If you are into knife making or blacksmithing, then a propane gas forge is an excellent tool to have. A forge is a specialized hearth that heats metal at ridiculously high temperatures. It efficiently heats the metal piece to a temperature where it bends, twists, or gets shaped into something useful.
Gas forges are useful in that they use clean-burning fuel like propane or natural gas. These are cheap to burn and prevent air pollution. In the past, blacksmiths used coal forges to make knives and other metals. These were difficult to use and not suitable for performing specific tasks.
However, with the invention of a gas forge, it is now easy to make knives. Besides, the forges are in different varieties; hence you can choose one that suits you best.
Choosing the best gas forges for knife making may prove difficult. This article makes it easier for you to decide the best forge based on your preferences.
[su_highlight class=”shortcodescolorpadding”]In a hurry? See here is our top 6 knife-making gas forges to pick from.[/su_highlight]
- Double Burner Hells Portable Propane Knife Making Farrier Forge
- Single Burner Hells Portable Propane Knife Making Forge
- Stainless Steel Forge with Two Side Doors and triple burner
- Blacksmithing Forge Five Burner, 2600F Rated
- Wood-fired Blacksmith Forge with hand crank blower – Unique Design
- GAS PROPANE FORGE – DFSW | with 1 DFP (80,000 BTU)
TOP 10 Best Gas Forges for Knife Making Comparison Table
1. Hells Portable Propane Knife Making Farrier Forge– Best forge for knife making
Are you looking for a forger that is perfect for larger projects? The Hells dual forge burner is the most appropriate. It is suitable for use with metals like gold, copper, silver, brass, bronze, aluminum, alloys, steel, or lead. Its sizable oval design allows for maximum workspace and enhances exposure to the flame’s spot, thus faster and more even firing.
Additionally, it has a double forge burner furnace with 2300F capability. This makes it ideal for more significant projects. The burners are usable at the same time or one at a time.
Furthermore, its compact exterior size allows for quick setup and faster heat-up of up to 5 minutes or less. It has a high-pressure regulator with a 48” hose and 3/8” flare adaptor, therefore, making it perfect for knife and tool casters and jewelry makers.
Uniquely, it comes with a Hellicote 3000 refractory coating that encases the insulation in a hardened shell. It also provides superior heat reflection, thereby allowing high temperatures. Similarly, it is straightforward to apply.
2. Hells Forge Max Propane Forge– Best Single Burner Propane Forge
This single burner forge comes from the United States of America. It uniquely features steel that is five times thicker than other forges. Its 11 gauge thickness prevents premature material fatigue during shipping, which is otherwise a common problem with imported thin sheet metal forges.
Furthermore, it comes with a fire brick that serves as a firm base for the metal stock. Also, its 1” high-density ceramic fiber blanket provides good insulation from scorching temperatures. It can easily withstand 2000+F.
Similarly, it has a 48” hose and an upgraded 30 PSI pressure regulator that allows you to easily adjust flame temperature and keep the gas tank away from boiling heat.
Uniquely, it comes with a Hellicote 3000 refractory coating that encases the insulation in a hardened shell. It also provides superior heat reflection, thereby allowing high temperatures.
3. Nc whisper momma atmospheric forge– Best Small Forge For Knife Making
This forge is ideal for forging small items, including knives, hooks, or delicate trinkets. It does not require any electric blowers or hand-cranked ones for extra air supply.
It features two highly efficient burners that heat your workpiece to 2350F. You can choose to either use propane or natural gas with this specific model. Moreover, you do not need a match stick to ignite it. It has a push-button for ignition.
Additionally, it is lightweight and easily portable. It can fit easily into small spaces for storage. It cools fast as compared to other forges. Its front door has insulation with ceramic wool.
4. Hells Portable Single Burner Propane Forge – portable gas forge
If you need a forge that performs well for smaller projects, then this portable gas forge is the most ideal. It features a single forge burner furnace with 2300+ F capacities that are perfect for smaller projects. The vertical burner allows for the workpiece to reach the appropriate temperature in no time.
Additionally, its unique oval design ensures evenly heating of the workpiece. Also, it has a 1” high density rigid coated ceramic fiber blanket for extended life and perfect insulation from high temperatures. Usually, it requires no complex connections.
Furthermore, its compact exterior size allows for quick setup and faster heat-up of up to 5 minutes or less. It has a high-pressure regulator with a 48” hose and 3/8” flare adaptor, therefore, making it perfect for knife and tool casters and jewelry makers.
5. Simond Propaner Knife Making Farrier Forge– Best Blacksmith Forge
This is a perfect tool for entry-level blacksmiths and jewelers. It is a propane-fueled single burner furnace that reaches up to 2600F in temperature. It is easily moveable and easy to operate and assemble. Besides, it is made up of well-polished stainless steel metal sheets hence no worry about damages during shipping.
Similarly, its 1” thick ceramic fiber coating provides good insulation from very high temperatures. Its oval design makes it perfect for use in smaller projects. Furthermore, its gas connection comes with a design automatically to be incompatible with gas supplies of countries such as Australia, Sweden, Norway, etc.
The burner emits a neutral flame that minimizes the oxidization process. Its high-pressure nozzle and choke help in attaining the neutral flame. Importantly, it comes with a stand for tongs. Therefore, you can quickly move the stock in and out without getting burnt.
6. Wood Fired Blacksmith Forge– Unique Design
If you are out to find a forge that is portable, sturdy, and reliable, then the wood-fired blacksmith forge is the ideal choice. This forge is fossil fuel-free hence protecting the environment from air pollution—the forge is designed to use raw wood or charcoal as fuel.
Moreover, it has 11 gauge steel with a thickness of 1/8” hence enhancing durability. Further, it comes with a stand for portable use. Its hearth has a unique trench shape that provides necessary fire depth. The fireplace is very spacious hence can accommodate a full sword.
Additionally, it comes with a moveable divider that helps to conserve fuel—the fire bed lined with 1/2” thick Kaowool mineral fiber that insulates the forge from high temperatures. A lining of fire bricks allows for heat retention. Also, the sloped sides help in rearranging the fuel efficiently.
7. Simond Knife Making Farrier – Triple burner gas forge
This forge is ideal for small projects. Besides, it is also perfect for heating and bending metals as well as tampering and heat treatment of small knives and small tools used in agriculture. Its square body has three vertically mounted 304 stainless steel burners that burn with a massive 270,000 BTU.
Additionally, its maximum temperature is 2600F. Both sides of this forge are open hence helping in heating longer metal stocks. It also maintains an excellent airflow to cool down the forge after use.
Furthermore, it has a refractory fire brick at the bottom to resist high-velocity firing. Its chock valve regulates the amount of air that mixes with propane during combustion.
Usually, its 1” thick ceramic fiber coating provides good insulation from very high temperatures. Also, its gas connection is designed automatically to be incompatible with gas supplies of countries such as Australia, Sweden, Norway, etc. The burner emits a neutral flame that minimizes the oxidization process.
8. Simond Tripple Burner Furrier Forge– Best stainless steel forge
This burner is efficient for blacksmiths, jewelers, furriers, and bladesmiths with a temperature resistance of up to 2600F. Uniquely, one heater of the three is directly connected, and the other two are individually controlled with ball valves.
Additionally, its 1” thick ceramic fiber coating provides good insulation from very high temperatures. Also, its gas connection is designed automatically to be incompatible with gas supplies of countries such as Australia, Sweden, Norway, etc. The burner emits a neutral flame that minimizes the oxidization process.
Furthermore, it has a refractory fire brick at the bottom to resist high-velocity firing. Its chock valve regulates the amount of air that mixes with propane during combustion. Both sides of this forge are open hence helping in heating longer metal stocks. It also maintains an excellent airflow to cool down the forge after use.
9. Simond Five Burner Knife Making Furrier Forge
This forge features five 304 stainless steel burners that allow for even heat distribution over the entire length of your blade and helps reduce excess heating. The five heaters heat the metal to a 2600F.
Besides, its thick polished stainless steel gives the forge a great look and also prevents rust build-up. It is also resilient to heat damage. The extra-long propane hose allows you to connect it to a larger tank that is quite far away. This keeps the container safe and will enable you to work without tripping your feet.
The burners emit a neutral flame that minimizes the oxidization process. Its high-pressure nozzle and choke help in attaining the neutral flame. Both sides of this forge are open hence helping in heating longer metal stocks. It also maintains an excellent airflow to cool down the forge after use.
Furthermore, it has a refractory fire brick at the bottom to resist high-velocity firing. Its chock valve regulates the amount of air that usually mixes with propane during combustion.
10. DFSW Gas Propane – Best Bginner Forge
This forge reaches up to 2600F to provide adequate temperature for knife m
aking or craftwork. Moreover, it has a powerful DFP burner that ensures its durability.
Furthermore, it has a chock mounted on top of the burner. This chock acts in controlling the air, which combines with propane during combustion. Additionally, its floor is made of ceramic brick, which serves as a firm base for the metal stock.
Besides, its interior is covered with 1-inch ceramic coating to ensure there is maximum durability for the longest time possible. Despite having a 21 thick gauge, it is very lightweight. It comes with a gas regulator with a connection to countries like Australia, Indonesia, and the USA.
Related review: You can also read about “most recommended anvils for blacksmithing” [Read Here] “essential top blacksmith hammers” [Read Here] , “the best tongs that makes blacksmith life easy” [Read Here]
Buyer Guide on the Best Propane Gas Forgers for Knife Making
Getting the best propane gas forger for knife making may prove to be a difficult task, especially if it is your first time using it. You barely know what to consider when getting one hence becomes a difficult decision to make, or instead, you end up purchasing the wrong item and regret it later on.
Here is a guide to help you make a decision on which is the best propane gas for use.
Maximum Temperature
Ensuring optimum forging temperature during knife making and blacksmithing is essential. Temperature entirely depends on the type of metal you are using. Most forges work with a temperature of between 2300F to 2600F. This is enough to work with minerals such as steel and iron.
These high temperatures ensure that the quality of knives made is high. Additionally, using a double burner or triple burner gas forge ensures that you have more heat throughout the process.
Every metal has a different melting temperature. Some alloys require ridiculously high temperatures. It is essential to inquire from the manufacturer about the forge’s optimum working temperature before purchase.
Burner and Regulator
Gas forges have two types of burners; venturi and forced air burners. Venturi burners are easy to operate, quiet, and safe to use. On the other hand, forced air burners are more efficient but costly, loud, and less secure.
Therefore, most blacksmiths use venture burners for their gas forges. A single burner forge does not provide efficient performance as compared to a two-burner forge.
With a regulator, you can either use a double or single gauge. However, for a gas forge, it is ideal to use a propane specific two gauge regulator that shows you inlet and outlet pressure.
Insulation
There are three types of insulations for a gas forge; insulating fibers, fiber bricks, and castable refractory. The more padding your forge has, the less likely you are to burn yourself by touching it accidentally.
When buying a gas forge, always make sure it is well insulated. Is the internal lining of the forge made of thick fiber ceramic insulation? Does it have a fire brick chamber floor? These are essential points to consider because they prevent cracks in the external housing of the forge.
Size and Shape
Forges are available in different shapes and sizes. Most of them are vertical, horizontal, or oval-shaped. The size of a gas forge is a crucial point to note before making a purchase.
If you have a big project that requires you to melt big-sized iron rods, then you need to make the right choice of a forge that fits the project. Make sure the size is big enough to allow you to forge swords and odd shapes efficiently with less effort.
Durability
When it comes to high temperatures, low steel quality may deform easily during the process. For this reason, you need to get forges with high-quality steel material to enhance usage for a long time without damage.
Most of the forges reviewed above have 11’ gauge steel sheets. This makes them the perfect choice for use in knife making. A sturdy build keeps the forge running for years.
Types of Blacksmith Forges
Generally, there are three types of blacksmith forges available in the market. They include:
- Solid Fuel Forge
It comes with a specific design to accommodate solid fuels. It works by providing air blows for combustible solid fuels like coal, wood, and charcoal. Also, it has some exclusive parts, including an air source to support the continuous burning of solid fuel, a tuyere, a pipe that conveys smoke away from the forge, a gate that allows the disposal of ash.
- Propane Gas Forge
This is suitable for beginners because it does not require much craft. The gas forge is capable of producing consistent heat with more precision. It is easy to set up and produces clean heat. However, it is noisy, and the insulation material can be harmful to the body.
- Induction Forge
This forge uses electromagnetic induction to heat metal without physical contact. It is environmentally safe and easily allows you to maintain full control over your heating process. Also, it is suitable for a massive steam operation. However, it is quite expensive and demands a lot of technical knowledge.
Fuels used in Blacksmith Forges
Blacksmiths use different kinds of ammunition to power their forges. They include:
- Propane and Natural gas
- Coal and coke
- Wood and charcoal
FAQs on the Best Propane Gas Forgers for Knife Making
Is the gas regulator connection different for all regions?
Ans: Yes, it is different for all regions. POL, CGA-510 is used in Indonesia, Australia, and the USA while a G 5/8” UK POL LH used in South Africa and the UK.
Which is better between coal forge and gas forge?
Ans: Coal forge is the best. You can efficiently heat odd-shaped metal stocks and also works great for selective heating. If you are a beginner, the gas forge is the best option.
Can you use any fuel for the forge?
Ans: No, you only use the fuel that the forge configured for. The wood-fired forge uses wood, while most of the others use either propane or natural gas.
What regulator is appropriate for a gas forge?
Ans: A propane specific dual gauge regulator is the best choice for a gas forge. However, you can use any regulator.
Conclusion
With the best gas forges for knife making, you give your work entirely. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, these tools are ideal for your blacksmithing. But Still, if you are confused then we would say go for Hell’s Portable Propane Forge Double Burner without any confusion. We find it the best gas forge for knife making from all of the above listings.
With the information provided above, be able to narrow down your specifications, thereby prioritizing the most important ones that satisfy both your specifications and your budget.
We hope that you find the information provided in this essay helpful for you to be able to make the best purchase decision.
