Artisan 688 or KH 414 for HT?

[EastCompassoKnivery]

I am thinking about buying an even heat oven and I was having trouble deciding between the artisan 688 and the KH 414. Price wise the artisan is better by about 300 dollars but when it come to heat the 414 gets to 2200 while the artisan gets to 2000. I don't think it would make much of a difference because I just don't think I need something that hot for heat treat. Size wise the artisan is a little shallower but it is wider. Any tips or pointers would be great to know. I really would like to have a good idea before I spend potentially 1100 dollars that I have been saving for a while.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Buy an oven made for knives. The artisan isn't really a knife oven. It is a jewelry oven that will work fort small blades like folders.

The KH is a much better choice. Buy the deepest one that your budget will afford. The KH418 is 4" deeper than the KH-414.

120VAC is the only reason to use the KH series. The KF series is a better choice if 220VAC is available in your shop. I would guess that the KF-18 was the most popular knife oven.