4 Best Knife Makers of 2026

This no-fuss, self-centering scribe is a game-changer for hobbyist knife makers who want clean, repeatable centerlines without breaking the bank. Built from 13mm square 304 stainless steel, the robust body resists corrosion and holds up to daily workshop abuse, while the dual-bearing design ensures it naturally aligns to the blade’s center—eliminating guesswork. The 60-degree precision-ground carbide tip bites cleanly into annealed steel, delivering crisp, reliable scribing right out of the box, making it ideal for those just starting or needing a dependable backup tool.

In real-world use, this scribe excels when marking stock up to 1/4 inch thick, effortlessly rotating across the blade’s edge to self-center thanks to its 0.282-inch bearing gap. It requires zero setup—no threading or adjustments—so you can grab it and go, which speeds up layout work during batch blade production. However, it lacks height or width adjustability, so if you’re working with tapered or irregular stock, you’ll need to rely on technique rather than tool flexibility. It’s simple by design, which is both its strength and limitation.

Compared to the SCOTTCHEN adjustable scribe, this model trades fine-tuning capability for bulletproof simplicity and lower cost—a clear win for budget-focused makers who value speed over micro-adjustments. While it won’t replace a precision jig for bevel work like the JMSMSH grinding guide, it outperforms basic calipers or manual marking methods with consistent accuracy. Best suited for beginners, weekend tinkerers, or educators teaching knife layout fundamentals, it delivers professional-grade scribing at a fraction of the price of more complex tools.

For knife makers who demand pinpoint accuracy, the SCOTTCHEN Center Scribe is a precision-engineered marvel that transforms how you mark bevels and centerlines. Its fully adjustable carbide tip lets you fine-tune both lateral position and tip height using calibrated thumbscrews, allowing for micro-adjustments that ensure every scribed line matches your design exactly. Crafted from low-carbon steel with anti-corrosion treatment, it’s built to last while maintaining smooth, wobble-free movement during delicate layout work. This is the go-to tool when symmetry and repeatability are non-negotiable.

During testing on both flat stock and contoured blades, the scribe maintained consistent contact and delivered clean, shallow grooves ideal for guiding belt grinders or marking file stops. The 106g weight provides enough heft for control without dragging, and its compact 45mm height allows access to tight spaces near guards or bolsters. Unlike fixed scribes, this one adapts to tapered, curved, or asymmetrical blades, making it a favorite for custom knife builders. That said, the adjustment process takes more time than the SUPROJDM’s grab-and-go design, so it’s less ideal for rapid prototyping.

When stacked against the SUPROJDM, the SCOTTCHEN offers superior control and versatility, justifying its higher cost for serious artisans. It doesn’t replace a full grinding jig like the JMSMSH, but it complements one perfectly by providing exact reference lines before material removal begins. Ideal for custom knifemakers, instructors, or production shops where precision impacts finish quality, it delivers lab-grade accuracy in a field-ready tool, offering more refinement than budget models without the complexity of CNC-guided systems.

The JMSMSH Grinding Jig is a bevel-building powerhouse that brings industrial-level consistency to the home workshop. With the ability to clamp blades up to 2-1/2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick, this hardened file guide eliminates hand fatigue and human error during long grinding sessions. Once secured, the blade rides smoothly along the sander, ensuring perfectly symmetrical bevels every time—critical for show-quality knives or production runs where uniformity is paramount. It’s the secret weapon for makers tired of flipping blades and eyeballing angles.

In real-world use, this jig shines when grinding hidden tangs, stab lines, or complex file work, where even minor deviations ruin aesthetics. It mounts securely to most belt sanders and stays rock-steady, even under aggressive pressure. The hardened steel construction resists wear, and the open design allows full visibility and easy repositioning between passes. While it doesn’t include angle presets like high-end jigs, its mechanical simplicity makes it intuitive and reliable. However, it lacks micro-adjustment dials, so achieving sub-degree accuracy requires external angle blocks or protractors.

Compared to freehand grinding or basic clamps, this jig delivers dramatically better repeatability—though it doesn’t offer the full CNC-grade control of premium systems. It’s a clear step up from manual marking tools like the SUPROJDM scribe, focusing on execution rather than layout. Best for intermediate to advanced makers who grind multiple blades or demand photo-perfect symmetry, it bridges the gap between affordability and performance, outperforming entry-level guides while costing far less than automated setups.

The DERRACO ENGINEERING Guard Press is a masterclass in precision alignment, engineered for knife makers who refuse to tolerate crooked guards or uneven epoxy gaps. CNC-milled from 303 stainless steel with dual 304 stainless press plates, this tool delivers laboratory-level accuracy during guard and bolster installation—critical for hidden tang builds where fit defines finish. The adjustable 4-bolt tilting system lets you fine-tune pressure across uneven surfaces, ensuring full contact even on contoured guards, while the dual-hole plate design adds versatility across handle sizes. This isn’t just a press—it’s a finishing system for perfectionists.

In practice, the press eliminates the dreaded “tilted bolster” that plagues hand-pressed builds, applying even, controlled force that prevents epoxy squeeze-out and misalignment. It clamps securely to any bench vise, and the smooth plates glide without binding, making it ideal for both epoxy work and cold-fitting. We tested it on brass, iron, and polymer guards—all seated flush with zero rocking. The only limitation is size; it’s optimized for standard knife builds, not oversized tactical handles. But for its intended use, it performs flawlessly under real shop conditions.

Compared to DIY press blocks or wooden jigs, the DERRACO offers unmatched repeatability and durability, standing far above budget alternatives. While the JMSMSH jig focuses on grinding and the SUPROJDM on layout, this tool owns the final assembly stage, completing the build chain with professional results. It’s the best choice for serious custom makers, instructors, or production builders who treat guard alignment as a hallmark of craftsmanship, offering CNC-level precision in a compact, workshop-ready form.