Vertical Air Bath 16 Knife Kiln

The patent-pending Jen-Ken Vertical Air Bath Knife Kiln series was engineered in collaboration with expert bladesmiths to solve the common problems of traditional heat treat ovens.

Designed and built in the USA, these vertical furnaces deliver 360° uniform heat, faster recovery times, and straighter blades with minimal distortion.

Each Jen-Ken Knife Kiln is crafted for precision heat treating—normalizing, hardening, and tempering blades of all sizes—with efficiency, safety, and consistency.

All models include a two-year warranty on both kiln and controller, plus lifetime customer support.

With a compact 2′ x 2′ footprint, our vertical, top-loading design fits easily in small workshops while maximizing floor space. Most models include a rolling stand with casters for easy mobility and convenient setup.

Unlike front-loading heat treat ovens, the Vertical Air Bath furnace suspends blades vertically for complete heat coverage and even soaking.

A custom refractory baffle system retains heat and prevents temperature loss when the lid opens—ensuring every blade receives uniform treatment from tip to tang.

Our cool-touch, reversible lid handle allows safe side lifting and rapid access without heat exposure. A built-in power-interrupt lid switch automatically cuts power when the lid opens, protecting both the user and the blade.

Every kiln comes with the Orton AutoFire AF4X 3-button controller preloaded with popular heat-treating programs.

Optional upgrades include the Orton AutoFire 4000 12-Button Controller for advanced scheduling or the TAP Touchscreen Controller for intuitive precision.

Choose solid-state relays for ultra-quiet, long-lasting performance.

Each chamber can hold up to 12 blades of different shapes and sizes. Blades can be suspended by pin, spring clasp, or ceramic rods—keeping them straight and stress-free throughout every cycle.

Traditional front-loading knife kilns (heat treat ovens) often heat unevenly, which can lead to warped or bent blades.

The Vertical Air Bath’s vertical suspension and 360° heat eliminate this problem—producing cleaner, straighter, and more uniform results while taking up less workspace.

2-year limited warranty for kiln and controller included.