10 Best Knife Grinder For Beginners In 2022

Have you ever thought about how professional knives are made? It’s an art that is impossible with an ordinary machine. If you’re a beginner and longed for making your own knives, it is the time to invest in the best knife grinder for beginners.

With the right tools and equipment, you can make a unique piece just like a pro. There is no other tool superior to a knife grinder for sharpening a knife and giving it a perfect shape. It is the main device present in an expert knife maker’s kit.

You might be thinking that is a knife grinder worth buying when you can purchase a nicely shaped knife from the market? The answer to your question is yes.

Now the next question that arises in your mind is why? Let me explain. The knives you buy from the market are not unique. They are produced in large quantities merely for business purposes. So with the best knife grinder, you can not only make the knife of your choice but also sharpen the market-bought Dishwasher safe knives.

 

Best Overall









Grizzly G1015



  • Multifunctional
  • Cast iron frame body
  • 2 inches wide belt
Editor Choice









Grizzly H6070



  • Light-weight
  • Portable
  • Double Dust Ports
Great Value









Kalamazoo 1SM 1



  • Smooth performance
  • Good quality bearings
  • Belts are easier to change

 


Top 10 Best Beginner Belt Grinder for Knife Making  2022 :

It’s time to unleash your creativity and make your own set of knives. For this purpose, we have reviewed the top 10 best knife grinders for beginners.

1. Grizzly G1015 Knife Grinder

best knife grinder for beginners

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This versatile knife belt sander performs several woodworking functions other than just sharpening and grinding knives. It can be used on knives, precision hand tools, scissors, and even larger household tools.

It is directly driven by the motor shaft that means it does not need any mechanical driving. The belt drive wheel measures 8 inch which is the perfect size for the beginner level. That is why we call it an inch knife belt sander.

The belt arms can be fully tilted. You can tilt the belt from a vertical to a horizontal position or anywhere, depending on the requirements of your project.

One more thing that makes it our top choice is that it is maintenance-free, you don’t have to adjust the belt tension mechanically. You can change the belt without any effort within seconds due to its quick-release belt mechanism.

The company provides one year warranty for this product. If any issue comes then you can claim the warranty from wherever you buy it. They will replace the sander with a new one. The warranty attracts a lot of customers because they have financial security.

Specifications:

Motor speed: 1725 RPM
Belt speed: 3600 FPM
Belt size: 2 inches
Belt range: 72″–76″range
Wheel: 8 inch
Weight: 60 pounds

Pros
  • Quick-release belt mechanism
  • Multifunctional
  • Full tilt belt arms
  • Cast iron frame body
  • 2 inches wide belt
  • One year warranty
Cons
  • It is pricey

2. Grizzly Industrial

best knife grinder for beginners

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Another Grizzly product in our rank is this machine that offers a belt sander and disc sander in just one unit.

It can be used to revive blunt scissors, knives, screwdrivers, chisels, and dull blades, rust removal, shaping parts, and cleaning objects.

It features a sturdy cast aluminum base which has a rubber foot. The benefit of rubber foot is that it prevents vibrations. The table can rotate up to 45 degrees and fix work on both surfaces. This feature gives it the flexibility to perform its functions in a better way.

Moreover, it has a powerful motor of 1/3 Horsepower that further boosts it in doing its job. The motor has a direct-drive design, increasing 25% sanding efficiency than a conventional design.

Its belt size is according to the weight and size of the machine itself. Such a belt size is ideal for beginners but not for professionals. The best part about the belt is that it doesn’t wear easily.

It has two dust ports that are highly beneficial to keep the machine clean and dust-free when it is used on an industrial level.

The machine also has a removable safety key to protect itself. That is why it is ideal for making knives and grinding tricky parts.

Specifications:

Motor: 1/3 HP
Motor Speed: 3450 RPM
Sanding Belt: 1” x 30”
Sanding Disc: 5”
Dust Port: Two ( 1-3/4” and 1-13/16” )
Table Tilt: Right ( 45 degree ) , Left ( 0 degree )
Weight: 0.16 ounces
Platen size: 1” x 3”

Pros
  • Light-weight
  • Portable
  • Double Dust Ports
  • Ability to rotate
  • Variable platen
Cons
  • Belt-size is small

3. Kalamazoo 1SM 1″

best knife grinder for beginners

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This belt sander can be used for a variety of purposes primarily for sharpening knives. But it can also be used for deburring, sizing, sanding, smoothing, shaping metal, wood or plastic.

Belt grinders are categorized by the width and length of their belt size.

Usually, all knife grinders have a 2-inch belt size but it has a 1-inch width belt. Due to a smaller belt size, it requires less HP motor to run smoothly. Unlike other belt grinders, it has 1/3 Horsepower motor.

The lesser the motor power, the slower the speed it delivers. Slow speed is controllable which makes it ideal for beginners. It is powerful enough to excel as a knife sharpener. It comes with a Tilt table, 4 inches contact wheel, and removable platen.

This 1 inch Belt Sander has a compact design weighing 32 pounds. It is well-built with a cast body and heavy-duty base that will last a long time. Featuring a 1/3HP motor makes the 1-by-42 inch belt run at 1725 RPM. It has the perfect balance of power for a compact solution.

The 1/3 hp motor is effective for any grinding or sanding task you want to do on a 1″ wide belt.

Specifications:

Weight: 32 pounds
Size: 1″ x 42″ Belt, 6″ Disc
Motor: 1/3 HP
Belt Speed: 1725 RPM
Voltage: 110 volts

Pros
  • The belts are easier to change
  • It’s fairly quiet – no need for hearing protection
  • Smooth performance
  • Good quality bearings
  • Works great for knife sharpening
Cons
  • Not wide enough to flatten off material efficiently

4. BUCKTOOL

best knife grinder for beginners

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From deburring ragged edges to cleaning objects to sharpening blades, this 8-inch bench grinder is ideal for all grinding operations.

It has a 1/2HP dual speed motor with speed ranging from 1725 to 3450 RPM, we can simply change the speed by turning the speed switch from Low to High. High speed is preferable for metal and rust removal, while low speed is for sharpening edges of knives and woodworking tools.

The rugged cast iron base includes rubber feet to avoid vibration, shaking, and provide smoother operations.

Heat built-up can be reduced by 60 and 120 grit aluminum oxide wheels. It also includes a buffing wheel or brush wheel for multipurpose polishing.

Specifications:

Motor Speed: 1725/3450RPM
Wheel:  8″x 1″ x 5/8″
Grit: Wheel Grit: 60#/120#
Weight: 45.2 pounds
Dimensions: 22.6 x 14.2 x 12.2 inches

Pros
  • A professional-grade sharpening wheel
  • Restore a razor-sharp edge in just seconds.
  • Quiet and efficient ½ HP motor
  • Smooth Performance
  • Dual speed Switch
  • 3 times magnifier eye shield
  • Balanced and no wobbling or shaking
  • Compact in size as compared to bother bench grinders
  • 1-year warranty
Cons
  • expensive

5. Aikeec Electric Mini Belt Grinder

best knife grinder for beginners

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If you are looking for a tiny tool to sharpen your knives, chisels, flat irons, and other blunt metals. This is perfect for you.

This Belt sander can be used to achieve a completely smooth surface. It works great in grinding metals, wood, acrylic, and other materials.

It is a stationary belt sander that can be mounted on a tabletop. It is tiny yet it has plenty of power. The belt angle can be adjusted in any direction you want. This feature makes the user comfortable working in any position.

Another good feature is that it is not noisy. Noise is 75 to 85 decibels which is bearable. It comes with a power cord that includes the power supply as part of the cord that nicely regulates speed. Speed is variable from 4500 to 9000 pm.

Complete CNC machining and built-in double bearing prevent dust from entering the machine which can damage the bearing.

Specifications:

Power: DC 12-24V
Input voltage: AC 110V/220V
No-load speed: 4500-9000RPM (adjustable)
Noise: 75-85db
Belt size: 13″x 0.4″ / 330x10mm
Weight: 3.31 pounds
Dimensions: 9.25 x 6.69 x 5.47 inches

Pros
  • Powerful motor
  • Well built and durable
  • Different speed settings
  • Less noisy
  • Workbench angle adjustable
  • Less expensive as compared to bench Grinder
Cons
  • You have to place it on a rubber sheet to keep it from moving
  • Motor overheats quickly

6. Palmgren Belt

best knife grinder for beginners

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A heavy-duty machine that is a combination of belt and disc. It is perfect for making knives, grinding, sanding, polishing, and deburring. It is an extremely popular selection among hobbyist knife making and for general purpose sanding and finishing on most metals, wood, plastics, and other materials.

It comes with a different work-rest tool that can be attached with a screw. Typical operations include surfacing, finishing, sanding, grinding, polishing, and contour to all ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

It also has a 6-inch disc grinder at the side of the motor. Belt arm adjusts infinitely from vertical to horizontal. The disc rotates at 3600 RPM.

The heavy-duty motor allows the machine to work under load without slowing down. Cast iron construction provides rigidity making it ideal for projects requiring a lot of stability and movement while offering vibration-free operation.

The Palmgren belt comes with an impressive 1/3 horsepower motor powered at a single phase 3500 revolutions per minute.

Specifications:

Weight: 36 pounds
Belt size: 2 inches
Disc size: 6 inches
Color: Dark Grey & Black
Cord Length: 72 Inches
Disc Speed: 3500 rpm
Motor: 1/3 HP
Warranty: 2 years for parts, 1-year for labor

Pros
  • Heavy Duty work without slowing down
  • Highly durable
  • 2 years warranty
  • The belt can be positioned vertically or horizontally
  • Vibration-free
  • Way faster than hand filing
  • Smooth performance
Cons
  • Belt speed is a bit fast for beginners.
  • Nonadjustable/single

7. Jet Tools-J-41002

best knife grinder for beginners

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Another Jet Tools product with great efficiency! This version (J-41002) has a less powerful motor and belt size ideal for newcomers and unskilled people.

If you are a beginner, go for this product before moving to the big boys. It helps beginners to learn and understand every feature of the grinding process. It can also be used for finishing of the curved and irregular exterior of market bought knives.

The cast iron construction gives it a firm and resolute exterior. There is a dust tube in the belt sander which makes it dust-free. It has rubber feet that prevent vibration of the motor.

The size of the disc table is best for producing small-sized knives. Due to its smaller size, it is not suitable for commercial use. Moreover, the disc can be rotated in the desired direction. This rotation makes sanding, crushing, and sharpening easier.

It has a heavy steel base and a tool rest for your ease, so you can sit and grind the knives perfectly.

It has a warranty for two years. With this, Jet also provides regular maintenance and checkup services.

Specifications:

Motor:3/4 HP, single-phase
Belt size: 2 x 42 inches
Belt speed: 3100 SFPM
Disc table size: 10-3/4 x 7-1/2 inches
Disc table tilt: 45 degrees
Disc speed: 3450 RPM
Weight: 60 pounds

Pros
  • New-comer friendly
  • Reasonable price
  • Removable platen
  • Excellent tool rest
  • Easy to arrange and use
  • Dust tube is present
  • Rubber feet to prevent motor vibrations
Cons
  • Heavy and less portable
  • Small Framework

8. Bucktool

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Want to save money replacing dull rusty tools and deburred edges of knives? This knife grinder is the best to go for.

It has ½ Horsepower dual-speed induction motor that is competent for a trainee. The small power motor can work on both speeds. It delivers smooth performance at a low as well as a higher speed. With the dual speed option, you can use it for both sharpening and metal removal.

The belt size is suitable for an unskilled person who wants to understand the grinding procedure and techniques. It has a cast iron table which is of great importance as it gives support in shaping and sharpening things accurately and flawlessly.

The belt can be changed easily in a horizontal or vertical direction. The belt angle ranges from 0-90 degrees. You can adjust it according to your need. The belt speed is high, so there are many chances that the belt might wear out earlier. The belt platen that helps in filling rough outlines is also adjustable.

The machine also has a LED light, supported by a battery. This light ensures accurate visibility of your task. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about dusting the machine as it has dust ports and a brushes wheel for dust removal.

Another great feature of this device is that it can reduce heat build-up. It has a 60grit and 120grit aluminum oxide wheel that has the ability to prevent heat build-up.

On the downside, the grinder has low durability due to its 4480 FPM belt speed. Such belt speed makes it ideal for mid levelers who are not at a beginner level.

Specifications:

Motor: ½ HP
Motor Speed: 3450 RPM
Belt size: 2” x 42 “
Belt speed: 4480 FPM
Belt angle: Adjustable ( 0 to 90 degrees )
Disc size: 6” x 1”/ 1” x 2”
Disc Speed: 3450 RPM

Pros
  • Budget-Friendly knife grinder.
  • Brush wheel along with dust ports
  • Cast iron table
  • Easy to Handle
  • LED light present
  • Adjustable Belt Angle
Cons
  • Belt speed is quite higher for beginners
  • Low durability of the belt

9. Central Machinery Belt Sander

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The next product on our list is Central Machinery Belt Slander. The device is ideal for wood workpieces cutting and making medium-sized knives, taking into consideration its belt size and motor. Moreover, such belt size is decent for beginners and hobbyists but not for professionals.

It has a 1/3 Horsepower motor that produces enough power to make small and medium-sized knives. That is why it is ideal for beginners.

The Belt Slander has a dust-collection tube for the removal of dirt and dust. This tube makes cleaning and maintenance easier. Also, it helps in the smooth functioning of the machine.

The Adjustable Belt Tracker is good for shaping things faster but not ideal for sharpening the knife. You probably need another tool to sharpen the edges of the blade. Another drawback is that you have to buy the disc separately as the product does not come with a disc.

However, there is still great news for you, it has a 100% payback guarantee.

Specifications:

Belt Size: 1” x 30” ( 80-girt )
Motor: 1/3 Hp
Motor Speed: 3400 RPM
Table Dimensions: 5-1/16” Width x 5-1/8” Length
Table Tilt: 0 to 45 degree
Weight: 18.0 pounds

Pros
  • Give shape to things faster and accurately
  • Best for making small and medium-sized knives
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Has a Dust-collection chute
  • Comes with warranty and money payback option
  • Budget-friendly knife grinder
Cons
  • Heavy and not portable
  • No disc

10. Jet Tools-J-4002

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JET TOOLS come up with one of the best belt sanders that is Jet tools-J-4002 Bench Belt and Disc
Sander.

It has a 1×42 inches belt size which is suitable for starters, That is why it is an ideal tool for beginners only and not for professionals.

The belt speed is quite higher due to which it produces results efficiently. 1/3 HorsePower motor delivers powerful speed to get more productive outcomes.

The removable platen is another major and important feature that makes it easy to clean.

Another great thing! It has a dust deviator and dust channel, so no need to worry about making any
mess.

Most of the devices do not come with a disc, but this is not the case with Jet Tools. A disc is available with the sander, so no need to buy it separately. The disc table can tilt up to 45 degrees in both left and right direction. This feature gives the best belt sander versatility to perform its functions in various domains.

On the downside, the weight of the knife grinder is heavy. Therefore, it is not easily moveable.

In case you find any technical issue in the machine, call customer support because it has a warranty for 2 years.

Specifications:

Belt size: 1 x 42 inches
Motor: 1/3 HP, single-phase
Disc Speed: 1725 RPM
Disc Table Tilt: 45 degrees
Weight: 62 pounds
Length: 22 inches
Width: 21 inches

Pros
  • Great for starters
  • Dust channel and dust deflector is present
  • Removable platen
  • The disc can be tilted
  • The belt is easy to change
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Heavy

The Buyer’s Guide For Best Belt Sander for Knife Making :

Here are some essential things to consider while buying a knife grinder.

Motor:
If you are a beginner, consider a belt sander that has a small motor power. It should not be more than 1 Horsepower. The ideal motor power of a belt sander that works best as a knife grinder is ½ Horsepower.

Belt size:
Go for a smaller belt size. It is well controlled and helps you in your learning process. Large belt sizes are for commercial use only. The ideal belt size for a beginner is 2 inches.

Speed:
Motor speed and belt speed is another important factor to consider while buying a knife grinder. Check for that has the lowest speed. High-speed belt sanders are difficult to manage for beginners. Moreover, high-speed belts also wear easily.

Tilt/Rotation:
Another important point is the rotation of the disc. Consider a belt sander that can rotate at least up to 45 degrees. This makes the sander to move in various directions and ultimately easy to use.

Dust ports:
A dust tube is important! Consider a tool that has an attached dust collector. It will make sure to not make a mess at your workstation.

Conclusion:

If you are a beginner, never go for a belt sander that has high motor power, speed, or belt size. Always go for small size products, before moving to big boys. Above we have mentioned the right tools for newcomers with the lowest belt size, speed, and motor. We hope this article helped you in finding the machine that sets well for you.

 

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