Maritime Knife Supply
ActiveOverview
Maritime Knife Supply is a Canadian retailer specializing in knife making supplies, including high carbon steels like 1095, 1084, 1080, 1075, 5160, 15N20, and Damascus, abrasives, handle materials, tools, grinders, and kilns.134 It positions itself as a one-stop shop for bladesmiths and hobbyists to minimize shipping costs, particularly in Canada where sourcing such materials is challenging.14 The business operates as a small-scale, one-person venture run alongside the owner's full-time job.4
History
The company was founded by a hobbyist bladesmith who faced difficulties sourcing knife making supplies and high carbon steel in Canada.4 It began as a solution to provide accessible materials for makers, offering one-stop shopping to reduce shipping expenses.14 It remains a solo operation with the owner managing all aspects, including order fulfillment within 2 business days.4
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| High Carbon Steel (e.g., 1095, 1084) | Essential blade stock for knifemakers | $20 - $200 |
| Tool Steel (e.g., CPM steels) | Performance alloys for custom blades | $30 - $300 |
| Abrasives (Norton Blaze, Cubitron) | Grinding belts and sandpaper | $10 - $100 |
| Handle Materials | Scales and stabilizers for knife handles | $15 - $150 |
| Grinders (Velocity 2x72) | Belt grinders for blade shaping | $800 - $2,000 |
| Heat Treating Kilns (EvenHeat) | Ovens for blade hardening | $1,000 - $3,000 |
Manufacturing
Maritime Knife Supply does not manufacture products; it retails supplies sourced from vendors like 3M, Klingspor, Pferd, and EvenHeat.34 Kilns and grinders ship directly from manufacturers with lead times.4 Steels and abrasives are stocked for Canadian makers.13
Notable Products
- Velocity Grinder - 2x72 belt grinder for knife making.
- CPM Steel Bars - Premium powder metallurgy tool steels for blades.
- Damascus Steel - Pattern-welded billet for custom knife patterns.
- Norton Blaze Belts - High-performance ceramic grinding belts.
- EvenHeat Kilns - Heat treating ovens for blade hardening.
Reputation
Enthusiasts value Maritime Knife Supply for its convenience in sourcing knife making materials in Canada, reducing multiple shipping costs.14 As a one-man operation, it receives praise for quick shipping but may face delays during high volume.4 Professionals and hobbyists appreciate the selection of steels and tools tailored to bladesmithing.3