King Arthur's Tools Merlin2 Variable Speed Grinder
The Merlin2 Variable Speed Grinder earns a top spot for farriers who need a compact, precision tool for shaping hooves and light shoe work; its variable-speed motor and refined build reduce chatter and allow fine control compared with larger, single-speed machines. Financially it sits between hobby sharpeners and industrial grinders, offering a strong balance of portability and professional performance that makes it more cost-effective for mobile farriers than the heavier floor-standing units on this list. Against the others it stands out for low vibration, easy speed control and user-friendly attachments tailored to detailed hoof and tool work.
Variable-speed control
Compact bench-friendly
Variable-speed control
Compact bench-friendly
Review Summary
"Users praise the Merlin2 for smooth variable-speed control, solid build and precise grinding for knives and horseshoeing tasks; a few note minor setup tweaks and occasional belt/tracking adjustments after long use. Overall it's regarded as a reliable, workshop-grade grinder for frequent use."
Wizard-like precision
Variable-speed motor provides fine control for shaping and finishing hooves and tools.
Wizard-like precision
Variable-speed motor provides fine control for shaping and finishing hooves and tools.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Merlin2 Variable Speed Grinder earns a top spot for farriers who need a compact, precision tool for shaping hooves and light shoe work; its variable-speed motor and refined build reduce chatter and allow fine control compared with larger, single-speed machines. Financially it sits between hobby sharpeners and industrial grinders, offering a strong balance of portability and professional performance that makes it more cost-effective for mobile farriers than the heavier floor-standing units on this list. Against the others it stands out for low vibration, easy speed control and user-friendly attachments tailored to detailed hoof and tool work.
Variable-speed control
Compact bench-friendly
Wizard-like precision
Variable-speed motor provides fine control for shaping and finishing hooves and tools.
Rigid frame and adjustable tracking deliver stable performance in bench-top farriery work.
Variable-speed control
Compact bench-friendly
Wizard-like precision
Variable-speed motor provides fine control for shaping and finishing hooves and tools.
Rigid frame and adjustable tracking deliver stable performance in bench-top farriery work.
$900-1,300 USD
Foredom BG-21 Belt Grinder
The BG-21 Belt Grinder is listed as a market leader because of its heavy-duty construction and reputation for long-term reliability in demanding farrier shops; it delivers the torque and belt contact area needed for fast material removal and reshaping shoes. Technically it out-performs lighter consumer models on throughput and uptime, and while its upfront cost is higher than compact options like the Merlin2 or Work Sharp, the lower maintenance and replaceable industrial parts make it a better long-term financial choice for high-volume farriers. Compared with the budget MT362 and the compact Ken Onion unit, the BG-21 is the more robust, workshop-grade option for continuous professional use.
Heavy-duty build
Smooth-speed pedal
Heavy-duty build
Smooth-speed pedal
Review Summary
"Owners report the Foredom BG-21 as a heavy-duty, well-engineered belt grinder that runs smoothly and holds up under daily professional use, though it commands a premium price. Long-term reviewers consistently highlight its durability and low maintenance."
Workhorse endurance
High-torque, continuous-duty motor built for regular farrier and metalworking tasks.
Workhorse endurance
High-torque, continuous-duty motor built for regular farrier and metalworking tasks.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The BG-21 Belt Grinder is listed as a market leader because of its heavy-duty construction and reputation for long-term reliability in demanding farrier shops; it delivers the torque and belt contact area needed for fast material removal and reshaping shoes. Technically it out-performs lighter consumer models on throughput and uptime, and while its upfront cost is higher than compact options like the Merlin2 or Work Sharp, the lower maintenance and replaceable industrial parts make it a better long-term financial choice for high-volume farriers. Compared with the budget MT362 and the compact Ken Onion unit, the BG-21 is the more robust, workshop-grade option for continuous professional use.
Heavy-duty build
Smooth-speed pedal
Workhorse endurance
High-torque, continuous-duty motor built for regular farrier and metalworking tasks.
Robust construction reduces vibration for consistent belt contact and longer belt life.
Heavy-duty build
Smooth-speed pedal
Workhorse endurance
High-torque, continuous-duty motor built for regular farrier and metalworking tasks.
Robust construction reduces vibration for consistent belt contact and longer belt life.
$700-1,000 USD
Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener
The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition is valued for its versatility and turnkey sharpening system that includes guided jigs and a range of belts, making it an economical and easy-to-adopt choice for farriers focused on edge maintenance and quick tool touch-ups. While it lacks the 2x72 belt surface and raw metal removal of full-size grinders, its lower price and packaged accessories deliver immediate out-of-the-box value for smaller tasks and mobile work. Against the heavier Klingspor and Foredom machines it offers superior portability and a gentler learning curve, though it is not intended to replace a dedicated farrier belt grinder for heavy reshaping.
Guided-edge precision
Compact, portable
Guided-edge precision
Compact, portable
Review Summary
"The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition is widely loved for quickly producing sharp, repeatable edges with minimal skill; users appreciate the ease and versatility but some say it’s less ideal for major stock removal and belts add ongoing cost. Long-term users find it durable and dependable for routine sharpening."
Professional sheen
Guided sharpening system with flexible abrasive belts for repeatable, razor-sharp edges.
Professional sheen
Guided sharpening system with flexible abrasive belts for repeatable, razor-sharp edges.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition is valued for its versatility and turnkey sharpening system that includes guided jigs and a range of belts, making it an economical and easy-to-adopt choice for farriers focused on edge maintenance and quick tool touch-ups. While it lacks the 2x72 belt surface and raw metal removal of full-size grinders, its lower price and packaged accessories deliver immediate out-of-the-box value for smaller tasks and mobile work. Against the heavier Klingspor and Foredom machines it offers superior portability and a gentler learning curve, though it is not intended to replace a dedicated farrier belt grinder for heavy reshaping.
Guided-edge precision
Compact, portable
Professional sheen
Guided sharpening system with flexible abrasive belts for repeatable, razor-sharp edges.
Variable speed control and compact design make it ideal for knives, small rasps, and hoof tools.
Guided-edge precision
Compact, portable
Professional sheen
Guided sharpening system with flexible abrasive belts for repeatable, razor-sharp edges.
Variable speed control and compact design make it ideal for knives, small rasps, and hoof tools.
$200-300 USD
Klingspor CS 310 X Belt Sander
The CS 310 X belt sander is presented as a market-leading industrial sander for farriers who prioritize German engineering, durable dust handling and premium abrasive compatibility for consistent metal removal and finish. Its technical advantage lies in integration with Klingspor abrasives and service support, offering longer-lasting belts and predictable results that justify a higher capital outlay for busy shops. Compared to portable and budget grinders on this list, the CS 310 X is aimed at shops that want a reliable stationary sander with professional-grade consumables and low downtime.
Industrial-grade power
Precision dust-control
Industrial-grade power
Precision dust-control
Review Summary
"Klingspor's CS 310 X earns compliments for robust construction and consistent performance with quality abrasives, though a minority mention ergonomic and noise considerations. Overall feedback from repeated users is positive for heavy workshop use and long service life."
Long-life abrasives
Powerful motor and large contact surfaces designed for fast material removal on horseshoes and heavy work.
Long-life abrasives
Powerful motor and large contact surfaces designed for fast material removal on horseshoes and heavy work.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The CS 310 X belt sander is presented as a market-leading industrial sander for farriers who prioritize German engineering, durable dust handling and premium abrasive compatibility for consistent metal removal and finish. Its technical advantage lies in integration with Klingspor abrasives and service support, offering longer-lasting belts and predictable results that justify a higher capital outlay for busy shops. Compared to portable and budget grinders on this list, the CS 310 X is aimed at shops that want a reliable stationary sander with professional-grade consumables and low downtime.
Industrial-grade power
Precision dust-control
Long-life abrasives
Powerful motor and large contact surfaces designed for fast material removal on horseshoes and heavy work.
Industrial-grade bearings and components for long life under frequent farrier use.
Industrial-grade power
Precision dust-control
Long-life abrasives
Powerful motor and large contact surfaces designed for fast material removal on horseshoes and heavy work.
Industrial-grade bearings and components for long life under frequent farrier use.
$1,300-2,000 USD
Multitool MT362 2x72 Belt Grinder
The MT362 2x72 Belt Grinder is the budget-conscious farrier's choice for a full-size grinding platform that accepts a wide array of aftermarket platen, contact wheel and tool-rest upgrades, giving strong technical flexibility at a low purchase price. Financially it undercuts factory-built industrial machines while delivering the critical 2x72 belt geometry farriers prefer for shaping shoes and forging, making it an attractive base unit for customization. Against premium options like the Foredom or Klingspor, the MT362 trades out-of-the-box refinement for affordability and upgradeability, appealing to those who will mod or tune their grinder to fit workshop needs.
Versatile 2x72
Tool-free adjustments
Versatile 2x72
Tool-free adjustments
Review Summary
"The Multitool MT362 is frequently called a strong value — capable out of the box for 2x72 work but often needing tuning or upgrades to bearings, tracking and finish; many buyers report good long-term service after initial adjustments. Reviews skew positive for budget-conscious users who are willing to tweak the machine."
Rugged workshop-ready
Classic 2x72 design with modular attachments (tool rests, platen, contact wheels) for farrier customization.
Rugged workshop-ready
Classic 2x72 design with modular attachments (tool rests, platen, contact wheels) for farrier customization.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The MT362 2x72 Belt Grinder is the budget-conscious farrier's choice for a full-size grinding platform that accepts a wide array of aftermarket platen, contact wheel and tool-rest upgrades, giving strong technical flexibility at a low purchase price. Financially it undercuts factory-built industrial machines while delivering the critical 2x72 belt geometry farriers prefer for shaping shoes and forging, making it an attractive base unit for customization. Against premium options like the Foredom or Klingspor, the MT362 trades out-of-the-box refinement for affordability and upgradeability, appealing to those who will mod or tune their grinder to fit workshop needs.
Versatile 2x72
Tool-free adjustments
Rugged workshop-ready
Classic 2x72 design with modular attachments (tool rests, platen, contact wheels) for farrier customization.
Heavy steel frame and optional motor upgrades handle demanding grinding and shaping tasks.
Versatile 2x72
Tool-free adjustments
Rugged workshop-ready
Classic 2x72 design with modular attachments (tool rests, platen, contact wheels) for farrier customization.
Heavy steel frame and optional motor upgrades handle demanding grinding and shaping tasks.
$1,000-1,800 USD