Collection: Knife Making

Belts and finishing supplies for bladesmiths and knife makers, supported by our Anaheim-based abrasive converting operation. Product origin varies by item. We stock 2" x 72" belts for full-size grinders, 2" x 48", 2" x 42" and 2" x 36" for smaller grinders, and 1" x 30" and 1" x 42" for bench sanders and sharpening – in ceramic for profiling and bevel grinding, zirconia for general stock removal, aluminum oxide for handle material, and non-woven surface conditioning belts for satin finishes.

For a grinder that takes this size, shop our 2" x 72" sanding belts for knife making in the currently available aluminum oxide, premium ceramic, and AO J-flex options.

A knife maker's belt progression

1. Profiling and bevels – 36 to 60 grit ceramic. Ceramic grain fractures as it wears, so it keeps cutting cool on hardened steel.
2. Refining – 80, 120, 220 grit ceramic or zirconia. Never skip more than one grit.
3. Finishing – 400 to 800 grit, then a surface conditioning belt (medium, then very fine) for a clean satin finish.
4. Polishing – airway buffing wheel with black stainless cutting bar, then purple high luster for a mirror.

Read our 2x72 and 1x30 knife-making belt guide and ceramic vs. zirconia vs. aluminum oxide comparison before choosing a progression.