10 Best Belt Sander For Knives 2025 in the United States

The WEN Benchtop Belt and Disc Sander (6502T) is a versatile tool with both a 4-by-36 inch belt and a 6-inch disc, making it suitable for various sanding tasks. For knife sharpening, the adjustable belt, which tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, is particularly beneficial as it allows precise control over the angle of sanding. The sturdy cast iron base is a major plus, as it minimizes vibrations, ensuring stable operation which is crucial for detailed work like knife sharpening.

The 4.3 Amp motor provides sufficient power with up to 3600 RPM, offering robust performance for both coarse and fine sanding tasks. Belt tracking may require some manual adjustment, but the presence of a tension release lever simplifies the process of changing sandpaper grits, enhancing ease of use. Build quality is solid, with the heavy-duty base contributing to its durability.

The machine might be slightly bulky and heavy at 37.1 pounds, making portability a bit challenging. Another potential drawback is the fixed voltage of 120 volts, which might limit usage in regions with different electrical standards. For users primarily interested in knife sharpening, the WEN 6502T provides reliable performance and solid construction, making it a worthy consideration.

The BUCKTOOL Pro 1HP Bench Belt Sander is a robust machine designed for both metal and wood working. It features a 4 x 36-inch belt and an 8-inch disc sander, giving users versatility in their sanding projects. The 1HP direct drive motor is powerful and efficient, providing consistent performance which is crucial for knife sharpening. This sander also allows for multi-angle sanding with its adjustable work table that tilts from 0 to 90 degrees, accommodating various project needs including curved work-pieces.

The belt size is appropriate for knife sharpening, offering a good amount of surface area for sanding. The belt tracking function ensures the belt stays in place during operation, which is essential for precision work. Build quality is solid with a sturdy cast aluminum base and rubber foot to minimize vibrations, making it stable during use. Additionally, it is designed for ease of use with features like adjustable belt tension, quick belt replacement, and a conveniently placed switch box.

However, the machine is quite heavy at 44 pounds, which might make it less portable. Also, it doesn't have speed control, which could be a drawback for users looking for adjustable speeds for different tasks. While it ranks well in customer reviews with a 4.4 out of 5 stars, its bulkiness and lack of speed control might be a limitation for some users. This product is best suited for users looking for a powerful, stable, and efficient sander for knife sharpening and metalworking projects.

The Bucktool Combo 2" x 42" Belt Sander with a 6" bench grinder is a versatile tool that works well for knife sharpening and other small to medium sanding projects. It has a solid 1/3 HP induction motor providing enough power to handle metal, wood, and plastics, with a belt speed of 4480 feet per minute which is quite effective for sharpening knives efficiently. The belt size of 2" by 42" is a good middle ground, giving enough surface area for controlled sanding without being bulky. The sander offers adjustable angles up to 90 degrees for more precise work on different blade shapes, which is a useful feature for knife sharpening. Its quick-release belt tension and tracking system makes belt changes and alignment straightforward, cutting down setup time and frustration.

Build quality feels robust thanks to the heavy-duty metal construction, cast iron base, and two sturdy work tables that help stabilize your work and reduce vibration. The addition of a 6" grinding wheel with an LED light and adjustable eye shield adds to its multi-functionality. However, it lacks variable speed control, which means you cannot adjust the sanding speed for more delicate tasks, and it weighs nearly 40 pounds, so it’s better suited for a fixed workspace rather than portability. Also, since it is corded, you’ll need access to power nearby. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use bench sander combo for sharpening knives with solid build quality and decent power, this Bucktool model is a strong option, especially for hobbyists or small workshop users.