Belt grinders for knife making: 1x30 vs 2x48 vs 2x72 Ad

For knife making, the belt grinder to aim for is a 2x72 (a 2" × 72" belt, or 50 × 1830 mm) with variable speed. It's the standard because belts and accessories are cheap and everywhere, and it resells well. A 1x30 is a cheap stopgap for profiling and handles; a 2x48 works, but it's harder to find belts and attachments for.

This guide is for anyone choosing their first proper grinder, in the UK, the US or elsewhere. In the UK you'll often see these machines called linishers. We cover what each size can do, what to look for in a machine, which belts to buy, and our picks from about £100 to over $3,000.

We haven't run our own workshop tests on these machines yet. Where test results will go, we've said so. Everything else is drawn from experienced makers and dated retail prices.

Belt grinder sizes compared

Prices: Clarke [1]; Vevor and WEN 1x30 [2] [3]; Axminster [4]; Kalamazoo [5]; Vevor 2x72 [6]; premium [7]. Belt sizes from our research notes and supplier listings [8] [9].

What size belt grinder do you need for knife making?

If you'll make more than a handful of knives, a 2x72. Experienced makers are close to unanimous: start with files, make a few knives, then save for a variable-speed 2x72 rather than buying smaller machines on the way [10] [11]. In a 2016 KnifeDogs thread, the consensus was "2x72 if possible", with a 4x36 as a cheap learning machine [12].

If your budget won't stretch, a 1x30 is fine for profiling and handles while you save. Just don't expect it to grind good bevels.

Is a 1x30 belt sander any good for knives?

For profiling, rounding a handle or touching up an edge, yes. For grinding bevels, not really.

The belt is narrow, the platen (the flat plate behind the belt) is small, and the table gaps on many models can catch a blade. One maker called them "dangerous and frustrating" [10]. Ed Caffrey put it more bluntly: buying 1" machines is "just throwing that money away" if you're serious [12].

In the UK, the Clarke CBS1-5B has been "the standard starting point for UK makers" for years [13]. It's a 230 V machine with a 250 W motor and a 1" × 762 mm belt, at £101.99 inc VAT from Lawson HIS in October 2026 [1].

Is a 2x48 belt grinder worth it?

It can be, especially in the US where the Kalamazoo KZ448 is a proper made-in-USA machine: ½ HP, 115 V, 4,500 SFPM belt speed, removable platen and tilting table, at $649 from Jantz [5].

The catch is belts and accessories. Makers say a 2x48 is fine "if you verify belt availability first", and that contact wheels and attachments for 2x42/2x48 machines are still limited [10]. 72" belts cost little more than 48" ones, so a 2x72 is cheaper per inch of abrasive.

Do you need a 2x72 belt grinder?

Not for your first knife. For everything after that, it's the machine that changes how you work.

The reasons are practical. Industry-standard belts in every grit and abrasive are easy to buy. Wheels, platens and tool arms are interchangeable between many brands. And a 2x72 resells for most of what you paid [10]. Kevin Cashen called it "the most versatile grinder" and suggested trying one before you buy [11].

A full setup usually means a flat platen, an adjustable tool rest, an 8" or 10" contact wheel for hollow grinds, small wheels, and a set of ceramic and aluminium oxide belts. You don't need all of it on day one [10].

A UK owner of the 84 Engineering grinder praised the gas-ram tensioner, the VFD and the vertical/horizontal rotation, and said Multitool dispatched within days while other UK sellers quoted 2–6 weeks [16]. The complete Australian version comes with a pre-wired 1.5 kW (2 HP) motor and VFD, giving belt speeds from 0 to 4,800 fpm [17].

Other 2x72 options worth knowing

• Origin Blade Maker (OBM) chassis: about $495 for the chassis, but a member estimated about $350 for a motor, $350+ for a VFD and around $100 for wiring. One owner said it "works good but it's nothing special" [18].
• Pheer 427/454: KMG-compatible arms and platen. The 427 "won't limit your progress, provided you add a VFD" (c.2015) [19].
• Beaumont KMG: "built like a tank", with strong resale; about $1,600 in about 2014, so check current prices [20].
• TW-90 and Northridge: $3,900 and "about $2k–3K" respectively in 2018 [21].
• Burr King 960-272 and JET 2x72: $3,495.05 and $2,699 on sale at Trick-Tools in October 2026 [7].

What is a linisher? The UK term for a belt grinder

In the UK, a belt sander for metal is usually called a linisher, and "linishing" means using belts to make a surface flatter and smoother in stages of finer grit [22]. When a UK maker asks for a linisher, they often mean a knife grinder.

Be careful what you buy under that name, though. Many machines sold as linishers in UK tool shops use wide belts, such as the SIP 01960 with a 100 × 1220 mm (4" × 48") belt [23], or the Axminster Craft sander with a 100 × 915 mm belt [24]. They're good for deburring and finishing flat work. They're not knife grinders: there's no small-wheel or contact-wheel work, belt choice for knife grits is narrow, and the platen is too wide to see the edge you're grinding.

For knives, look for a 50 mm (2") belt, ideally 50 × 1830 mm (2x72), or 50 × 2000 mm on European-made machines.

Buying a belt grinder in the UK

UK makers face three problems: fewer machines in stock, few prices published, and the cost of importing US grinders.

• Avoid US imports if you can. Shipping and duty add a lot, and US motors cost more to replace [25].
• Check the voltage. UK mains is 230 V at 50 Hz. A fixed-speed motor wound for 60 Hz US mains runs about a sixth slower on 50 Hz.
• UK sources: Multitool Products (84 Engineering, Staffordshire), Downland Engineering and Volf48 Grinders are named in European supplier lists [26]. GFS Knife Supplies sells Claryx grinders from Bulgaria in 50 × 2000 mm: "not cheap but cry once" [25].
• Second-hand: UK forum advice is to watch Edge Matters and BushcraftUK for used grinders [25].

Buying a belt grinder in the US

US buyers have far more choice. Budget machines start with the Vevor 2x72 at $779.90, mid-range sits around $1,600–1,900 (KMG historically, Hardcore Economy now), and premium machines run $2,700–3,900 [6] [7] [21]. US makers can also build from chassis kits such as OBM or Diktator, adding their own motor and VFD [18].

What should you look for in a belt grinder?

Speed control: is a VFD worth it?

Yes. A VFD (variable frequency drive) changes the frequency and voltage feeding a three-phase motor, so you can turn the belt speed up or down with a knob [27]. You grind fast when removing steel, then slow down near the edge and for handles, where heat and control matter.

Diktator's guidance (February 2026) is about 1.5 HP (1.1 kW) as a baseline for knife work, 2 HP (1.5 kW) as the sweet spot, and 3 HP for heavy grinding. Many VFDs need derating on single-phase household supply, so a 2 HP motor may need a 3 HP-rated drive [27]. Without a VFD you're stuck with one speed, or with changing pulleys [20].

How fast should the belt run?

Belt speed is usually given in SFPM (surface feet per minute):

• SFPM = drive wheel diameter (in) × π × motor rpm ÷ 12
• Metres per second = drive wheel diameter (mm) × π × rpm ÷ 60,000

A 4" (102 mm) drive wheel at 1,800 rpm gives about 1,885 SFPM (9.6 m/s). As a guide, finishing and handle work runs at about 1,000–2,000 SFPM (5–10 m/s), general grinding at 2,500–4,000 SFPM (13–20 m/s), and heavy stock removal faster [28]. Our belt speed calculator will do the maths in metric or imperial.

Platen, wheels and tool rest

• Flat platen: for flat grinds and flat handle sides.
• Contact wheel: an 8" or 10" wheel gives hollow grinds; small wheels reach inside curves and finger grooves [10].
• Tool rest: must lock solidly and adjust close to the belt. A gap between rest and belt can snatch a blade.
• Standard tool arms: many 2x72s accept KMG-pattern arms, so attachments swap between brands [19].

Tracking and tension

Kevin Cashen's buying advice was a 2x72 "with good tracking" [11]. The belt should run true at every speed without drifting, and the tension should be quick to release for belt changes. Owners of the 84 Engineering grinder single out its gas-ram tensioner for this [16].

Belt availability

Check you can buy belts for the machine before you buy the machine. For a 2x72 that's never a problem. For 1x30, 2x42 and 2x48 machines, the choice of good ceramic and finishing belts is much thinner [10].

Belts and grits for knife making

Belts are your biggest running cost. One UK builder said his belts had cost more than his whole grinder [15], and veterans' advice is to use them "as if they're free" rather than pushing a dull belt [29].

The standard progression [30] [31]:

1. Ceramic, 24–120 grit, for profiling and bevels. Ceramic needs firm pressure and a capable machine; it glazes if you only feather it. "A 36-grit ceramic belt is a stock-removal tool, not a finish belt."
2. Flexible ceramic or aluminium oxide, 180–400 grit, for refining.
3. Trizact, J-weight aluminium oxide or film, for fine finishes up to about 1200 grit and beyond.
4. Non-woven (Scotch-Brite type) belts for a satin finish.

Zirconia is a cheaper alternative to ceramic but also wants firm pressure [31].

Sources: [9] [32] [8]. Budget mixed packs such as 2x72 ceramic and aluminium oxide belts, 6-packAmazon and Norton Blaze 2x72 knifemaker assortmentAmazon are fine for a first grinder. See belts and grit progression.

Can you build or convert your own belt grinder?

Yes, if you can weld and wire safely. One KnifeDogs maker built a 3-speed 2x72 for about $300 and a variable-speed one for about $500 (2022) [10]. Homebuilt machines from published plans came to around $1,100 in 2018 [21].

Bench-grinder conversions (a belt attachment that bolts onto an 8" bench grinder) are a cheaper middle way. The Multitool attachment is the long-standing UK option [14] [33]. The cheap 2x72 conversion kits we found on Amazon had mixed reviews; we'd avoid them. See DIY belt grinder.

Belt grinder safety

• Respirator: a P3 or P100 cartridge mask for steel, and especially for G10, micarta and carbon fibre dust. Grind those wet where you can [34].
• Eyes and face: sealed goggles and ideally a face shield. Belt breaks have knocked glasses off [35].
• Kickback: a blade caught by the belt can be thrown hard; one maker needed stitches [35]. Keep the tool rest close to the belt and hold the blade firmly.
• Fire: keep an ABC extinguisher within reach of the grinder [35].

FAQs

What size belt grinder is best for knife making?

A 2x72 (50 × 1830 mm). Belts and accessories are cheap and easy to find, attachments swap between brands, and the machines hold their value. Smaller sizes work for profiling and handles, but most makers who start on a 1x30 or 2x48 end up buying a 2x72 anyway.

Is a linisher the same as a belt grinder?

Mostly, yes. "Linisher" is the usual UK word for a belt sander used on metal. For knife making, though, look for a 50 mm (2") belt and a proper platen and work rest. Many machines sold as linishers in the UK use 100 mm (4") belts, which are good for flat work but awkward for grinding blades.

Can I use a 1x30 belt sander for knife making?

Yes, for profiling, shaping handles and sharpening. It's poor at bevels because the belt and platen are small and spare belts are limited. Use it as a stopgap, keep filing your bevels, and save for a variable-speed 2x72.

How much does a good belt grinder cost?

A complete budget 2x72 with variable speed starts at about $780 in the US (October 2026). Mid-range machines are about $1,600–1,900 and premium ones $2,700–3,900. In the UK, the 84 Engineering SM-72 is listed from £695 ex VAT, but check whether that includes the motor and VFD.

Do I need variable speed on a belt grinder?

You can work without it, but it makes grinding easier and safer. Slow speeds give control near the edge, on handles and when sharpening; high speeds remove steel quickly. A VFD on a three-phase motor is the usual way to get it; one BladeForums member said you "can't beat a VFD and direct drive" for the money [19] [20].

What grit belts do I need for knife making?

Start with ceramic belts at 36 or 60 grit for profiling, 80–120 for bevels, then 180–400 flexible belts for refining, and a fine finishing belt such as Trizact. A 10–12 belt starter pack covers a first few knives.

Sources

1. https://lawson-his.co.uk/clarke-cbs1-5b-belt-and-disc-sander-230v-6500432
2. https://www.vevor.com/belt-grinder-c_11006/vevor-belt-grinder-sander-30-x-1-inch-variable-speed-belt-polisher-with-vfd-550w-polishing-grinding-machine-with-2-grinding-moulds-3pcs-sanding-belts-for-metalworking-knife-making-p_010387895131
3. https://slickdeals.net/f/17816337-wen-2-3-amp-1-x-30-belt-sander-w-5-sanding-disc-67-55-free-shipping-67-65
4. https://www.axminstertools.com/axminster-workshop-aw18bds-belt-disc-sander-230v-111998
5. https://knifemaking.com/products/kz448-kalamazoo-2-x-48-belt-sander-with-motor
6. https://www.vevor.com/s/2x72-belt-grinder-complete-chassis-with-tilt-feature-and-motor-combo
7. https://www.trick-tools.com/tools/2x72-Grinder
8. https://www.preferredabrasives.com/knife-making-and-blacksmithing/
9. https://rightlines.co.uk/products/knife-maker-belt-sets
10. https://knifedogs.com/goto/post?id=431867
11. https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/tools-equipment-and-jigs/beginners-shopping-list-for-tools/
12. https://www.knifedogs.com/threads/1x30-or-2x42-for-the-beginner.44050/latest
13. https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/basic-and-cheap-equipment-for-stock-removal-blade-making.150485
14. https://www.multitoolproducts.com/
15. https://ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/2-x-72-uk.130839/post-1475023
16. https://www.iforgeiron.com/topic/68824-uk-available-knife-grinders-2x72-belt-grinders-recommendations/
17. https://beyondtools.com/products/shop-master-2x72-assembled-belt-grinder-by-84-engineering
18. https://bladeforums.com/threads/what-are-your-thoughts-on-origin-blade-maker-grinder-chasis.1695201
19. https://bladeforums.com/threads/pheer-grinders.1369486
20. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/grinder-advice.1225364/
21. https://knifedogs.com/goto/post?id=367544
22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linishing
23. https://www.toolstop.co.uk/sip-01960-4-belt-linisher/
24. https://www.specialistcrafts.co.uk/axminster-craft-belt-disc-sander
25. https://bladeforums.com/threads/2x72-belt-grinder-available-in-the-uk-for-knife-making.1819489
26. https://balticblades.com/european-knifemaking-supplies
27. https://diktatorgrinder.com/blogs/news/2x72-grinder-vfd-recommended
28. https://diktatorgrinder.com/blogs/news/2x72-belt-speed-calculator-explained
29. https://knifedogs.com/threads/most-common-mistakes-that-beginners-make.15486/page-2
30. https://www.redlabelabrasives.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-sanding-belts-for-knife-making
31. https://diktatorgrinder.com/blogs/news/ceramic-belts-vs-zirconia-belts
32. https://benchmarkabrasives.com/products/2-x-72-ceramic-sanding-belt-starter-kit
33. https://www.woodcraft.com/products/multitool-grinders-2-x-48-belt-7-disc-grinder-attachment
34. https://bladeforums.com/threads/how-dangerous-is-g10-dust.1040385
35. https://www.americanbladesmith.org/community/general-bladesmith-discussions/shop-safety-topic-for-september-2012/