Ultimate Guide to Abrasive Belts for Knifemaking, Blacksmithing, and Metal Fabrication

Ultimate Guide to Abrasive Belts for Knifemaking, Blacksmithing, and Metal Fabrication

Picking the right abrasives for the job is a way to save yourself heaps of time and frustration in the workshop. Not only will you get better and cleaner results you will stay safer and spend less money in wasted belts. 

Heres the 2 second overview

We've got a variety of top-notch abrasive belts in different materials, so you can find exactly what you need for your project. In this guide, we'll break down the types of abrasive belts we stock and help you pick the right one. We carry belts in 2x36" (50x915mm), 2x48" (50x1220mm), and 2x72" (50x1830mm) sizes.

Ceramic Belts - Steel Grinding

3M Cubitron II 784F The 3M Cubitron II 784F is a premium ceramic belt known for its long-lasting performance and consistent cut rate. This is THE belt for grinding steel, doing bevels, profiling blades ect. with precision-shaped grain that cuts faster and stays sharper longer than conventional ceramic abrasives. It's ideal for heavy grinding on carbon steel and stainless steel, making it a favorite among professional knife makers.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (36,50,80,120)

Olympus Ceramic Belts are our budget ceramic range, made in the more traditional ceramic style. These are heavy grinding belts for steel. Although usually don't last as long as our premium ceramics the bang for buck you get makes them a worthy contender depending on your grinding style.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (40,80,120)

3M Cubitron II 726A Jflex The 3M Cubitron II 726A Jflex belts offer flexibility combined with the precision-shaped grain technology that 3M is known for. These belts are perfect for contour work and finishing, providing a balance between cutting power and flexibility. Ideal for curved surfaces and edges, the Jflex design ensures consistent results even on complex shapes.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (120,240,400)

3M Cubitron III 1184F The 3M Cubitron III 1184F belts take ceramic performance to the next level with enhanced durability and cutting efficiency. These belts are perfect for high-pressure grinding applications and offer superior longevity.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (36)

Aluminum Oxide Belts - Wood and non ferrous Grinding/Sanding

Starke Jflex Starke Jflex belts are highly flexible and perfect for detailed work. They are made from high-quality aluminum oxide, providing a smooth and consistent finish. These belts are particularly effective for sharpening and finishing tasks where being able to blend and smooth is key.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (120,240,400,800)

Starke 732 The Starke 732 belts are versatile aluminum oxide belts designed for general-purpose grinding and finishing. They offer excellent value and are suitable for a wide range of applications, from coarse grinding to fine finishing. These belts are durable and provide consistent performance across various materials.
Available in 2x36",  2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (36,40,60,80,100,120,240,320,400,600)

Zirconia Belts - Wood and non ferrous Grinding/Sanding

VSM ZK713X VSM ZK713X Zirconia belts are known for their aggressive cutting action and extended life. Zirconia is an excellent choice for heavy-duty grinding, especially on stainless steel and other hard metals. These belts maintain their sharpness over time, ensuring consistent performance throughout their lifespan.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (40,80,120)

Structured Abrasives - Steel Finishing 

3M 237AA Trizact 3M Trizact 237AA belts are structured abrasives that use microreplication technology to deliver a consistent and precise finish. These belts are perfect for fine finishing and polishing applications, providing a uniform scratch pattern with minimal effort. They are ideal for achieving a high-quality finish on knives and other metal components.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (120,240,400,600,1000,3000)

Specialty Belts 

3M Scotchbrite Surface Conditioning Belts The 3M Scotchbrite Surface Conditioning belts are designed for deburring, blending, and finishing applications. These belts are made from non-woven abrasive materials, making them perfect for surface preparation and cleaning without removing material. They are a must-have for any workshop focused on achieving a smooth, polished finish.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (CRS, MED, FN, VFN)

Starke Super High Grit Sharpening Belts Starke Super High Grit Sharpening belts are designed for achieving an ultra-fine edge on blades. These belts are perfect for final sharpening stages, where precision and a polished edge are critical. They offer excellent control and a smooth finish, ensuring your blades are razor-sharp.
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (1500,3000,5000,7000)

Pearl Conglomerate Finishing Belts Pearl Conglomerate Finishing belts are unique in their design, offering a blend of cutting power and finishing ability. These belts are perfect for achieving a consistent, high-quality finish on a variety of metals. They are particularly effective on softer metals like aluminum and brass, providing a smooth, scratch-free finish. But are fantastic on steel to provide an alternative finish. 
Available in 2x36", 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (120,240,400,600,800)

Scalloped JFlex Belts 
Scalloped belts are THE belt for blending and smoothing knife handles and for getting into those tight curves of ricasso's and choils. These belts are a game changer for handles and usually last quite long if used for smoothing and finishing. 
Available in 2x48" and 2x72" sizes.
Grits (120,240,400,800)

Conclusion

There is so many types of grinding belts and sanding belts. But as long as you pick up enough low grit belts to hog away at the material you need and some higher grit belts to smooth everything out you will be fine.

IF you're still not sure what you need we offer belt kits 

• Beginner Belt Kit - In 2x48" and 2x72"
• Steel Grinding Kit - In 2x48" and 2x72"
• Steel Polishing Kit - In 2x48" and 2x72"
• Wood Grinding Kit -  In 2x48" and 2x72"

For more information and to purchase these belts, click the appropriate links for each size and type.

Happy grinding!