The Paragon KM18 Knife Making Kiln is designed for knifemakers, bladesmiths, metalsmiths, educators, and fabrication shops that need additional chamber depth for longer blades, tooling, and specialty metal components. With its 18" deep firing chamber, rugged firebrick construction, and advanced digital controls, the KM18 provides the precision, consistency, and flexibility required for professional heat treating operations.
For many makers, bringing heat treating in-house is one of the most important steps toward improving both craftsmanship and efficiency. The KM18 gives users complete control over normalization cycles, hardening temperatures, tempering schedules, soak times, and cooling profiles. Whether refining a proven process or experimenting with new steels and heat treating techniques, the KM18 provides the repeatability needed to produce reliable, high-performance results.
The kiln's chamber measures 5.5" wide, 4.25" high, and 18" deep, offering ample space for longer knives, small tooling, punches, dies, Damascus billets, and batch processing of smaller components. Its versatile size makes it an excellent choice for custom knifemakers, small production shops, educational programs, and serious hobbyists who need more capacity than entry-level knife kilns provide.
Built with 3" firebrick insulation, the KM18 delivers excellent thermal efficiency and stable chamber temperatures throughout the firing cycle. This heavy-duty insulation helps maintain consistent heat distribution while reducing energy consumption and supporting accurate heat treating performance. Recessed heating elements are installed in precision-machined grooves to help extend element life and simplify maintenance.
The KM18 features the SENTINEL Touch Xpress touchscreen controller with fully customizable Ramp-Hold programming capabilities. Users can create and store custom heat treating schedules while monitoring real-time chamber temperatures through an intuitive touchscreen interface designed for precision thermal processing.
A solid-state relay system comes standard, providing quiet operation, improved temperature accuracy, and enhanced long-term reliability compared to traditional mechanical relays. The SSR system includes a mechanical backup relay for added durability and dependable operation in demanding shop environments. A built-in safety door switch automatically disables power to the heating elements whenever the door is opened.
The standard drop-door design provides excellent chamber access while creating a convenient loading surface for blades, fixtures, and tooling. For users who prefer a traditional swing-open configuration, an optional side-swing door is also available. Combined with its durable steel exterior and integrated stand, the KM18 is built to withstand years of use in active bladesmithing shops, fabrication facilities, and educational environments.
Controller
The Paragon KM18 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 Flow Meter introduces inert gas such as argon or nitrogen into the chamber to help reduce oxidation, decarburization, and scale formation during heat treating cycles. By displacing oxygen within the firing chamber, the system can reduce or eliminate the need for stainless steel foil while helping improve blade finish quality, preserve grind lines, and minimize post-processing cleanup.
Solenoid Valve Upgrade
Works alongside the Gas Injection Flow Meter to automate gas flow during firing cycles. Gas can be programmed to flow only during specific firing segments, improving efficiency, reducing gas consumption, increasing safety, and supporting highly repeatable heat treating environments.
Knifemaking Heat Treating Kit
Designed to help makers get started with confidence, this kit includes essential heat treating accessories for handling blades safely and efficiently during the heat treating process.
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 Steel Exterior
- Instruction Manual
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
Handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas, the Paragon KM18 reflects Paragon's longstanding commitment to quality craftsmanship, dependable engineering, and American manufacturing. Built using premium components and time-tested construction methods, it is designed to provide years of reliable service for bladesmiths, metalworkers, educators, and fabrication professionals who demand precision heat treating performance.
