Built for knifemakers, bladesmiths, educators, and fabrication shops needing increased chamber volume for larger blades and higher batch capacity, the Paragon KM18 Double Barrel delivers precise digital heat treating performance for knives, tooling, and specialty metal components. Its wider and taller chamber design provides additional flexibility for sword blanks, bushcraft blades, sculptural tooling, and side-by-side batch processing while maintaining a compact overall footprint.
The Paragon KM18 Double Barrel is designed for makers who need greater working capacity without stepping into a larger industrial furnace platform. Whether heat treating kitchen knives, outdoor blades, cleavers, dies, tooling, or custom fabricated components, the KM18 Double Barrel offers the chamber space, repeatability, and thermal consistency needed for reliable professional results.
Heat treating in-house gives makers complete control over normalization, hardening, tempering, soak schedules, and experimentation while avoiding the delays and costs associated with outsourcing. The KM18 Double Barrel allows users to fine-tune ramp rates, hold times, cooling cycles, and firing profiles for repeatable blade performance and process refinement.
The kiln’s 3" firebrick insulation provides excellent thermal retention and stable chamber temperatures for accurate, energy-efficient heat treating cycles. Recessed heating elements are installed in precision-machined grooves to help extend element life and simplify future maintenance.
The KM18 Double Barrel features the SENTINEL Touch Xpress touchscreen controller with fully customizable Ramp-Hold programming capabilities. Easily create and store custom heat treating schedules while monitoring real-time chamber temperatures through the intuitive touchscreen interface.
A solid-state relay system comes standard, delivering quiet operation, improved temperature accuracy, and extended service life compared to traditional mechanical relays. The SSR system also includes a mechanical backup relay for dependable long-term operation in demanding shop environments. A built-in safety door switch automatically disables power when the door is opened.
The KM18 Double Barrel comes standard with a drop-door configuration that provides excellent chamber access while creating a convenient loading surface for blades and tooling. A side-swing door configuration is also available for makers who prefer a traditional swing-open design. The heavy-duty steel exterior and welded construction are engineered for the daily demands of active bladesmithing shops, educational programs, and fabrication environments.
Controller
The Paragon KM18 Double Barrel features the SENTINEL Touch Xpress Controller with advanced touchscreen Ramp-Hold programming capabilities. Easily create and store custom heat treating schedules, control soak times and cooling cycles, and monitor real-time chamber temperatures with precision and repeatability.
Optional Upgrades
Gas Injection Flow Meter
Available as either a kit or factory-installed option, the gas injection system introduces inert gas such as argon or nitrogen into the chamber to help reduce oxidation and scale formation during heat treating cycles. This can help minimize foil wrap use while improving blade finish consistency and reducing cleanup.
Solenoid Valve Upgrade
Works alongside the gas injection system to automate gas flow during firing cycles for improved efficiency, repeatability, and control. Gas flows only when needed, helping reduce waste while supporting more consistent atmospheric conditions.
Knifemaking Heat Treating Kit
Designed to help keep blades upright, evenly spaced, and properly positioned for more consistent heat distribution during firing cycles.
Side-Swing Door Option
Available for makers who prefer a traditional swing-open chamber design instead of the standard drop-door configuration.
What’s Included
- SENTINEL Touch Xpress Touchscreen Controller
- Solid-State Relay System with Mechanical Backup Relay
- 3" Firebrick Insulation
- Recessed Heating Elements
- Drop Door Design
- Safety Door Switch
- Built-In Steel Stand
- Heavy-Duty Welded Steel Exterior
- Instruction Manual
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
Handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas, the Paragon KM18 Double Barrel reflects Paragon’s longstanding commitment to dependable kiln engineering and quality craftsmanship. Built using premium components and time-tested construction methods, it is designed to provide years of reliable performance in demanding shop environments.
