Paragon Knife Oven - KM18 Pro
by Paragon
Save $744.00
Original Price
$5,640.00
Current Price
$4,896.00
Free Freight Delivery Included
✓ No sales tax outside GA
✓ Liftgate included free
✓ Authorized dealer
Made to Order: Smaller models typically ship in 2–4 weeks. Larger kilns may take up to 12 weeks. We confirm your estimate after ordering.
Questions? Call or text us at (470) 264-3563
- 1 We submit your kiln order for production with the manufacturer.
- 2 We confirm the current estimated lead time and keep you updated.
- 3 Your kiln is built to your specifications and prepared for freight shipment.
- 4 We send tracking and delivery instructions once your kiln ships.
Paragon · Heat Treating Oven · Knife Making
Paragon Knife Oven - KM18 Pro
Professional-grade knife heat treating oven engineered specifically for bladesmiths who demand precision control over hardening, tempering, and annealing processes. Built with space-age ceramic fiber insulation that reaches 500°F in minutes—dramatically faster than traditional brick kilns—while consuming significantly less energy. Features long-lasting wavy surface-mounted heating elements that dissipate heat rapidly and extend element life far beyond conventional designs.
Max Temperature2350°F (Cone 10)
ConstructionSpace-age ceramic fiber insulation
Voltage240V single-phase
Heat-Up TimeReaches 500°F in minutes
What’s included
Space-age ceramic fiber insulation
High-performance insulation that heats rapidly and conserves energy compared to traditional brick construction
Wavy surface-mounted heating elements
Long-lasting element design mounted in walls that dissipates heat rapidly and significantly extends element life
Digital controller
Programmable digital controller for precise temperature management during heat treating cycles
Professional heat treating chamber
Purpose-built chamber designed for knife blades and small tools requiring controlled hardening and tempering
Technical specifications
ModelKM18 Pro
Maximum Temperature2350°F (Cone 10)
Insulation TypeSpace-age ceramic fiber
Heating ElementsLong-lasting wavy surface-mounted elements in walls
Voltage240V single-phase
Heat-Up PerformanceReaches 500°F in minutes
ApplicationKnife and blade heat treating (hardening, tempering, annealing)
Made InUSA
Optional accessories
Gas inlet port for atmosphere control
Allows introduction of inert or reducing atmosphere gases during heat treating for specialized steel applications
Additional shelving and furniture
Ceramic fiber boards and posts for configuring blade placement and maximizing chamber capacity
Type K thermocouple replacement
Replacement thermocouple for maintaining accurate temperature readings over time
Emergency parts kit
Spare relays, fuses, and critical components to minimize downtime in production environments
Controller upgrade
Genesis Touchscreen — Bartlett InstrumentsRecommended
Upgrade to Bartlett's Genesis touchscreen controller for advanced heat treating programs with precision ramp/soak capabilities, multi-step profiling for complex steel recipes, and intuitive touch interface designed for exacting temperature control during hardening and tempering cycles.
- Large 4.3" full-color touchscreen with real-time temperature graphing
- Store up to 32 custom heat treating programs for different steel types
- Precision ramp and soak control for critical transformation temperatures
- Multi-step program capability for quench timing and temper cycles
- Delay start and hold functions for unattended operation
- USB data logging for quality control documentation and repeatability
Common questions
What types of steel can I heat treat in the KM18 Pro?
The KM18 Pro reaches 2350°F, making it suitable for heat treating most common knife steels including 1095, 1084, 5160, 52100, O1, A2, and many stainless steels like 440C and AEB-L. High-alloy stainless steels requiring temperatures above 2000°F (like S30V, S35VN, or CPM steels) can be hardened, though you may need atmosphere control for optimal results. Carbon and low-alloy steels that harden between 1450-1550°F are ideal for this oven.
Do I need a gas inlet for atmosphere control?
Most carbon steel heat treating can be done successfully in an air atmosphere without gas inlet. However, if you work with high-alloy stainless steels or want to minimize decarburization and scale formation on any steel, adding an optional gas inlet port for inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) or reducing atmosphere gives you better control over surface finish and edge retention. Many bladesmiths start without atmosphere control and add it later as their work advances.
What controller comes standard with the KM18 Pro?
The KM18 Pro includes a programmable digital controller as standard equipment, allowing you to set precise temperatures and hold times for hardening and tempering cycles. For bladesmiths who want more advanced programming—such as multi-step ramp/soak profiles for complex heat treating schedules or data logging for production work—the Genesis touchscreen upgrade is available and offers significantly more control and documentation capability.
How does the KM18 Pro compare to brick kilns for knife making?
The ceramic fiber construction heats up to 500°F in just minutes compared to 45-60 minutes for traditional brick kilns, saving significant time and energy. The fiber insulation also cools faster, allowing you to run more heat treating cycles per day. The wavy surface-mounted elements last longer than elements in brick kilns because they dissipate heat more efficiently. The trade-off is that fiber kilns require more careful handling—avoid touching the fiber walls—while brick kilns are more durable for rough shop environments.
Is Peach State Pottery an authorized Paragon dealer for warranty service?
Yes, Peach State Pottery is an authorized Paragon dealer. Your one-year limited warranty is valid when purchased through us, provided you register the oven within 30 days of delivery. Buying from an authorized dealer ensures you receive factory support, genuine Paragon parts, and warranty service. We can also help you troubleshoot heat treating issues and recommend the right accessories for your specific steel types and blade work.
Not sure if the KM18 Pro is the right heat treating oven for your blade shop?
Our team can help you compare models, discuss atmosphere control options, and ensure you have the right setup for your steel types. We're an authorized Paragon dealer serving bladesmiths and knifemakers throughout Atlanta and the Southeast.
Talk to an expert →