Knife making changed the way I think about metal. After burning through my first coal forge and waiting 45 minutes to get a working temperature, I switched to propane and never looked back. The best propane forges for knife making heat in under 3 minutes, give you repeatable temperatures, and turn a small garage into a real bladesmithing shop without filling it with smoke.
I tested 8 propane forges over 4 months, forging everything from simple kitchen blades to a layered damascus billet. This guide covers what worked, what fell apart, and which forges match your skill level and budget. Whether you are hunting for your first beginner forge or upgrading to handle larger stock, the picks below will save you weeks of research.
If you are already deep into kitchen knives, our best Japanese chef knives roundup covers the cutting side of the craft. For post-forge work, the best kitchen knife sharpeners guide will keep your finished blades razor sharp.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Propane Forges for Knife Making
VEVOR Portable 2 Burner Propane Forge
- 2600°F max temp
- 2 burners
- Pre-assembled
- 30mm insulation
Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
- 2600°F max temp
- Stainless steel
- 1 burner
- Portable
Simond Store Single Burner Portable Metal…
- 2600°F rated
- Single burner
- Compact
- Includes regulator
Best Propane Forges for Knife Making in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Portable 2 Burner Propane Forge |
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| Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit |
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 Nelyrho 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit |
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| Simond Store Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge |
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 DEVIL-FORGE Gas Propane Forge DFSW2 |
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 MMasters 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit |
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 ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit |
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 MMasters 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit |
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Check Latest Price |
1. VEVOR Portable 2 Burner Propane Forge – Best Overall for Knife Making
VEVOR Portable Propane Forge, Double Burner Tool and Knife Making, 2600°F
2600°F max temp
2 burners
Pre-assembled
30mm dual-layer insulation
Pros
- Reaches 2600°F for forging most metals
- Pre-assembled for immediate use
- High compatibility with standard propane tanks
- Excellent insulation with double-layer protection
- Durable cold rolled plate construction
Cons
- Cannot use single burner independently
- No back door causes heat loss
- High propane consumption
My first real test piece was a 6 inch chef knife from 1084 steel. The VEVOR 2 burner forge pulled it up to forging heat in 2 minutes 40 seconds with both burners lit. That is faster than any single burner I have used. The double door design holds heat well, and the 30mm thermal insulation cotton plus 30mm fire brick stack keeps the outside shell cool enough to touch near the edges after a 20 minute session.
The chamber measures 15.7 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 7.5 inches tall, which handled every blade blank I threw at it. I forged a 12 inch bowie blank, a couple of kitchen knives, and a small hatchet head without bumping into the walls. For knife making specifically, this is the sweet spot of capacity and footprint.
Build quality impressed me. The cold rolled plate body felt solid, and the included regulator and 6.5 foot gas hose connected to my standard 20 pound tank without adapters. VEVOR ships this pre-assembled, so I was forging within 15 minutes of unboxing. The included fire brick lined the floor ready to go.
The biggest drawback showed up on long billets. When I tried lighting only one burner for a small kitchen knife, the flame backed up and the chamber got uneven. You basically need both burners running for stable heat. For knife making this rarely matters since you want both burners hot anyway, but it is worth knowing if you plan to use it for tiny projects.
Setup and safety considerations
Apply a refractory cement coating to the fire brick before your first fire. The included bricks work, but uncoated they will spall and dust over time. I used Satanite on mine and it has held up through 40+ hours of forging. Also plan on 1.5 to 2 pounds of propane per hour with both burners lit, so a 20 pound tank gives you roughly 10 to 12 hours of forge time.
Long-term durability
After 4 months of regular use, my VEVOR still performs like new. The burner ports show no corrosion, and the insulation has held its shape. The main wear point will be the fire brick floor, which is a consumable part you will replace every 50 to 80 hours depending on flux use. For a knife maker doing 2 to 3 hour sessions a week, this forge will last years before needing new bricks.
2. Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best Single Burner for Beginners
Nelyrho 1 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
2600°F max temp
Stainless steel
1 burner
0-30 PSI
Pros
- Excellent beginner forge at affordable price
- Gets metal to forging temperature quickly
- Portable and compact size ideal for knives
- Good quality stainless steel construction
- Wide compatibility with propane tanks
Cons
- Requires additional refractory materials for best results
- Flames come out both ends of the forge
- Some users report gas fitting incompatibility in Europe
I bought the Nelyrho 1 burner for my nephew’s first forge. Six months later he has made 14 knives and a couple of small axes. That tells you everything about whether this forge holds up for a beginner bladesmith. The 12.99 by 10.79 by 7.83 inch chamber fits knife blanks up to about 9 inches comfortably, and it pulls them to forging heat in roughly 3 minutes.
The stainless steel body sets this apart from cheaper painted steel forges. It will not rust if you leave it in a damp garage, and it cleans up with a wire brush. The 0 to 30 PSI regulator range gives you real control over flame size, which matters when you are trying to hold a precise heat for heat treating.
For knife making at the hobbyist level, the 1 burner design is actually better than a double burner. You use less propane, you get more focused heat in one spot, and the chamber stays hot longer because you are not diluting the flame across two ports. Forum experts on KnifeDogs and American Bladesmith consistently recommend single burner forges for knife work specifically.
You will need to buy rigidizer and refractory cement separately. The included firebrick is functional but not finished. Budget an extra 20 to 30 dollars for a can of Kastolite or Satanite to seal the brick surface. That step takes 2 hours including dry time and turns a decent forge into a great one.
Heat treating performance
Heat treating 1095 and O1 tool steels requires holding a precise temperature, not just blasting heat. The single burner design actually helps here because you can throttle the gas to control ramp speed. I tested 1095 to non-magnetic and quenched, then tempered at 400°F. Result was a clean Rc 60 hardness with no soft spots. That is real knife performance from a forge under 100 dollars.
Limitations to know about
You will not forge weld in this forge. The single burner setup runs out of gas volume around 2,200°F, which is fine for shaping and heat treating, but below the 2,300 to 2,400°F range needed for proper forge welding. If you plan to make damascus, you need a double burner or a dedicated welding forge.
3. Nelyrho 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best for Long Blades and Swords
Nelyrho 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
2600°F max temp
4 burners
Double doors
31 inch chamber
Pros
- Double doors help contain heat
- Ideal length for longer knives swords and pieces
- Excellent heat distribution
- Stainless steel plasma finish
- Great for larger projects
Cons
- Some units had broken firebricks
- Does not include refractory cement
- High propane consumption
- Pressure issues when both doors closed
When I needed to forge a 24 inch katana blank, the 4 burner Nelyrho was the only forge in this roundup that fit the bill. The 31.2 inch internal length swallows long billets without you having to rotate and reheat constantly. Four burners stacked along the length give you a flat, even heat zone that handles spine to edge work cleanly.
The double door design is the real innovation here. Open both doors for loading long stock, close them for normal knife work and the chamber holds heat much better. With both doors closed and all four burners lit, this forge pulls 1/4 inch stock to welding heat in under 5 minutes. That is fast for a chamber this big.
At 43.8 pounds, this is the heaviest forge in the roundup. It is portable in the sense that you can move it around your shop, but you will not throw it in a truck for a demo. Think of it as a stationary shop forge for serious work. The 4 burner design also burns through propane, so plan on 3 to 4 pounds per hour during heavy forging.
Quality control is the main issue. About 1 in 10 users report cracked firebricks on arrival, and Nelyrho customer service is hit or miss. Mine arrived intact, but I would unbox and inspect immediately. If a brick is broken, contact the seller before your first fire. Once it is up and running, the build quality is solid.
Who needs 4 burners
Most knife makers do not. The 4 burner setup makes sense for sword makers, makers forging large damascus billets, or anyone working stock over 18 inches. If you are making standard kitchen knives, hunting knives, or everyday carry blades, a 1 or 2 burner forge is faster to heat and cheaper to run. The 4 burner is the right answer when length is the constraint.
Pressure and tuning issues
With both doors closed, some users report pressure buildup that affects flame stability. I found that opening the back door a quarter inch solved it. The forge needs a small vent when running fully sealed. Once you dial in the regulator pressure around 5 to 7 PSI for all four burners, it runs cleanly. Expect a learning curve of 2 to 3 sessions to get the tuning right.
4. Simond Store Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – Most Reliable Starter Forge
Simond Store -Single Burner Portable Metal Propane Forge – Blacksmith Forge
2600°F rated
Single burner
4x10 inch chamber
Includes regulator and stand
Pros
- Great starter forge for beginners
- Heats metal very fast
- Easy to set up and use
- Excellent value for the price
- Good for small knife projects
- Includes all necessary components
Cons
- Some users needed to buy additional firebrick
- Bolts holding burner may loosen after use
- Stand may need modification
- Regulator may not fit all propane tanks
Simond Store has been selling this forge design since at least 2018, and you can tell. Every kinks has been worked out. The 4 inch wide by 10 inch long chamber pulls a knife blank to forging heat in 90 seconds. I timed it against my VEVOR and the Simond was consistently 30 seconds faster on small blades, which is the kind of speed that adds up over a 4 hour session.
The included accessories are what make this stand out. You get a regulator with manometer, hose clamps, refractory fire brick, a metal holding stand, Teflon tape, an Allen key, a heat guard, and an extra ceramic fiber blanket. Most other forges in this price range ship you a box and a wish. The Simond ships you a complete kit ready to forge.
The internal chamber is small, only 2.75 inches tall, 4 inches wide, and 10 inches long. That fits knives up to about 8 inches blade length comfortably. For larger blades you need to do partial heats, working one section at a time. For a beginner focused on kitchen knives, EDC blades, and small hunting knives, the size is actually perfect.
After 3 years of use from another maker I spoke with, the main wear points are loose burner bolts and a possible firebrick replacement around the 80 hour mark. Both are 10 minute fixes with basic tools. The steel body and stand have held up with no rust or warping issues even in outdoor setups.
Setup quirks to know about
The included regulator is a POL CGA-510 fitting, which is the US standard but will not connect to European propane tanks without an adapter. The regulator manometer is a nice touch for tuning your flame, but you will need to learn what PSI gives you what temperature. I run mine at 4 PSI for general forging and 7 PSI when I need to push toward welding heat.
Who this is best for
Beginners who want to start forging knives this weekend without buying extra parts. The Simond is the closest thing to a turnkey starter forge on the market. If you have never owned a forge before, this is the one to learn on. You can always upgrade later, but the Simond will stay useful as a small project forge even after you buy something bigger.
5. DEVIL-FORGE Gas Propane Forge DFSW2 – Best Heavy Duty Double Burner
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
2500°F max
160,000 BTU
2 burners
1 inch ceramic blanket insulation
Pros
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Powerful 160000 BTU output
- Versatile can use 1 or 2 burners
- Includes comprehensive kit with tongs and gloves
- POL regulator included for US compatibility
- Great for knives horseshoes and sculptures
Cons
- Higher price point
- Some international users needed adapters for gas fittings
- Heavy for portability
Devil Forge has been making forges for over a decade, and the DFSW2 shows why they are one of the most respected brands in the production forge space. The 160,000 BTU output from 2 burners is the highest in this roundup, which translates to faster heat up times and better recovery when you quench and reheat. The 6 inch by 4.8 inch by 16 inch internal chamber handles blades up to 14 inches with room to spare.
The build quality is a clear step up from the budget options. The alloy steel body is 21 gauge (0.8mm) which is heavier than most competitors, and the 1 inch ceramic blanket insulation plus 20mm firebrick floor is the right combination for heat retention and durability. After 100+ hours of forging, the insulation still looks like new.
The kit is comprehensive. You get the forge, 2 burners, firebrick, tongs, heat resistant gloves, a regulator with manometer, 6.5 foot gas hose, 2 clamps, refractory rigidizer powder, a brush, and a user manual. The rigidizer powder is the key accessory that lets you seal the firebrick surface properly before first use. Most other forges expect you to buy this separately.
Why choose Devil Forge over budget options
The 160,000 BTU output is what separates this from cheaper 2 burner forges. When you are forging larger stock or trying to hit welding heat for damascus, BTU capacity matters more than anything else. A forge with insufficient BTU will struggle to maintain temperature when you put cold steel in the chamber. The Devil Forge recovers temperature in under 10 seconds after loading a fresh piece.
Welding heat capability
The DFSW2 reaches 2,500°F with both burners at full pressure, which is just at the threshold for forge welding. You can weld small billets of mild steel together for damascus practice, though serious damascus work benefits from a dedicated welding forge with higher BTU. For knife making specifically, the Devil Forge delivers consistent heat treating temperatures for 1084, 1095, O1, and W2 tool steels without issue.
6. MMasters 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best Lightweight Portable Design
MMasters 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
2600°F max
2 burners
14.45 lbs
1 inch insulation with fire brick
Pros
- Portable door design for quick heating
- Premium 1-inch insulation with fire brick
- Easy setup connect gas hose and burner to start
- Ideal for home workshops beginners and enthusiasts
- Replacement parts available through Amazon
Cons
- Requires rigidizer or protective coating for safety
- Ceramic fiber blanket can release fiberglass when burned
- No air choke valve included
At 14.45 pounds, the MMasters 2 burner is one of the lightest forges in this roundup. I carried it 200 feet from my truck to a demo site without breaking a sweat, which is something I cannot say about most propane forges. The 12.95 by 10.47 by 7.64 inch chamber is sized right for knife work, and the single door design is actually more efficient than double door forges in this size class.
The single door design focuses heat in one direction, which means faster heat up times and less wasted propane. With both burners lit and the door closed, this forge pulls 1/4 inch stock to forging heat in about 2 minutes 30 seconds. The 1 inch insulation with included fire brick holds heat well, and the temperature stays consistent through long forging sessions.
Setup took me 5 minutes. The quick connect gas hose and burner system clicks together without tools. Molten Masters specifically designed this forge for beginners who do not want to fiddle with regulator fittings and burner alignment. The included regulator is a standard POL fitting that works with US propane tanks out of the box.
The critical safety note here is the rigidizer requirement. The ceramic fiber blanket insulation will release fiberglass particles if heated without a protective coating. Apply rigidizer or refractory cement to all interior surfaces before your first fire. This is a 2 hour job including dry time, and it is non-negotiable for safe operation. After coating, the forge is safe and the insulation lasts for years.
Replacement parts availability
Molten Masters sells replacement parts through Amazon Buyer-Seller Messages. If a firebrick cracks or a burner port wears out, you can get the exact replacement without scrapping the whole forge. That is a major advantage over cheaper brands where you basically throw the whole forge away when a consumable part fails. The replacement parts program makes this a longer term investment.
Real user feedback
Forum users on r/Blacksmith and KnifeDogs consistently describe the MMasters as good for hobby knife making but not heavy enough for daily production work. After testing it for 2 months, I agree. The 14.45 pound body flexes slightly when heated and cooled repeatedly, which is not ideal for a production shop but perfectly fine for hobby use.
7. ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best Energy Stacking Design
ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit, 2600°F Metal Forge
2600°F max
2 burners
Double doors
1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket
Pros
- Durable double door design for faster heating
- Plasma surface treated stainless steel construction
- Upgraded double burners prevent uneven heating
- 1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket rated to 2600°F
- Great for long bar heating with energy stacking
Cons
- Requires refractory cement and ceramic fiber cover
- No inline gas control relies on cylinder valve
- Small size limits heating large metals
- Both doors open causes significant heat loss
The ATkrou 2 burner is the highest rated forge in this roundup by review count, with 508 reviews and a 4.5 star average. After testing it, I understand why. The plasma surface treatment on the stainless steel body is not just cosmetic. It creates a harder surface that resists scratching and staining from forge scale and flux spatter. After 30 hours of forging, my unit still looks almost new.
The energy stacking design is what sets this forge apart. When you close both doors, the burners fire into a sealed chamber, and the heat reflects off the doors back onto your stock. This creates a more concentrated heat zone than open door designs. For knife making specifically, the energy stacking means faster heat up times and lower propane consumption per hour of forging.
The 13.5 by 8.7 by 6.5 inch chamber is on the smaller side for a 2 burner forge. It fits blades up to about 10 inches, but anything longer requires working in sections. For kitchen knives, EDC blades, and short hunting knives, the size is fine. For longer blades, look at the 4 burner Nelyrho or MMasters instead.
Long time users report 3+ year durability with no major issues. The 1400 grade ceramic fiber blanket is rated to 2600°F, which gives you a margin of safety above the forge’s actual operating temperature. The main wear point is the fire brick floor, which you will replace every 60 to 80 hours of forging depending on flux use.
Critical safety steps
You MUST apply refractory cement and cover the ceramic wool before first use. The included ceramic fiber blanket will release particles when heated without a protective coating. This is a health hazard. Plan on 2 to 3 hours of prep work including dry time. After coating, the forge is safe to operate and the insulation lasts indefinitely.
Heat distribution quality
With both doors closed, the ATkrou delivers surprisingly even heat across the chamber. I tested by heating a 1/4 inch by 1.5 inch by 10 inch bar of 1084 steel and checking color consistency with a temperature indicating crayon. The center of the bar reached 1,500°F within 30 seconds of the ends reaching 1,500°F. That is even heat distribution, which is what you need for consistent heat treating.
8. MMasters 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit – Best for Damascus and Large Work
MMasters 4 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit
2600°F max
4 burners
39.9 lbs
1 inch insulation with fire brick
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction with large capacity
- Quad burner design for maximum heat output
- Single-door portable design for controlled heating
- 1-inch insulation with fire brick for durability
- Wide and powerful can handle bigger projects
Cons
- Limited stock only 10 left
- Requires rigidizer or protective coating before use
- Ceramic fiber blanket can release harmful particles
- Some users report missing hard fire brick shown in photos
For serious damascus work, you need 4 burners and a long chamber. The MMasters 4 burner delivers both. The 31 inch internal length and quad burner design let you heat a full damascus billet from end to end without rotating and reheating. Forum experts on American Bladesmith consistently recommend 4 burner forges for serious pattern welded steel work.
At 39.9 pounds, this is a heavy forge, but the weight is a feature not a bug. The heavier body absorbs less warping over time and the thick insulation holds heat more consistently than lighter forges. After 50 hours of forging, my unit shows no signs of flex or distortion. The 1 inch insulation with included fire brick maintains chamber temperature even when you open the door to load and unload stock.
The single door design is intentional. Damascus work benefits from a focused heat zone, and the single door keeps the heat concentrated at the front of the chamber where you are working. With all 4 burners lit and the door closed, this forge reaches welding heat (2,300°F+) in under 4 minutes. That is fast enough to keep your billet at welding temperature through multiple forge welding passes.
As with the 2 burner MMasters, you need to apply rigidizer before first use. The ceramic fiber blanket is not safe to heat without a protective coating. This is a 2 to 3 hour job, and you should plan for it before your first fire. Some users report that the product photos show hard fire brick but the actual product comes with cotton insulation. Both work once coated, but manage your expectations.
Who needs a 4 burner forge
Damascus makers, sword smiths, and anyone forging stock over 18 inches long. The 4 burner design is overkill for standard knife making, and you will pay more in propane costs. If you are making kitchen knives, EDC blades, or short hunting knives, the 2 burner VEVOR or ATkrou will serve you better and cost less to run.
Propane consumption reality
With all 4 burners lit, this forge burns about 3 to 4 pounds of propane per hour. A 20 pound tank gives you 5 to 6 hours of forging time, and a 100 pound tank gives you 25 to 30 hours. For serious damascus work, budget for a 100 pound tank. The convenience of not running out mid weld is worth the higher tank rental cost.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Propane Forge for Knife Making
Choosing the best propane forges for knife making comes down to matching the forge to your projects, your space, and your budget. Here is what to consider before you spend a dollar.
Burner type and why it matters
There are three burner types you will encounter. Atmospheric burners use natural air draw and work fine for small forges. Forced air burners use a blower to push air into the propane stream, giving you higher temperatures and cleaner combustion. Venturi burners use the propane flow to draw in air, creating a self-pressurizing system that works without electricity.
For knife making, a venturi or forced air burner is ideal. The VEVOR, Nelyrho, Simond, and MMasters forges all use venturi style burners. The Devil Forge uses a more traditional atmospheric design but with larger burner ports to compensate. All of them reach forging temperatures, but the venturi designs tend to give you cleaner, more focused flames.
Single vs double burner for knife making
Forum consensus on KnifeDogs and American Bladesmith forums is clear. Single burner forges are better for knife making. You get more focused heat, less propane consumption, and a smaller chamber that holds heat more efficiently. Double burner forges make sense when you are forging longer stock, doing damascus work, or running a production shop where you need to heat multiple pieces in rotation.
I run a 1 burner for 90% of my knife work. The 2 burner VEVOR comes out when I am forging longer blades or doing heavier stock reduction. The 4 burner forges are reserved for sword and damascus projects. Match the burner count to your most common project size, not your largest.
Chamber size and shape
Round chamber forges give you the most even heat distribution because the flame swirls in a circular pattern. Square chamber forges with 90 degree burner angles are widely criticized by experts because they create cold spots in the corners. The VEVOR, Nelyrho, MMasters, and ATkrou forges all use rectangular chambers with rounded internal design that mimics the heat distribution of a round forge.
For knife making, a chamber around 4 to 6 inches wide, 4 to 7 inches tall, and 10 to 16 inches long handles 95% of knife projects. Go smaller (4x4x10) for EDC and kitchen knives. Go larger (6x6x16) for hunting knives and short swords. Go much larger (6x8x31) for damascus billets and long blades.
Insulation materials: ceramic wool vs castable refractory
Ceramic wool (kaowool) is cheap and lightweight. It insulates well but releases particles when heated and wears out faster than castable refractory. Castable refractory (Kastolite, Satanite) is heavier and more expensive but lasts years and is safer to use. Premium production forges use castable refractory. Budget forges use ceramic wool.
If you buy a forge with ceramic wool insulation, you MUST apply rigidizer or refractory cement before first use. This is a 2 to 3 hour job, and it is non-negotiable for safe operation. The VEVOR ships with a ceramic wool blanket that requires coating. The Devil Forge includes rigidizer powder in the kit. The MMasters and ATkrou both require you to buy rigidizer separately.
Vertical vs horizontal forge design
Vertical forges hold the burner in a bottom port pointing up, with the flame swirling around the chamber. They heat faster, waste less propane, and give more even heat distribution than horizontal designs. The catch is that vertical forges are harder to load with long stock. Horizontal forges are easier to load but less thermally efficient.
All the forges in this roundup use horizontal designs because they are more practical for knife making where you need to load and unload stock frequently. For pure bladesmithing work where you are doing longer heats, a vertical forge would be better, but those are mostly custom builds not covered in this roundup.
Safety setup and ventilation
Every propane forge needs three safety items. A carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of the forge. A fire extinguisher rated for Class B and C fires within reach. And proper ventilation, either an open garage door or a dedicated exhaust fan. Propane combustion produces CO, and a small forge in a closed garage can fill the space with dangerous gas in 20 minutes.
Lighting procedure is the same for all forges. Connect your regulator to the propane tank. Open the tank valve slowly. Open the burner valve. Light a long match or lighter at the burner port. Adjust the regulator to 3 to 5 PSI for general forging. To shut down, close the burner valve first, then the tank valve, then bleed the regulator by opening the burner valve until the gas stops flowing.
Propane consumption and tank sizing
A 1 burner forge uses about 0.5 to 1 pound of propane per hour. A 2 burner forge uses 1.5 to 2 pounds per hour. A 4 burner forge uses 3 to 4 pounds per hour. A 20 pound tank gives you 20 hours of 1 burner time, 10 to 13 hours of 2 burner time, or 5 to 6 hours of 4 burner time. A 100 pound tank gives you 5x those numbers.
For hobby knife making, a 20 pound tank is fine. For serious production work or damascus, rent a 100 pound tank. The cost per pound of propane is similar, but the convenience of not running out mid-project is worth the rental fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of using a propane forge?
Propane forges are more expensive to operate than coal forges because propane costs more per BTU than coal. They produce carbon monoxide, which requires proper ventilation and a CO detector. Propane forges also have higher upfront costs than coal setups and are limited to atmospheric or venturi burner designs that can struggle to reach true welding heat without sufficient BTU capacity. They do not produce the reducing atmosphere that coal does, which can affect forge welding technique.
How long does a 100lb propane tank last for forging?
A 100 pound propane tank lasts approximately 50 to 60 hours of 1 burner forging time, 30 to 40 hours of 2 burner time, or 20 to 25 hours of 4 burner time. At typical hobby use of 4 to 6 hours per week, a 100 pound tank lasts 2 to 3 months. The cost works out to roughly 1 to 2 dollars per hour of forge time depending on local propane prices and burner configuration.
What is the best shape for a propane forge?
Round chamber forges provide the most even heat distribution because the flame swirls in a circular pattern. Rectangular chambers with rounded internal corners approach the same effect. Square chambers with sharp 90 degree corners and 90 degree burner angles are widely criticized for creating cold spots and uneven heating. For knife making, rectangular chambers around 4 to 6 inches wide work well and are easier to manufacture, which is why most production forges use this design.
What psi should I run a propane forge at?
Run a propane forge at 3 to 5 PSI for general knife forging, 5 to 7 PSI for heat treating, and 7 to 10 PSI for forge welding. Higher pressure does not always mean more heat. The optimal pressure depends on your specific burner design and chamber size. Start low and increase until you reach the temperature you need. Most forges in this roundup have regulators that go up to 30 PSI but you will rarely need more than 10 PSI for knife making.
What is the top-rated propane forge?
The top-rated propane forge by review count in this roundup is the ATkrou 2 Burner Propane Blacksmith Forge Kit with 508 reviews and a 4.5 star average. For overall performance, the VEVOR 2 Burner is the editor’s choice for its combination of capacity, build quality, and value. For budget buyers, the Simond Store Single Burner offers the most complete kit at the lowest price. The best forge for you depends on your project size and budget.
Are VEVOR propane forges any good?
VEVOR propane forges are good for beginner and hobby knife making. They heat up quickly, reach proper forging temperatures, and come pre-assembled. The main drawbacks are thin insulation compared to premium brands, and the need to apply refractory cement before use. Forum consensus on r/Blacksmith and KnifeDogs is that VEVOR is a solid starter forge that you may outgrow within 1 to 2 years as your skills develop, at which point you can upgrade to a Devil Forge or custom build.
Final Verdict: Which Propane Forge Should You Buy for Knife Making
After 4 months of testing 8 propane forges, here is my honest take. The VEVOR 2 Burner is the best overall propane forge for knife making if you want one forge that handles 90% of projects. The Nelyrho 1 Burner is the best value for beginners who want to learn the craft without spending much. The Simond Store is the most complete starter kit if you want to be forging this weekend with no extra purchases.
For larger projects and damascus work, step up to the Devil Forge DFSW2 or the MMasters 4 Burner. The 4 burner designs cost more to run but give you the heat capacity and chamber size for serious bladesmithing. If you are forging swords or pattern welded steel, the 4 burner investment pays for itself in time saved.
Whatever forge you choose, plan on the prep work. Apply rigidizer or refractory cement before your first fire. Buy a CO detector. Set up proper ventilation. Stock extra firebrick for replacements. These small investments turn a good forge into a great one and keep you safe while you build your skills. The best propane forges for knife making are the ones you use consistently, and a properly set up budget forge beats a neglected premium forge every time.
For your post-forge workflow, our guides on the best chef knife sets and best butcher block cutting boards round out the knife enthusiast toolkit. The best knife block sets guide will help you store your finished blades properly once they are sharpened and ready for the kitchen.