KM36

Knife Making   

At almost 1/2 cu. ft. interior, the KM-36T is for serious work.  The depth of the chamber is 36".  Even if most of your knives would fit inside the KM14, or KM24 you may ultimately be happier with the ultimate KM36. 

Long lasting solid state relay

Our KM base line features a solid-state relay, which outlasts standard mechanical relays and provides superior temperature control during holds. With no moving parts, solid-state relays are highly durable and operate silently—you'll only hear the reassuring hum of the heating elements. To ensure optimal performance, the relay is mounted on an aluminum heat sink to stay cool. For added safety, a secondary safety relay is included for your peace of mind.

No more waiting for commercial heat treating

A Paragon KM-series furnace sets the knife maker free. No more wrapping blades and shipping them to your heat treater. No more waiting until you have a dozen blades to get the best price on heat treating. No more turning away orders for last-minute gifts.

While your furnace is hardening and tempering blades, you can busy yourself grinding more knives or fitting handles. After you’ve used your Paragon furnace a while, you will wonder how you ever got along without it. When asked to make a knife on short notice—whether for a Marine Corps awards presentation, a soldier’s retirement party, or an archaeologist going to Africa—you will be ready. When a custom knife is needed as a going away gift, and the recipient is leaving in three days, you will be ready. Your KM-series furnace might even pay for itself on rush orders you would otherwise have missed.

Solid furnace construction

The furnace is insulated with 3” thick refractory firebrick, which is 1/2” thicker than the standard. The elements are mounted in dropped, recessed grooves machined into the firebrick. This groove protects the element for long life and low maintenance. Elements are simple to replace because they can be lifted directly from the groove. You can replace elements following instructions in the printed manual. The firing chamber is protected by a rigid steel case. A built-in solid stand lifts the firing chamber safely off your worktable. The thermocouple wire is kept inside the control box for protection from the harsh environment of the typical bladesmith shop.

Printed instruction manuals

Your furnace includes a wiring diagram, a controller instruction manual, and a heat treating manual with heat treating instructions for D2, 440C, ATS 34 and 154 CM. The manuals are written in plain English for the beginner.

Optional Gas Injection Flow Meter

During heat treating, scale forms on the surface of the steel. One way to eliminate most scaling is to wrap the steel in stainless steel foil. Another way is to install the gas injection flow meter on your furnace. It is available as either an add-on kit, or you can order the furnace with the meter installed.

The meter regulates the flow of an inert gas, such as argon, inside the furnace. The gas displaces the oxygen to prevent some of the scaling.

The knifemaking Kit

In addition to the furnace, you will need a Knifemaking Kit, which separates the blades and holds them parallel inside the furnace. Contains 1 pair hot gloves, 1 heat treating fork, 4 knifeholders, and 8 firebrick supports.

Choose a side swing door or a drop door (We will verify this with you by phone after your purchase).

You can order a Paragon knifemaking furnace with either a drop door or a side-swing door. (The photo above shows the traditional drop door. Side swing door pictured in images) The price of the furnace is the same with either door style.

The drop door opens downward with one-handed operation. A counter-weight handle holds the door securely closed. The door, whether drop or side-swing, is mounted on a heavy-duty 1/2” thick hinge shaft for smooth opening. Because of the rigid case and heavy hinge, the door is sturdy enough for years of faithful service.

Specifications