Summary
If you’re dealing with plenty of wood day in and day out, or perhaps you’re just a dedicated but casual woodworker, then you know the importance of having trusty jointer knives for your wood jointer. The machine allows you to cut pieces of wood of the same size. This notion is important in the creation of individual wooden items, such as furniture.
If a jointer knife doesn’t get the job done right, then chances are one block of wood won’t be aligned with the other. Therefore, the furniture will either be lopsided or perhaps it’s deemed unsafe to be used. If it’s the latter, then all the time, effort, and maybe even the money wasted on trying to create a good piece of furniture would all be lost.
As such, never underestimate the power of the best jointer knives that money can buy. These knives won’t put a huge dent in your wallet, but a sharp and reliable set can help you with many of your woodworking projects. It is even vital if you use your wood jointer on a daily basis as it might be your profession.
If you find it difficult to search for an accomplished set of knives, then you can fret no longer as the information you seek can be consulted by this guide we’ve prepared for you.
Introduction
I make furniture on a daily basis as a professional woodworker, and I rely on my wood jointer a lot. It is because it allows me to cut the necessary pieces with precision. Without a set of good jointer knives at my disposal, I couldn’t get on a single task for a day. However, I did notice that the pieces I cut to connect to other blocks of wood sometimes leave me with more work than I originally anticipated. When I searched for the origin of the problem, I found my knives were either chipped or dull.
It should not be this way as I’ve just purchased them not too long ago. However, after a thorough understanding of the situation, I did buy the knives from a no-name brand, but they were cheap. Well, I guess I get what I paid for, but I decided to search for other knives that were above the cut (no pun intended).
It was then a woodworking friend decided to recommend me a set of knives that he uses all the time. These came from a well-known brand, and although they were slightly more expensive than what I would usually get, they did manage to help me with my daily tasks.
I just wished that I wasn’t so cheap in purchasing high-quality jointer knives as it would’ve saved me time and effort.
Top 3 Choices
1) DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives (For Model 37-070)
When you look at the market for reliable sets of jointer knives, you will see that it is crawling with tons of these blades. However, only a few is known to stand out from the rest. Take the DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives as a prime example. This set of knives can only be used for the Model 37-070 Bench Jointer, and if you have this machine, then you’re in for a treat. This is a pair of two high-speed steel knives, and they are built for durability and sharpness. It can cut through wooden pieces like a hot knife through butter. There’s no kicking back, and it presents a surface that’s smooth as glass. Also, it can cut through both hard and soft types of wood.
2) DELTA 37-658 Knives for 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers
While the DELTA 37-658 Knives for 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers are not placed in the top spot, it certainly comes at a close second. The package contains a set of three jointer knives, and they are made with high-speed steel. They are also case-hardened which promotes extra durability, so they don’t wear out quickly.
3) POWERTEC HSS PC160JT 6-inch Knives for Porter Cable Jointer
The POWERTEC HSS PC160JT 6-inch Knives for Porter Cable Jointer comes at third place, but it doesn’t mean it’s not any good as the first two. It will fit the 6-inch bench jointer Porter Cable PC160JT, and the blade is made out of high-speed steel as well. These knives work excellent, especially for the PC160JT machine as you can’t adjust its outfeed table.
Best Jointer Knives Comparison Table
|
Best Jointer Knives |
Price |
|---|---|
|
DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives (For Model 37-070) | |
|
DELTA 37-658 Knives for 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers | |
|
POWERTEC HSS 6-inch Knives for Porter Cable Jointer PC160JT |
Who Should Buy These
Reliable jointer knives are used for people who people who own wooden or furniture jointers that require precision, smoothness, and quickness when it comes to cutting their pieces of wood. While there are knives that are cheaper than the rest, they might get dull or get chipped quickly. If you use these low-quality knives, chances are the wooden pieces won’t come out even, and you now have to take the extra effort in fixing the problem.
So what happens if the pieces don’t come out right? If there’s still a bit of extra after cutting the wooden piece, then you might want to use a traditional handsaw to remove the excess portion. However, this cannot be done without meticulously measuring the section first. Ultimately, that’s going to be a lot of time and effort wasted on a single piece.
A sharp and durable set of jointer knives will assist you in cutting the pieces you need for your wooden furniture or other woodworking projects. The pieces will come out symmetrical, just the way you want them to be. As such, it eliminates further tasks, and you can move on with other operations.
Buyer’s Guide
What Makes Good Jointer Knives
Compatibility
Not all jointer knives work with all wood jointers, but it is a welcoming feature if the blades can be fitted inside different jointer models. Even though these knives aren’t that expensive, purchasing different knife sets for varying models can sometimes become a taxing endeavor.
Quality of Steel
When searching around for reliable sets of jointer knives, you need to assure yourself that what you’re going to get are blades that are made of high-quality steel. Look for knives that are made out of high-speed steel as these promote one of the best results when cutting pieces of wood.
Grinding Finish
Just like when you’re searching for knives with their quality of steel, you should also consider acquiring blades with an excellent grinding finish. Jointer knives that have achieved such an accomplishment can ensure adequate, or even above average characteristics such as thickness, length, width, and bow. Remember, jointer knives are not just made for their sharpness alone, but it is a culmination of different features that makes it a great tool for cutting wood.
Balance
Perhaps one of the most important aspect to look for in a jointer knife is its balance. If it’s not balanced right during production, then your wooden pieces won’t come out the way you wanted them to look.
Product Reviews
1) Freud C350 6-by-5/8-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives
Description
The Freud C350 6-by-5/8-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives are created to join the ranks of other blades that can create the smoothest of cuts on wood. These knives are created with precision in mind, and they are also pre-ground to deliver a razor sharp edge. As such, when setting your knives with the blades in this set, make sure to wear protective gear to avoid any accidents.
Each knife found in the set is made out of premium high-speed steel stock to promote durability and long life. Each blade is 6 inches long, with a 5/8-inch width and 1/8-inch thickness. Just like with any other jointer knife on the market, do proper research if these blades will fit your jointer. It can fit a Delta 37-195, but it should be noted that they will be slightly thicker than the stock blades that come with the original package for the machine.
It is, however, likely that these blades were made for older models of jointers, especially those that have a more compact size as compared to others. They are sharp coming out of their standard packaging, but they can be at a wrong angle, depending on your type of jointer. As such, modifying it is advised.
Product Information
- Part Number: C350
- Item Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 0.9 x 0.6 inches
- Origin: China
- Style: 6-by-5/8-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives, 3-Pack
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Features and Benefits
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Sharp
The blades found in this set are undeniably sharp. It is even recommended to wear special protective gear when setting them correctly into a compatible jointer. With a compatible machine, it can cut through soft and hard woods like a hot knife passes through butter.
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Durability
The Freud C530 blades are made from high-speed steel, which means they can last quite longer than your average jointer knives. With proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage, these models can last a pretty good long time without wearing out.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Very sharp blades
- These blades are made to fit older jointer machines
Cons
- Not the most durable in the world
- It might need further customization to fit certain wood jointers
Conclusion
Freud is a name that can’t be missed when searching for quality jointer knives on the market, and the C350 6-by-5/8-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives makes no exception to that rule. It is sharp, and have a decent level of quality and durability in them. However, what’s apparent right from the onset is that the blades in the set are made for older types of wood jointers. Therefore, woodworkers who have modern variants might not be able to use these knives at all.
However, there is a bit of hope; if you do plan to purchase these knives and you want to make it fit your wood jointer, then customization can be done. Still, it might not be worth the effort in the end, and you’re better off purchasing the right set of knives that are compatible with your wood jointer instead.
2) Freud C400 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives
Description
The Freud C400 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives is advertised to deliver the “smoothest cuts,” and that might not just be a tall claim. It is precision-machined to provide accuracy with each cut, which is something that is extremely vital when using a wood jointer. It is also pre-ground to have a razor sharp edge. Think of cutting wood with these knives as ripping off a piece of ordinary paper in two, except there are no jagged edges and the cut is symmetrical.
The blades in the set are made out of premium high-speed steel stock, and this assures users that it can last a pretty long while without dulling, chipping, or warping. Each blade is 6-1/8 inch long, and they have an 11/16-inch width and 1/8-inch thickness.
It is no joke that the Freud C400 has a razor sharp edge. In fact, when you inspect the back portion of each knife, you will find that they’re almost as sharp as the front portion. There is hardly any leading edge to see, and there is no reflected light to be found either.
Product Information
- Part Number: C400
- Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 1.7 x 1.5 inches
- Origin: Italy
- Style: 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives, 3-Pack
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Item Package Quantity: 1 set
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Features and Benefits
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Razor Sharp
As mentioned in a previous section, the Freud C400 jointer knives are razor sharp. Even the back portion of the knives are almost as sharp as its front end. Cuts will come out as smooth as you could have hoped they would be.
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Easy to Install
If you have a compatible wood jointer, these blades are easy to install. For instance, if you have a Ridgid jointer, these knives would fit the machine like a glove. They are easy to align and quick to start cutting away on your pieces of wood.
Pros
- Razor sharp (front and back)
- Durable
- The blades align well with compatible jointers
- The blades provide smooth and symmetrical cuts
Cons
- The blades could not fit many types of wood jointers
- They might need some customization to make them fit properly
Conclusion
When you read certain reviews about the Freud C400 6-1/8-by-11/16-by-1/8-Inch Jointer Knives, you will find that not all are quite good. However, upon closer inspection, it would seem that the customers who purchased the device were given a faulty product, to begin with, so it may have something to do with the shipper and not the manufacturer of the blades itself.
3) POWERTEC HSS 6-inch Knives for Porter Cable Jointer PC160JT
Description
Like many other jointer knives on the market, the POWERTEC HSS 6-inch Knives is only compatible with a particular type of wood jointer, and in this case, that would be the Porter Cable Jointer PC160JT. It is a replacement for the Porter Cable knives PC37072. It is made of high-speed steel to deliver above average durability and long life.
Still, you might need further adjusting if you want these blades to fit properly. But right after all the adjustments are complete, you can feed wood to your wood jointer with these knives installed, and you’ll be amazed at its cutting prowess. It can handle different cutting types of wood with ease, such as pine, oak, and cherry wood. Furthermore, the finishes are very clean and superbly smooth. In fact, when you run your finger across the surface of a newly cut wooden piece, it will feel as smooth as glass.
Product Information
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8 x 1.1 x 0.3 inches
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Features and Benefits
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Incredible Sharpness
Make no mistake as these blades are incredibly sharp. When you let it cut soft or even hardwoods, the pieces will go through it like a hot knife through butter. It can take on several types of wood with minimal to no problem, including oak, cherry, and pine. These knives are so sharp that removing them from their packaging without any protective gear can even cause slight cuts to your skin.
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Smooth Cuts
Not only are these knives sharp, but they can also produce more than satisfactory results. When setting inside a compatible wood jointer, they have a minimal chance of creating snipe or tapering. It should be this way, considering that these are compatible with the Porter Cable jointer, and you can’t adjust the outfeed table on that machine.
Pros
- The blades are very sharp
- The edges can create smooth finishes
- The knives can create symmetrical pieces of wood
- Durability is above average thanks to high-speed steel material
Cons
- When modified and placed inside other wood jointers, they might not lose the right level of balance
Conclusion
It is already known right from the onset that the POWERTEC HSS 6-inch Knives are specially made for the Porter Cable Jointer PC160JT. It can be customized or modified to fit other wood jointers, but doing so might cause the knives to lose their balance. As such, if you do this, then you risk the chance of the blades not being able to cut as well as you would hope. So if you have a Porter Cable PC160JT lying around and you want to replace its knives, then this is a good set to purchase and to use.
4) DELTA 37-658 Knives for 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers
Description
The DELTA 37-658 Knives are made for the 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers. It is made out of high-speed steel, and these are case-hardened for added durability. The blades are also very sharp and can produce smooth finishes. However, the knives in the set have a steeper price tag as compared to many other jointer blades on the market.
It is advised that you should set the knives to the 37-190 or the 37-195 jointer, the Rockler Magnetic Jointer Jig, or something similar. Otherwise, the knives won’t fit or wouldn’t produce spectacular results as they should.
Product Information
- Part Number: 37-658
- Item Weight: 0.3 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 1.5 x 7.2 inches
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Item Package Quantity: 1 set
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Features and Benefits
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Sharp, as they should be
Many jointer knives are advertised with all talk but produce much to be desired. It is not the case with the DELTA 37-658 Knives as these blades can cut wood well. They are made with high-speed steel material, and their sharpness holds no bounds. It can cut wood like a sharp knife passing through paper.
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Durable
Its high-speed steel material is not just for the blades’ sharpness alone, but it also allows the knives to be quite durable. You won’t find any warping, denting, chipping, or bending during operations.
Pros
- Very sharp blades
- Above average durability
- Three knives in the set
Cons
- The blades can only fit a few jointers on the market
Conclusion
The DELTA 37-658 Knives might only be compatible for the 37-190 and 37-195 Jointers, or perhaps with something similar, but if you do have such a woodworking machine then you’re in for a good treat. The knives can cut well as the edges are sharp, as they should be. After all, the set has a price that is a bit steep as compared to many other jointer knives on the market. Simply put, you’re going to get great value for the price you have to pay to acquire these knives.
5) DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives (For Model 37-070)
Description
The DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives are made for the Model 37-070 jointer, and they do what they are advertised to do – cut wood. However, they don’t just “cut wood” like any rudimentary knife on the market, because these blades can cut wood well. The knives are made out of high-speed steel, and they promote optimum sharpness and durability.
Also, the knives are placed at a reasonable price point, which means you don’t have to blow off a lot of cash just to get a proper set. While the DELTA 37-658 jointer knives are still a set of excellent blades, it is not easily accessible for everyone considering the heft in its price tag. This other set of knives, still under the same brand, are more reasonably priced so it would do you well to get these if you have a compatible wood jointer and if you’re on a tight budget.
Product Information
- Part Number: 37-072
- Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 3.8 x 0.1 inches
- Material: High-Speed Steel
- Item Package Quantity: 1 set
- Batteries Included? No
- Batteries Required? No
Features and Benefits
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High-Performance Cuts
The blades are made with high-speed steel, and the edges are made in such a way they can cut through hard and soft types of wood with great ease. They also have the right level of balance, so you can be assured that each cut is symmetrical to the measurements you desire.
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Reasonable Price
While other jointer knives won’t put much of a dent in your wallet, and some can make you spend a little more than what your budget allows, the DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives are found at a fair price point. However, it gives excellent value for its price, and you might even think that these blades are worth more than they should.
Pros
- Easy to install and change
- High-quality metal brings optimal durability
- The blades can be used to cut Left-to-right or right-to-left
- It can create straight and curved cuts quickly
Cons
- Might be difficult to keep straight as it doesn’t have a fence for the Moto saw.
Conclusion
You might be wondering if the DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives for the Model 37-070 jointer is worth your time and money, but know that it might even be worth more than its price tag. These blades can cut wood in an excellent fashion, not to mention they can leave behind superbly smooth finishes. If you do have a compatible jointer, then make no second thought in getting these knives.
Reviews / Testimonials
When you search around for reliable jointer knives, there are a lot of them just crawling around the market. However, the thing about searching for a good knife for your wood jointer is you have to know if it’s compatible with your machine or not. Otherwise, you’re just going to waste precious time, money, and effort. But even if you know what type of blade you’re looking for, it can still take a while. One reviewer even mentioned that the “blades fit and work just fine.” Another reviewer said that using the blades was “a simple operation.” As such, not only do they provide a high level of durability and sharpness, they also offer ease of use. However, there is one reviewer who stated that the metal made in the production of these blades are “not the best for edge retention.”However, this can be solved with proper care and storage. Properly cleaning, maintaining, and storing these jointer knives is imperative if you want to extend its life.
Top Jointer Knives By Category
Best Jointer Knives Sets Comparison Table
Alternative Choices
1) POWERTEC HSS Knives for Delta 6 ” Bench Jointer JT160
These POWERTEC HSS Knives are 6-inch blades that are compatible with the Bench Jointer JT160. These are made to replace the Delta 37-072 knife. The blades are constructed from high-speed steel, and they deliver superb cuts with smooth finishes. These jointer knives are hard but are not that “solid,” but don’t think about that as a bad thing as too much rigidity in a blade can cause it to chips on knots or tough grain.
2) POWERTEC HSS Jointer Knives for JET 6″ JET 708457K JJ-6CS
The POWERTEC HSS Jointer Knives for the JET 708457K JJ-6CS are made to replace the JET JJ6-K 708801 knife. Like the knives made for the Bench Jointer JT160, the knives in the set are made with high-speed steel. Therefore, you can expect quite a long life from the blades. They are also razor sharp and will produce quality smooth finishes for hard and soft types of wood. For its price point, you can’t go wrong with this set of jointer knives.
3) POWERTEC HSS Knives for Delta 6 ” Floor Jointer 37-190
Like its other 6-inch siblings from the same brand, these POWERTECH HSS Knives are also made out of high-speed steel. The blades in the set are made to replace the stock Delta 37-658 knife. It has a 1.6-ounce weight, and it feels balanced and works as it should. It can also cut wood and create smooth finishes, just like the knives meant for the JT160 and the JET 708457K JJ-6CS jointers. These knives, on the other hand, are meant for the floor jointer 37-190.
4) CMT 794.203 3-Pcs HS Planer and Jointer Knives
The size of each knife in the CMT 794.203 set are 8 inches in length, with a 3/4-inch height and a 1/8-inch thickness. The blades are an excellent addition to compatible wood jointers as it can cut through dry softwood, as well as through dry and wet hardwood. The blades are also ground from fine European high-speed steel, and that characteristic alone might be enough to tell you that you’re going to get excellent value for money with these knives.
5) Magnate PK1308T Planer / Jointer Knife Set
The Magnate PK1308T Planer / Jointer Knife Set doesn’t look like your ordinary jointer blade, primarily because of its color. It shows off a shade of black as opposed to the metallic color of most jointer knives on the market. However, what sets this set of blades apart from the many others is its price. It has a whopping heft in its price tag, and it might turn off some woodworkers because of this. However, what you’re going to get are knives made of a high-quality material that can cut cleanly through the wood.
6) Grizzly H9876 Hess Jointer Knives
The Grizzly H9876 Hess Jointer Knives is made for the brand’s G0452 6-inch jointer, and it originates from the US. It is made from quality material, and it can help you achieve a clean and smooth finish when cutting soft or hardwoods. It is also quite durable, and with proper cleaning, maintenance, and storage, these blades can lose quite a long time as part of your woodworking arsenal.
Alternative Choices Comparison Table
|
Alternative Choices |
Our Rating |
Price |
|---|---|---|
|
POWERTEC HSS Knives for Delta 6 ” Bench Jointer JT160 | ||
|
Magnate PK1308T Planer / Jointer Knife Set |
The Final Cut
Purchasing low-quality jointer knives might not be a suitable option because it would trouble you in more ways than one. For instance, even though you might be able to get a decent cut out of them, you’re going to replace them soon because they might chip, dent, or bend easily. Ultimately, using cheap quality jointer knives might be nothing more than a waste of your valuable time and money.
When you get to experience the DELTA 37-072 Jointer Knives, especially if you have a Model 37-070 jointer, you won’t just get a set of blades that can cut well, but the finishes from the wood they cut are superbly smooth. Furthermore, the price tag found in these knives isn’t too steep, so you can happily stay within the boundaries of your budget.
