long life. It features a heavy-duty 5/8 horsepower motor that goes up to 3450 revolutions per minute, although high speeds may not be enough to grind the knife.

Grinder allows users to easily position the knife in any situation without wasting time. It has a few exhaust exits at the rear end that act as coolers when the friction is too high.

Pros

• Easy to use;
• Fast and durable;
• High speed motor;
• Heavy-duty grinding option.

Cons

• Grinding surface is small.

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What Is the Best Knife Grinder for Sharpening Knives at Different Grit Levels?

When it comes to sharpening with the right grit, the best knife grinder is one that offers versatility for different grit levels. Look for a grinder with adjustable speed and a variety of grit options. This will ensure you can achieve the ideal level of sharpness for your knives, no matter the blade type.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a beginner or a professional, aiming for beauty or utility, you’re going to want to get a knife grinder. It will save you a lot of time in your projects. However, not all grinders are meant to be used in knife making.

On the other hand, many may set you back more than they help. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top grinders for knife making. It will help you to take some of the guesswork out of picking the right one for you.

Read more:

• Classification of Tools According to Their Uses