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Timber Hill Knives

Tools of the Trade

At Timberhill Knives, crafting high-quality blades was as much about passion as it was about using the right tools and materials. Whether you're a seasoned bladesmith or just starting your journey into knife-making, this page is designed to inspire and equip you. Here, you’ll find the exact machines, supplies, and materials I relied on to create my knives—everything from sharpening tools to handle materials.

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Each item is linked to a trusted affiliate partner, making it easy for you to get the tools you need while supporting this page. These are tools I’ve personally used and recommend to anyone looking to create knives that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Tools of the Trade

Essential Tools for Getting Started

1x30_belt_sander_edited.png

1x30 Budget Belt Sander

I made my first two knives with one of these inexpensive little belt grinders from China. The first one I bought has shaped thousands of knife handles and is still running today! If you're making small knives, you could literally run a successful knife business using these little machines.

Purchase Now
wen_8_inch_drill_press.jpg

WEN Budget Drill Press

A drill press is one of the most useful machines you can buy. You just need to open your mind to all that it can do. It's not just a drill, it's a lathe, a rotary tool, a spindle sander, a shaper, a press... An inexpensive drill press can pay for itself on your first set of knives.

Purchase Now
2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide.jpg

2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

This is not a must have, but you will need a vice and if you're going to buy one, you might as well buy a 2 way cross slide vice. This will save you SO much time and frustration in setting up handles to drill holes for pins and tubes.

Purchase Now
porter_cable_4.5_angle_grinder.jpg

PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder

If you're making stock removal knives, it's mostly about removing material and there's not a more effective tool for the money than a 4.5" angle grinder. If you're innovative you can make your own mounts for various cutting and shaping tasks.

Purchase Now

Essential Materials for Getting Started

1x30_belt_sander_edited.png

1x30 Budget Belt Sander

I made my first two knives with one of these inexpensive little belt grinders from China. The first one I bought has shaped thousands of knife handles and is still running today! If you're making small knives, you could literally run a successful knife business using these little machines.

Purchase Now
wen_8_inch_drill_press.jpg

WEN Budget Drill Press

A drill press is one of the most useful machines you can buy. You just need to open your mind to all that it can do. It's not just a drill, it's a lathe, a rotary tool, a spindle sander, a shaper, a press... An inexpensive drill press can pay for itself on your first set of knives.

Purchase Now
2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide.jpg

2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

This is not a must have, but you will need a vice and if you're going to buy one, you might as well buy a 2 way cross slide vice. This will save you SO much time and frustration in setting up handles to drill holes for pins and tubes.

Purchase Now
porter_cable_4.5_angle_grinder.jpg

PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder

If you're making stock removal knives, it's mostly about removing material and there's not a more effective tool for the money than a 4.5" angle grinder. If you're innovative you can make your own mounts for various cutting and shaping tasks.

Purchase Now
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