Planing and jointing knives

Cutting material/hardness
DS hardness 46-48 HRC
TS hardness 57-59 HRC
HSS 18% hardness 62 HRC
HW carbide
HSS blanks/profile knives
Sharpening
one-sided
two-sided
bilateral
Manufacturer
Leniv (Ukraine)
Tigra (Germany)

Frequently asked questions about Planing and jointing knives

Jointer knives primarily work on the edge of the workpiece, creating a flat surface and straight geometry. Planer (thicknesser) knives remove a layer across the entire surface of the board, requiring higher precision in sharpening and more rigid fixation. Both types can be made from the same materials, but they differ in length and mounting parameters.

It is best to purchase planer and jointer knives from specialized suppliers or directly from the manufacturer. For example, Leniv offers precision cutting tools with accurate geometry, professional sharpening, and full service support. This ensures safe, stable, and cost-effective operation of your equipment.

Profiled knives (also known as blanket or corrugated knives) are shaping tools with a special edge profile designed to create decorative or functional relief on wood (chamfers, grooves, moldings). They are typically installed in cutter heads or used on combination machines.

For standard jointing operations that require a perfectly flat surface, straight planer knives are much more effective. While using profiled knives on a jointer is technically possible in some cases, it is not their intended purpose.

Absolutely not. Installing knives that differ in weight, length, or balance will cause strong vibration, motor overload, and potential damage to the machine. Always use identical knives recommended by the equipment manufacturer.

Extremely important. For industrial use, tolerances on thickness (up to 0.01 mm) and straightness are critical. Even minor deviations can cause vibration, wavy surfaces, or overheating of the cutter head. High-precision geometry ensures uniform cutting performance along the entire length of the workpiece.

How to Choose Planer and Jointer Knives

Choosing the right planer and jointer knives is essential for achieving precise, clean, and high-quality wood processing. First, focus on your machine model — the length, thickness, and width of the knives must perfectly match the technical specifications of your planer or jointer.

We offer knives in different materials:

  • Tool steel (DS, TS)
  • High-Speed Steel (HSS) — ideal for softwoods
  • Carbide (HW) — best for hardwoods, exotic species, plywood, and composites

Some models feature double-sided sharpening — simply flip the knife after one side wears out.

How to Maintain Planer and Jointer Knives

Proper care significantly extends the service life of your cutting tools. After each use, clean the knives from resin, dust, and wood residue to prevent overheating, sticking, and corrosion. Use special solvents and soft brushes for cleaning.

Regularly inspect for chips or dull edges. Sharpening should be performed on professional equipment at the correct angle or by a specialized service center. Avoid working with dull knives, as this reduces surface quality and puts extra stress on the machine. For long-term storage, apply anti-corrosion oil and keep the knives in a dry environment.

Types of Planer and Jointer Knives

1. Straight Planer & Jointer Knives These are the most common cutting elements installed on jointers, thickness planers, and combination woodworking machines. They are designed for precise leveling, calibration, and creating a perfectly smooth wood surface before further processing or gluing.

  • Materials: Tool steel (DS, TS), High-Speed Steel (HSS), Carbide (HW)
  • Design: Straight geometry with sharp cutting edge
  • Compatibility: Suitable for jointers, planers, and combination machines
  • Advantages: Excellent surface quality without chips or waves. Suitable for both soft and hard woods. Quick replacement and adjustment — ideal for serial production.

2. Corrugated / Profiled Knives (Blanket Knives) Specialized knives with a corrugated or profiled cutting edge for creating decorative or functional profiles on wood.

  • Material: High-Speed Steel (HSS)
  • Edge Type: Custom profiled (from simple chamfers to complex shapes)
  • Applications: Furniture production, moldings, decorative panels, and interior elements
  • Advantages: Fast and precise profiling with high repeatability. Perfect for mass production.

3. Carbide Insert Knives (Replaceable Plates) Indexable cutting inserts used in cutter heads for processing solid wood, plywood, MDF, and other materials.

  • Material: Tungsten Carbide (HW) — highly wear-resistant and heat-resistant
  • Shapes: Square, rectangular, or trapezoid
  • Mounting: Secured with screws or clamping systems in cutter heads
  • Advantages: Multiple cutting edges — simply rotate when one side dulls. Long service life with proper maintenance.

Regular maintenance and the right choice of knives guarantee clean cuts, higher productivity, and longer tool life.

If you want to buy high-quality planer and jointer knives, choose products from the specialized manufacturer — Leniv.

Gallery