Built to Create
Level Up Your Craft with KMTS Tools & Courses
Knife making is more than a hobby, it’s a craft rooted in precision, patience, and passion. For every aspiring bladesmith or hands-on DIYer, having the right tools and training can transform a good project into a great one. That’s where Knife Machines Tools & Supplies (KMTS) comes in. With a wide selection of top-quality equipment and practical, expert-led tutorials, KMTS is South Africa’s go-to hub for knife-making excellence.
In this guide, we’ll explore how KMTS empowers creators to build, learn, and grow with confidence, whether you're forging your first blade or refining your signature style.
1. Equip Yourself with Quality Tools
Every great knife starts with the right equipment. KMTS offers a curated online store that caters to both hobbyists and professionals:
- Premium Blade Steel: From 1084 and 5160 carbon steels to stainless options.
- Handle Materials: Including G10, exotic woods, and stabilised hybrids.
- Essential Machinery: Like belt grinders, heat-treat ovens, and drill presses.
- Abrasives & Accessories: Belts, discs, adhesives, jigs, and more.
Investing in quality tools ensures performance, safety, and long-term savings and helps you build a workshop that can handle anything you dream up (Diversitech Global, 2023).
2. Learn the Craft with Expert Tutorials
Tools get you started, but technique takes you further. That’s why KMTS offers hands-on knife-making courses, suitable for all levels. You’ll learn:
- How to profile, grind, heat-treat, and finish blades.
- Handle shaping and assembly techniques.
- Safety, design, and tool care fundamentals.
Each workshop is led by seasoned craftsmen, providing direct guidance and live feedback, something no YouTube video can replace (CraftCourses, 2019).
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Whether it’s grinding bevels or fitting handles, repetition sharpens your instincts and builds muscle memory. Start small and master each step before moving on to more complex projects. Use what you learn from KMTS tutorials and apply it repeatedly until it becomes second nature.
Tip: Keep a knife-making journal to track progress and record lessons learned.
4. Modern Tools, Traditional Craft
Blending classic methods with new technologies helps makers stand out. KMTS supports this by offering:
- Laser Cutting Services – for custom blade profiles and exacting accuracy.
- Design Assistance – turn your sketches into shop-ready templates.
- Ready-Made Kits – for those who want to focus on finishing rather than forging.
Smart makers work with both fire and files, and modern precision tools let you achieve cleaner results faster (KMTS, 2025).
5. Join the Maker Community
Knife making thrives when shared. KMTS’s workshops and social spaces connect you with other makers, so you can trade tips, ask questions, or just geek out about steel.
Benefits of community:
- Learn from others’ mistakes and successes.
- Stay motivated and accountable.
- Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
6. Mistakes to Avoid
As you level up, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using the wrong tools or steel leads to frustration and breakage.
- Rushing heat treatment or sanding results in brittle blades or poor finishes.
- Skipping safety gear – always wear PPE when grinding or quenching.
- Trying to do everything alone, ask for help, take courses, and get feedback.
Mistakes are part of learning, but the right support helps you learn faster (BladeForums, 2011).
7. Your Crafting Checklist
- Choose quality tools and materials.
- Enrol in expert-led courses.
- Practice consistently, from basics to breakthroughs.
- Embrace smart tools like laser cutting.
- Stay safe and document your progress.
- Build your network in the maker community.
8. The Craft is the Reward
Levelling up your knife-making skills is about more than sharper blades; it’s about sharpening yourself. With every finished knife, you prove your commitment to growth, discipline, and creativity.
Whether you're building knives for function, passion, or business, KMTS helps you make your mark in steel and skill.
You were built to create. Now go build something great.
References
CraftCourses. (2019). Six reasons why you should take a craft course. Available at: https://www.craftcourses.com/blog
Diversitech Global. (2023). The Benefits of Investing in High-Quality DIY Craft Tools. Available at: https://www.diversitech-global.com
KMTS. (2025). Knife Machines, Tools & Supplies. Available at: https://kmts.co.za/pages/home
BladeForums. (2011). Beginner Mistakes Thread. Available at: https://www.bladeforums.com