Knife making can be both artisan and a highly automated process, but like any craft, there are some very specific tools that make the whole process easier. While you might be able to make a knife with a hunk of steel and a couple files, having the right tools in your shop will make things much easier.

Obviously, our favorite tools are CNC-related, but every shop requires a number of machines and utensils that don’t run on G-Code. Here’s a short list of a few of our favorite tools that aren’t CNC (in no particular order).

Surface grinding has an important role in the metalworking shop. Whether you’re looking to keep tight tolerances or improve appearance, a surface grinder is an essential tool for part finishing.