Paragon Knife Oven KM18 - Heat Treating Furnace
by Paragon
Save $1,117.00
Original Price
$4,132.00
Current Price
$3,015.00
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 Furnace · Front-Loading Knife Oven
Paragon Knife Oven KM18
Professional 18-inch deep front-loading heat treating furnace engineered specifically for knifemakers who need precise, repeatable hardening and tempering results in their own workshop. Fires to 2350°F maximum temperature, providing the ideal heat range for hardening, tempering, and annealing virtually any blade steel including high-carbon, tool steels, and stainless varieties. Chamber accommodates blades up to 18 inches long with even heat distribution for consistent edge-to-spine heat treatment.
Max Temperature2350°F (Cone 10)
Chamber Depth18" blade capacity
Voltage Options120V or 240V
ApplicationProfessional heat treating
What’s included
Digital Controller
Programmable digital controller with precise temperature control for accurate heat treating cycles and ramping rates
Front-Loading Design
Horizontal front door access for easy blade loading and viewing during heat treatment without heat loss
High-Temperature Elements
Industrial-grade heating elements designed for consistent heat distribution and extended operational life at high temperatures
Insulated Brick Chamber
Heavy-duty refractory brick insulation maintains even temperature throughout the 18-inch chamber depth for uniform heat treatment
Dual Voltage Capability
Configurable for either 120V or 240V operation to match your workshop electrical setup
Precision Thermocouple
Accurate temperature sensing for reliable heat treating results across the entire temperature range
Technical specifications
ModelKM18
Chamber Depth18 inches
Maximum Temperature2350°F (Cone 10)
Voltage Options120V or 240V (specify at order)
Firing TypeElectric heat treating furnace
Loading StyleFront-loading horizontal chamber
Controller TypeDigital programmable controller
Blade CapacityUp to 18 inches long
InsulationHigh-temperature refractory brick
ApplicationHardening, tempering, annealing blade steels
Steel CompatibilityHigh-carbon, tool steels, stainless varieties
Optional accessories
Gas Inlet Port
Allows introduction of protective atmosphere gases during heat treating to prevent oxidation and decarburization on critical blades
Extra Thermocouple
Backup Type K or Type S thermocouple for replacement or temperature verification across different chamber zones
Stainless Steel Tray Set
Heat-resistant trays for organizing multiple blades during batch heat treating operations
Quench Tank System
Dedicated quenching station with oil or brine tank for controlled cooling immediately after hardening cycle
Heat-Resistant Tongs
Long-handled tongs designed for safely transferring hot blades from furnace to quench tank
Emergency Parts Kit
Replacement elements, relay, thermocouple, and critical components to minimize downtime in professional shops
Controller upgrade
Genesis Touchscreen — Bartlett InstrumentsRecommended
Upgrade to Bartlett's Genesis touchscreen controller for intuitive programming, data logging, and advanced heat treating profiles with multi-segment ramp/hold capabilities perfect for complex knife steel recipes.
- 7-inch full-color touchscreen with icon-based menu navigation
- Store up to 100 custom heat treating programs with multi-segment ramp and soak profiles
- Automatic temperature logging and firing history with USB export capability
- Real-time graphing of temperature curves during hardening and tempering cycles
- Alarm notifications for over-temperature, thermocouple failure, and program completion
- Delay start timer and automatic shutoff for unattended operation
Common questions
What types of blade steels can I heat treat in the KM18?
The KM18 reaches 2350°F, which covers virtually all common knife steels including high-carbon steels (1095, 1084, 5160), tool steels (O1, A2, D2), and many stainless varieties (440C, AEB-L, 154CM). The 18-inch chamber depth accommodates everything from pocket knife blades to full-size chef's knives and machetes. For extremely high-alloy powder metallurgy steels requiring temperatures above 2100°F, verify your specific steel's heat treating requirements against the maximum 2350°F rating.
Do I need a gas inlet port for atmosphere control?
The gas inlet port is optional but recommended for professional knifemakers concerned about surface oxidation and decarburization. It allows you to introduce nitrogen, argon, or other protective atmosphere gases during the hardening cycle, which is especially important for stainless steels and when you want to minimize post-heat-treat grinding. For basic heat treating of high-carbon steels where you'll grind the blade afterward, the standard configuration without atmosphere control works perfectly fine.
What controller comes standard with the KM18?
The KM18 includes a digital programmable controller as standard equipment with adjustable temperature settings and basic ramp/hold programming. This controller provides accurate temperature control for straightforward hardening and tempering cycles. For advanced knifemakers who want multi-segment programs, data logging, and touchscreen operation, the Genesis controller upgrade is available and provides significantly more programming flexibility for complex heat treating recipes.
How does the KM18 compare to smaller knife ovens?
The KM18's 18-inch chamber depth is the key differentiator—it handles full-size blades that won't fit in 12-inch or 14-inch models. If you're making large bowies, swords, machetes, or chef's knives over 14 inches, the KM18 is necessary. For makers focused on folders, small fixed blades, or EDC knives under 12 inches, a smaller model may be more economical and heat up faster. The KM18 also accommodates batch processing of multiple smaller blades simultaneously.
Is this kiln covered under warranty if I buy from Peach State Pottery?
Yes. Peach State Pottery is an authorized Paragon dealer, which means your KM18 is covered by Paragon's full one-year limited warranty on parts and workmanship. You must register the furnace within 30 days of delivery directly with Paragon. Purchasing from an unauthorized dealer voids the manufacturer warranty, so always verify dealer authorization before buying heat treating equipment.
Not sure if the KM18 is the right furnace for your blades?
Our team can help you compare chamber sizes, discuss your steel types, and recommend the right heat treating setup for your knifemaking operation.
Talk to an expert →