The Paragon KM36 Knife Making Kiln is designed for professional bladesmiths, knifemakers, educators, and fabrication shops that require maximum chamber length for long blades, swords, tooling, and batch heat treating operations. With a spacious 36" deep firing chamber, advanced touchscreen controls, and rugged firebrick construction, the KM36 delivers the capacity, precision, and reliability needed for demanding heat treating applications.
For serious makers, bringing heat treating in-house provides complete control over production schedules, quality standards, and process development. The KM36 allows users to manage normalization cycles, hardening temperatures, tempering schedules, soak times, and cooling profiles without relying on outside heat treating services. Whether processing high-performance steels, refining thermal cycles, or increasing production capacity, the KM36 provides the consistency and repeatability required for professional results.
The kiln's extended chamber design makes it an excellent choice for swords, large chef knives, machetes, long fixed-blade knives, tooling, punches, dies, and batch processing multiple blades simultaneously. Its generous interior length allows makers to handle larger projects while maintaining the precise temperature control required for critical heat treating applications.
Built with 3" firebrick insulation, the KM36 delivers exceptional thermal retention and even heat distribution throughout the firing chamber. This heavy-duty insulation promotes stable chamber temperatures, improved energy efficiency, and consistent heat treating performance. Recessed heating elements are installed in precision-machined grooves to help maximize element life while simplifying future maintenance.
The KM36 features the SENTINEL Touch Xpress touchscreen controller with fully customizable Ramp-Hold programming capabilities. Users can create, store, and repeat custom heat treating schedules while monitoring real-time chamber temperatures through an intuitive touchscreen interface designed specifically for thermal processing applications.
A solid-state relay system comes standard, providing quiet operation, precise temperature regulation, and improved long-term reliability compared to traditional mechanical relays. The SSR system is mounted on a heat sink and backed by a mechanical safety relay for dependable performance in demanding workshop environments. A built-in safety door switch automatically disables power to the heating elements whenever the door is opened.
The KM36 is available with either a drop-door or side-swing door configuration at no additional charge. The drop-door design creates a convenient loading surface for blades and tooling, while the side-swing option provides traditional side access preferred by some makers. Combined with its heavy-duty steel exterior and integrated stand, the KM36 is engineered to withstand years of service in active bladesmithing shops, fabrication facilities, educational programs, and small-scale production environments.
Controller
The Paragon KM36 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 crisp 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 keep blades upright, evenly spaced, and properly supported throughout the firing cycle for more consistent heat distribution and improved heat treating results.
Drop Door or Side-Swing Door Configuration
Choose the chamber access style that best fits your workflow. Both configurations are available at no additional charge.
What's Included
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SENTINEL Touch Xpress Touchscreen Controller
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Solid-State Relay System with Mechanical Backup Relay
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3" Firebrick Insulation
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Recessed Heating Elements
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Drop Door or Side-Swing Door Configuration
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Safety Door Switch
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Built-In Steel Stand
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Heavy-Duty Steel Exterior
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Instruction Manual
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2-Year Limited Warranty
Handcrafted in Mesquite, Texas, the Paragon KM36 reflects Paragon's longstanding commitment to precision kiln engineering, quality craftsmanship, and American manufacturing. Built using premium components and proven construction methods, it is designed to provide years of dependable service for bladesmiths, metalworkers, educators, and fabrication professionals who require maximum chamber length, precise temperature control, and reliable heat treating performance.
