The Top 8 Knife Grinders for Beginners in 2024

Have you only recently made your way onto the knife grinding scene, and you’re looking for a grinder that works for you? You’re not alone. I was recently on the lookout for the best knife grinder for beginners in 2024 and had to research. I did find some amazing products, and, in a few moments, I’ll share my findings.

Knife Grinders for Beginners: The Best 8 Options for You

1. Work Sharp Blade Grinder

First on my list, and for a good reason, is the Work Sharp WSSAKO81112 knife grinder. According to the manufacturers, this product is the result of high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. So, if you’re looking for a blade grinder to help you keep your knives looking as good as new, this product is perfect.

The best part? Even beginners can safely use the Work Sharp WSSAKO81112 to achieve fantastic results on their knives.

Indeed, the makers of the Work Sharp WSSAKO81112 describe it as a ‘near-professional tool. In other words, both beginners and pros in the business can use the grinder to achieve satisfactory results. 

The Work Sharp WSSAKO81112 allows you to attach it to work surfaces to facilitate hassle-free use conveniently. So, it does not matter if you’re in the workshop or at home. This grinder works for you. With this grinder, quickly get your blades sharp without stress and relatively safely. But remember to handle the machine with care at all times.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This product is ideal if you’re new to sharpening blades with knife grinders and you want to take things slow.

2. Darex/Drill Doctor Knife Sharpener

If you’re looking for a belt grinder for knives that offers a lot of versatility, you should consider buying the Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener. This knife grinder not only offers you superior quality in its sharpening process but is also quite easy to use. Indeed, as soon as you figure your way around the machine, you can start getting amazing results.

One of the perks of buying the Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener is that its abrasive grip belt is replaceable. This way, you can save yourself the extra expense when the belt wears out. All you have to do is replace it! Besides, abrasive belts ensure that you don’t wear out whatever blade you’re sharpening.

I should also mention that this machine offers a high degree of sharpening precision. This is because the Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener come with a sharpening guard. 

Also, if you’re in North America, you’ll get a one-year warranty when you buy a Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener. But I’m not sure they have a functioning warranty in other continents. Either way, you can be sure you’re buying a product that is both durable and efficient.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener are perfect if you’re looking for a grinder that offers high precision and sharpening quality.

3. WEN Dry Sharpening System

Next on my list to help you find the best knife grinder for beginners in 2024, I have a product from Wen, the BG9910 10-Inch Variable-Torque Water Cooled Wet and Dry Sharpening System. 

Over the years, Wen has established itself as a brand that deals in only top-quality. It is no wonder their product made it onto this list. With the Wen BG9910, you get a 10-inch grit sharpening stone, complete with a variable torque leather-body strapping wheel with a 9-inch diameter.

However, that’s not even the best part. The Wen BG9910 comes with a water cooling reservoir!

In case you’re wondering, this water reservoir ensures that your blades do not overheat while you sharpen them. However, I recommend taking some time to read the user manual and understand how the machine works. This helps stay safe while using the Wen BG9910 and ensures you get high-quality sharpening results. 

Once you figure out how the machine works, you’ll be sharpening like a pro in no time!

I should also mention that despite its water cooling system and other desirable features, the WEN BG9910 remains very affordable. However, there is something you should note. The joint between the sharpening wheel and the reservoir is not the best. While you can still get excellent performance from the machine, that joint looks rather flimsy.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Wen BG9910 is perfect if you want a cost-effective option with which you can still attain high-quality results. Its water cooling system is also perfect for people who sharpen numerous blades over an extended period.

4. DEWALT Bench Grinder

Next on my list of the best grinder for knife making is a product from another well-established brand, Dewalt Bench Grinder (DW756).

The Dewalt DW756 Bench Grinder has a 6-inch sharpening salsa with a heavy-duty motor equipped with a ⅝ horsepower. Indeed, this machine is quite the purchase for someone who wants good value for their money.

If you have any blade sharpening project that has proved challenging, the Dewalt DW756 Bench Grinder will likely perform it conveniently. Moreover, the machine is not only very efficient but also quite durable. Its base and its features are a combination of cast iron, which makes it quite resistant to damage.

Furthermore, the machine’s 3450 rpm makes it capable of handling the sharpening of almost every blade. But often, you’ll need to set the speed that high. 

Now, you may be wondering if the Dewalt DW756 Bench Grinder’s speed will not cause it to overheat while you work. I’ve got you!

The machine has several exhaust ports on its rear, which keeps it from overheating as you use it.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

It is ideal for blade sharpening enthusiasts looking for a machine that helps them achieve their desired results very fast.

5. WEN 4276 Bench Grinder

Here, I have another product from Wen, their 4276 2.1-Amp bench grinder. This product has the best grinder for knife making on this list in terms of its minimalist design. However, this is not to say that it is any less efficient. The WEN 4276’s sharpening quality has undoubtedly earned it a place in my compilation.

But that’s not even the best part. This machine has one of the lightest weights on the knife grinder scene! Indeed, it amounts to just 16 pounds in all.  So, transporting your grinder from one place to the other is significantly more convenient. 

Moreover, asides from its portability, the WEN 4276 offers users the freedom to use it in a diverse range of workstations and environments. I should mention that the machine is also relatively simple and stratford to use.

However, the WEN 4276 knife grind’s sharpening area is considerably small, being only 6 inches wide. While this is enough for most blades, if you need to sharper a larger blade, you may need to use another grinder.

On the bright side, the WEN 4276 is one of the most affordable knife grinders on the market today.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The WEN 4276 is ideal if you’re going to shuffle your knife grinder between, say, your home and your workshop. Moreover, it is also perfect for people who have financial limitations for their purchase.

6. Grizzly G1015 Knife Grinder

Still looking for more options on the best beginner knife grinders in 2024, there is the Grizzly G1015. 

This machine is ideal for people with limited experience with knife grinders and wants a machine that’s easy to use. Sadly, the Grizzly G1015 may not give you the best result possible in the knife grinding game. More specifically, using this model to achieve a symmetrical cut may prove to be easier said than done.

However, there are some perks to using the Grizzly G1015. 

For one, it has a powerful one horsepower motor and can reach speeds as high as 1725 RPM, which is fast enough to sharpen just about any blade. Besides, the grinder is also very durable.  It comes with an aluminum roller, ball-bearing construction, and a cast iron body. This enables to stand up to the rigors of use from day to day.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Grizzly G1015 is perfect for beginners who’d like to enjoy more power from their knife making machine.

7. JET J-4002 Belt and Disc Sander

There is no doubt that the JET J-4002 1″x42″ Belt and Disc Sander deserve a place on our list of the best belt grinders for knives. The machine can help you achieve fantastic results even if you’re working with rather unique angles and shapes, is very durable, and has a very quiet operation volume.

And that’s not even the best part!

The JET J-4002 belt and disc grinder have a 1-inch belt that allows it to work effectively in small spaces. Furthermore, its belt can reach speeds of up to 3000 RPM and has an 8-inch contact wheel. It also supports quick set-up and set-down for easy portability.

However, there’s one drawback. The price of the JET J-4002 belt and disc grinder is on the high side of things. But, on the bright side, with a new purchase, you get a two-year-long warranty to protect your knife grinder investment.

Besides, with the JET J-4002, you can rest assured that you are getting great value for your money.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The JET J-4002 belt and disc grinder are perfect for beginners who are looking to explore odd sizes and shapes on the knife making scene.

8. Huanyu Mini Belt Sander

For the final item on my list of the best beginner knife grinders in 2024, I have this product from Huanyu — a mini Belt Sander Micro Desktop Grinder.

Don’t let its name deceive you. The Huanyu mini Belt Sander Micro Desktop Grinder is a top-notch product that offers users the ability to produce high-quality blades in the shortest time possible. I should also mention that the machine’s operation is quite silent.

The mini Belt Sander Micro Desktop Grinder has a very efficient pure-copper motor, complete with both front and rear bearings. Indeed, its motor is one of the most distinctive features of this machine. It not only offers superior power but is also quite durable.

Furthermore, Huanyu’s mini Belt Sander Micro Desktop Grinder comes with a rib for its drive wheel. This ensures that the belt remains straight even during your knife-making or sharpening operation. 

I should also mention that the machine comes with a unique motor cover that prevents dust in your work environment from getting into the machine.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Huanyu mini Belt Sander Micro Desktop Grinder is perfect if you want a high degree of efficiency combined with your grinder’s portability for knife making.

The Best Knife Grinders for Beginners: Buyers Guide

Knowing the top belt grinders for knives is only the first step to acquiring a machine that’s perfect for you. The next part is choosing a model that works for your purposes. On this note, I can help. Here a few factors you should bear in mind when buying any one of the products in my compilation of the best knife grinders for beginners in 2024:

Sander and Belt Size

One of the first things you should look out for when buying a machine for knife making is the sander’s size. Generally, you don’t need a large sander, which will make installation a hassle. Instead, choose a sander that’s easy to install and move around.

If you’re not into full-time knife making, a portable sander may be best for you.

Once you’ve decided on the sander size you want, then check that it comes with a belt that has a corresponding size. In my opinion, a 2-inch sander alongside a 74-inch belt works best for knives. But you may not be working with only knives, so weigh your options well before making a decision. 

Contact point

In case you’re wondering, your knife grinder’s contact point is its plate-like surface. You place your knife there such that the contact point keeps the knife from hanging from the side. 

That said, I always advise people to buy a knife grinder with an adjustable contact point of up to 45 degrees. This way, you can also sharpen your knife with the machine.

However, if your contact point is non-adjustable, there is a way around it. While the contact point is generally irreplaceable, you install another point over the existing one.

Speed

Another crucial factor to look out for before buying a knife making machine is its speed.

Do you want a very fast machine or a moderately slow one? If you make only a few knives daily, you can probably get by with a slower machine. But, if you use your machine for extensive knife-making, I advise buying a faster grinder.

However, knife grinders that work at higher speeds will typically wear out their belts faster. So, I recommend choosing a model that has an adjustable control for its motor speed. This way, you can vary the machine’s speed to match your project.

Dust-proof

Dust is the enemy of any machine, even top-end models. Not only can it cause inefficiencies, but it can also cause the machine to slow down. The same applies to the best knife grinding machines for beginners in 2024.

Therefore, it is best to buy a belt grinder for knives with a dust collector if you can. This way, you can easily vacuum the dust when it accumulates. There are even some models that have dust collector systems equipped with their own vacuums!

Ease-of-use

This is particularly important as a beginner. You want to buy a knife-making grinder that’s simple and straightforward to use. 

Models that allow you to change their belts in seconds are typically the best. This is because you may have to switch out the belt several times while making a belt, so you want to make sure you don’t have to struggle with it and waste your time.

FAQs

Is a sander different from a grinder?

Technically, both machines qualify as sanders as they perform similar functions. But there is one crucial difference — their speed. A sander is not as fast as a grinder. Due to this, sanders may not be as effective on metals, while grinders are specifically designed for metals as they can reach speeds of up to 8000 FPM.

What are the different types of knife grinds?

The grind on a knife refers to the shape of its cross-section.  In other words, the thinning of the blade to show its cutting edge. Your chosen blade grind not only influences how you make it but also how you sharpen it.

Here are some of the common types of blade grinds you should know:

• Hollow grind
• Convex grind
• Flat grind
• High-flat grind
• V-grind
• Chisel grind
• Convex grind
• Compound grind
• Asymmetrical grind

Are there specifically-made belts for knives?

The answer is yes. You typically want to buy an abrasive belt with a hardness rating higher than seven on the Mohs Scale. This is because hardened steel has a hardness rating of 7. So, you’ll need a belt that’s harder than your blade.

Excellent options include aluminum oxide, zirconia alumina, silicon carbide, and most especially ceramic (which has a hardness rating of 10).

Why use a belt grinder to make your own knife?

Finding a typical knife is relatively easy. But finding a knife that fits your hand perfectly and has all the qualities you want is a more challenging task. However, with a knife grinder, you can conveniently make a knife with all the unique qualities you want and love.

Wrap Up

More often than not, the quality of the knife you make is directly related to the type of belt grinder you use. Therefore, you must use a knife making machine that works for your needs. Hopefully, my compilation of the best knife grinder for beginners in 2024 points you in the right direction.

Let me know the product you buy. I’d love to hear from you!