Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knife Machinist

🎯 Role Definition

A Knife Machinist is a highly skilled artisan and technician who stands at the heart of the cutlery and tool manufacturing process. This role is responsible for transforming raw blocks of high-grade steel into precision-engineered blades. Blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern machining technology, the Knife Machinist operates a variety of complex machinery, including CNC grinders and surface grinders, to shape, bevel, sharpen, and finish blades to exceptionally tight tolerances. Success in this position requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of metallurgy, and the dexterity to produce a final product that is both functionally superior and aesthetically flawless. This is a critical hands-on role that directly impacts the quality and performance of the final product.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Machinist Apprentice
Machine Operator
Manufacturing or Production Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Knife Machinist / Lead Machinist
CNC Programmer (Manufacturing)
Manufacturing Supervisor or Team Lead

Lateral Moves:

Quality Control Inspector / Technician
Tool and Die Maker
R&D Prototype Machinist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, operate, and meticulously maintain a variety of computer numerical control (CNC) and manual grinding machines to perform complex machining operations on knife blades.
Interpret and work from highly detailed engineering blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications to produce components that meet precise design requirements.
Utilize an array of precision measuring instruments, such as digital calipers, micrometers, and optical comparators, to conduct first-piece, in-process, and final inspections, ensuring all dimensions adhere to strict quality standards.
Expertly perform intricate grinding operations to create precise blade bevels, swedges, and flats, consistently achieving specified angles and surface finishes.
Proactively monitor machine performance and cutting processes, making necessary adjustments to offsets, speeds, and feeds to maintain dimensional accuracy and part quality.
Select, align, and securely fasten holding fixtures, cutting tools, grinding wheels, and materials onto machines, ensuring a stable and repeatable setup.
Calculate and verify dimensions, tolerances, and geometric attributes using advanced shop mathematics, including trigonometry and geometry.
Conduct routine and preventative maintenance on all assigned machinery and equipment to ensure operational readiness and minimize downtime.
Skillfully deburr, finish, and sharpen completed blades using belt sanders, hand tools, and specialized honing equipment to achieve a flawless finish and razor-sharp edge.
Work confidently with a diverse range of materials, primarily high-carbon, stainless, and Damascus steels, understanding their unique machining properties and heat-treat responses.
Accurately document production data, inspection results, and machine settings in quality logs and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Systematically troubleshoot and diagnose machining problems, part defects, or equipment malfunctions, implementing effective corrective actions to resolve issues.
s- Strictly adhere to all established company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and workplace policies, actively maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Independently write, edit, and optimize CNC programs directly at the machine controller (using G-code/M-code) or offline with CAM software to enhance efficiency and part quality.
Carefully manage tooling inventory and monitor tool wear, replacing worn or damaged grinding wheels and cutting tools to prevent defects and maintain process control.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance department to investigate non-conformances and contribute to root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives, providing valuable feedback and suggestions to enhance production methods, workflow, and product quality.
Participate in the design and fabrication of custom fixtures, jigs, and tooling required for new product introductions or challenging machining tasks.
Gain a working knowledge of blade heat treatment, including hardening, tempering, and cryogenic processes, to understand its impact on machinability and final performance.
Perform final assembly, sharpening, and functionality tests on finished knives to ensure they meet the company's highest standards of performance and craftsmanship.

Secondary Functions

Assist engineering and design teams by providing critical feedback on the manufacturability of new blade designs and creating prototype samples for evaluation.
Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies and suggesting enhancements to machining techniques, tooling, or operational workflows.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance department to resolve any non-conformance issues and ensure all products consistently meet the highest quality standards.
Participate in production planning meetings and work closely with team members and supervisors to meet demanding production schedules and team-based output goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Precision Grinding: Expertise in operating surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, and/or specialized blade-grinding machinery.
CNC Machining & Programming: Proficiency in setting up and operating CNC mills or grinders, with experience in G-code/M-code programming and editing.
slug: knife-machinist-job-description
Blueprint Reading & GD&T: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, including a strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
Precision Measurement: Skilled use of metrology tools including calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and optical comparators to verify tolerances within +/- 0.001" or finer.
Metallurgy Knowledge: Solid understanding of the properties and machinability of various tool steels (e.g., S30V, M390, D2, CPM magnacut).
CAD/CAM Software: Familiarity with CAM software (such as Mastercam or GibbsCAM) for creating and verifying toolpaths is a significant asset.
Machine Maintenance: Ability to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot common machine issues, and maintain equipment in peak condition.
Fixture Design & Setup: Competency in devising and implementing effective work-holding and fixturing solutions for complex parts.
Blade Sharpening & Honing: Demonstrated skill in creating and finishing a razor-sharp cutting edge using various techniques and equipment.
Shop Math: Strong mathematical skills, including geometry and trigonometry, for calculating angles, dimensions, and tolerances.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: An unwavering focus on precision and quality, with the ability to spot minute imperfections.
Problem-Solving Acumen: The ability to diagnose technical problems and develop effective, logical solutions.
Manual Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and the steady hands required for fine finishing and detailed work.
Strong Work Ethic: A reliable, self-motivated individual who takes pride in their work and is committed to meeting production goals.
Adaptability: The flexibility to switch between different tasks, machines, and priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a technical college in Machining Technology, Machine Tool Technology, or a related discipline.
Journeyman Machinist certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Machine Tool Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience in a precision machining environment.

Preferred: Direct experience in the cutlery, knife, surgical instrument, or high-end tool manufacturing industry is highly desirable. Verifiable experience holding tight tolerances and working with difficult-to-machine materials will be given strong consideration.