Gas forges can really take your blacksmithing game to the next level if you know how to make the right pick. Fail to do so, and you’ll end up in a loss of both effort and money. This is why we decided to bring you a few recommendations so that you can easily choose the best gas forge for yourself.
All the products are lined with their respective pros and cons to help you compare interchangeably. So all you need to do before making that purchase decision is to go through each of the options to better understand why a particular forge may or may not you.
Top Picks : 5 Best Gas Forge
Things To Consider Before Buying Gas Forge For Knife Making
If your forge of choice excels in all these departments, then you don’t have anything else to worry about. But if they don’t, then we suggest putting in some more thought. Here’s everything you need to know before making your pick from our gas forge reviews. 
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Size and Shape
Choose your size according to your scale of work. If you’re a heavy user, then you need a machine that can accommodate your metal stocks. Most forges are cylindrical or cubical (with a few exceptions). But remember that a small gas forge doesn’t necessarily mean that it is not potent.
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Burner
What material are you forging? If it has a high burning point, then a single burner will not suffice. In such circumstances, you must go for a double burner forge that is strong enough to easily break down your material. However, remember that by upping your number of burners, you are also increasing the cost.
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Build Quality
A good forge should be able to preserve heat within itself efficiently during the run time. This is only possible in ones that are built with a good overall deal. If a product has a good build to complement its performance, then it has higher chances of satisfying user needs.
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Value for Cost
If you’re on a tight budget, then look for forges that offer good value for money. You don’t need to spend a lot to get satisfactory results from your forge. All you need to make sure whether your forge excels in the departments you need it to. So remember to and double- before your purchase.
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Controls
Any machine with a complicated set of controls will seem both intimidating and unwelcoming. So how easy or hard it is to control will largely affect your overall experience with the product. If you don’t have enough experience in the field, then the best gas forge for welding for you is the one that operates easily.
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Thermal Power and Efficiency
The maximum in-chamber temperature rise of your forge determines the thermal power of your forge. A powerful one can heat materials within a very short time. As a result, they are the top choices for commercial use. If you’re looking for fast results and efficiency, then go for forges with high heat capacity.
Top 10 Best Gas Forge For Knife Making
This section focuses on better insight into the individual products so that you have a clear idea of what you’re purchasing. Feel free to use our reviews of gas forge options as a guide for your future purchases as well;
1. Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Double Burner
Here’s how you may sum up the performance of this gas forge – Fast, powerful, and efficient. This double burner machine has a great within the chamber, which allows it to build-up heat faster than most other forges out there.
Another great thing about this forge is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re using it for small tasks or large. So, all sorts of projects have a great output rate despite their scale. Everything starting from the insulation to the power control is unique in design and functionality. In other words, looks good, works even better.
The knife manufacturers believe in user-opinion based improvements, which makes it the favorite of many blacksmiths all around the world. Not to mention, this has the quality to be the best gas forge for welding experts and beginners alike.
Pros:
- Easy and precise controls
- Satisfactory overall insulation
- Solid build quality
- Extremely lightweight compared to other options
- Fast and efficient heating mechanism
Cons:
- Moderately fuel-hungry
2. USA Castmaster Elite Double Burner Propane Forge
As forge users ourselves, we are no stranger to the complicated forge assemblies and the fact that they can take hours as well. Castmaster has successfully solved this problem with its unique approach to design with this machine.
People who don’t like to waste a lot of time in assembly and maintenance should always opt for this Castmaster forge. Not only is it easy to assemble, but easy to use as well. Is that all? No, the rig excels in aesthetics with a pearlescent look all over the exterior as well.
The forge remains in a tight fit on the base metal for additional support and provides users with a smoother experience. But just in case you find yourself struggling with the operation, you need not worry because the instruction guidelines are quite simple.
Pros:
- Offers good value for money
- Sturdy base support for heavy work
- Easy to understand instruction manual
- Extremely simple assembly
- Comes with all necessary amenities
Cons:
- Some pieces may show signs of heat loss
3. Hell’s Forge MAX Propane Double Burner Forge
The best type of gas burner for forge is the one that has a minimal heat-loss. With this forge, there’s almost none. Thanks to its thick walls that contribute to the insulation. In other words, this forge takes efficiency in heating to a whole new level. And this very factor makes it the epitome of reliability.
One of the most crucial selling points of this product is that the dual burners can reach over 2200 F in a very short span of time. This will allow you to quicken your forging process, saving a lot of your valuable time and effort.
So if you’re someone who doesn’t like looking around the options too much, then you may go for this option confidently. However, if you’re very sensitive regarding heat traps, then you should consider looking into the next product from our list.
Pros:
- Safe and easy to handle
- Comparatively better storage management than other forges.
- Efficient burner input for quick heating
- Appropriate for both small and moderate scale tasks.
- No signs of significant heat loss from burner and chamber-end
Cons:
- Angular body structure may contribute to heat traps
4. Simond Portable Propane Forge Single Burner
A concise way to describe this forge is ‘portable and durable.’ In fact, it is one of the best, if not the very best small gas forge for welding available in the market. For the build, Simond went with the SS-304 metal sheets. As a result, the forge holds itself strongly even when you run it on its capacity of 2600 F.
The product also comes with a satisfactory fiber blanket and firebrick for use. All of which fits perfectly within the chamber. As far as the size is concerned, it’s quite small and lightweight.
But don’t let that fool you into underestimating this one. If you’re looking for a small and handy, on that you can just pop in the trunk and get rolling; then this should be your top pick.
Pros:
- Weighs only 16 pounds
- Comes with eight different hosing accessories for assembly
- Economical and fuel-efficient
- Provides a clean in-chamber work environment
- Appropriate for intermediate and hobbyist forgers
Cons:
- Not suitable for forging 20” blades
5. Hell’s Forge Portable Propane Forge Single Burner
Hell’s Forge is well known for manufacturing top products that can be considered as the best gas burner for forge welding. They have been able to keep their reputation intact with this portable one as well. After all, who doesn’t like portability paired with performance?
Not just that, the forge is also pleasing to the eyes with a matte glazed finish. And as far as the heating-routine goes, this product never disappoints. However, you need to be very careful with the hose junctions, as rough handling can damage them.
Don’t worry if you don’t want to spend a lot on forges. This forge is not fuel-hungry, so you won’t be spending much on it either. Judging by the long run, it’s the most economical way to go.
Pros:
- Doesn’t consume too much fuel
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Looks and performs better than all other single burner portable forges
- Easy to install
- Appropriate for beginners
Cons:
- Sensitive nose junctions
6. Simond Portable Gas Forge Double Burner
Most of the portable gas forges out there in the market are single burners. Do you think that’s by accident? No. The single hose attachment design allows the manufacturers to produce smaller gas forges for knife making.
Unfortunately, single burners do not heat as well as a double burner does. This is exactly why Simond decided to solve that problem with this product. The chamber also has an inch of insulation layering so that heat traps better. Of course, better insulation means shorter heating times.
The machine has a ‘both side open structure’ if you minus the doors. And you get to choose how many burners you want to use at a time. So if you’re worried about getting your hands on the wrong forge, then this is the right pick to make.
Pros:
- Comes with an additional ceramic blanket
- Long refractor life
- Extremely sturdy overall build quality
- Great insulation despite having a thin external (0.15 inch)
- Burners are easy to dial in
Cons:
- Lack of maintenance causes air-flow to malfunction
7. Simond Single Burner Propane Forge
If you forge for a hobby, then the chances are that most of your projects are on a smaller scale. This propane metal forge will easily meet your requirements as long as you’re not shooting for the moon. However, if you’re into commercial forging and need a bulk heated in minutes, then this product is not for you.
Everything, including the gas inlet pipe and choke valve is made out of stainless steel. This increases the strength of the core by manifold. Again, the refractory brick doesn’t move around the chamber, providing more stability to users.
The portability and lack of weight is yet another convenience factor of the product. So, if you’re new to the market and looking for the best gas forge for making, then this is the ideal forge for you.
Pros:
- Gas pressure regulator comes with an accurate manometer
- Requires a slight assembly only
- Takes only 8-12 minutes to heat up before use
- Entirely made out of sturdy materials to withstand pressure
- Perfect dimension for forging
Cons:
- Doesn’t work if the fuel is fed from a bottle and not a
8. Simond Portable Single Burner Forge One Side Brick Oval
This forge doesn’t have any extraordinary standout points other than it’s oval shape and single-way entrance. However, it does perform quite well compared to other single burner forges available in the market.
Looking for a gas fired forge with minimal heat loss? Then this product won’t disappoint you. The chamber comes with a coating of HELLCOTE 3000 refractory material for the heat to ricochet. This effectively contributes to the insulation of the chamber.
Again, Simond has further made sure of durability by ensuring proper rigidity of propane channels. Especially the hose and burner-tube. So it gives you plenty of room to play around with your metal stock. Plus, it’s affordable too!
Pros:
- Affordable price range
- Comes with all necessary forging amenities
- Doesn’t require complex assembly
- No extensive maintenance required
- Strong build quality
Cons:
- Constantly requires a well-flowing ventilation
9. Simond Blacksmithing Forge Single Burner Round
Next up from our list is the round blacksmithing forge or, as they call it in the forging community – ‘Smithy’s forge.’ The product has had quite a successful run since its launch. Since the hosing can only accommodate a single burner, therefore the heating is not as quick as Hell’s Forge.
For this forge, there’s only an inch of layering (refractory) within the chamber. So some customers mistake it to be weak. However, that is not the case, and Simond has proved that time and time with their SS-304 grade polished steel.
They also offer great value for the money you’re spending. So if you’re hesitant about spending too much on your first forge, then this is your chance to step into the hobby.
Pros:
- Unique and extraordinary design
- Shows satisfactory results very quickly
- Stops the loss of applied heat
- Long-lasting life-span
- Insulation is better than other Simond forges
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other single burner forges
10. Simond Portable Single Burner Forge One Side Brick Rectangle
Yet another portable forge from Simond that does what it promises. This one-sided forge is small in size and extremely lightweight. As a result, the ease of use on this thing is amazing.
Need your forge on the go or back at the warehouse? Simply strap it onto your trunk and get going. No matter how bumpy a you take, this rig can keep its composure as long as it’s sealed to the truck bed. Remember that this is an essential factor enhancing its portability as well.
You will also receive a high-pressure regulator connector. This apparatus will allow you to configure the PSI from 0 to 21 according to your convenience. So, the overall convenience factor of the machine is satisfactory and frankly enough for purchase.
Pros:
- Very fuel-efficient
- Belongs to a moderate price range
- Offers good value for the money
- Perfect for smaller projects
- Light and handy for vehicle-carry
Cons:
- Slightly less efficient than other one-sided forges
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Final Words
The best gas forge is not the one that has the highest heating capacity, nor the one that heats up in a matter of minutes. Rather, it’s the one that has the optimal balance between these two qualities.
If you’re looking for powerful forges, then go for the Hell’s Forge MAX. On the other hand, USA Castmaster offers the best value for money. If you’re looking for small portable forges on the go, then feel free to choose Hell’s Forge Portable Forge over anything else on our list. Happy Forging!