KnKut: Company Review, Product List, Details and Comparisons, User Feedback and Ratings

KnKut drill bits are manufactured in the United States. The company emphasizes that all its drill bits and cutting tools are made in the USA, allowing them to control quality from raw materials to finished products.

High-grade M-7 and M35 Steel. Here’s a breakdown of their composition and properties:

M-7 Molybdenum High-Speed Steel (HSS): M-7 is a type of high-speed steel, a class of tool steels optimized for high cutting speeds and durability. It belongs to the M-series (molybdenum-based) steels, which use molybdenum as a primary alloying element to enhance strength and heat resistance. M-7 is known for its excellent balance of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance, making it ideal for demanding applications like drilling through tough materials.

Molybdenum (Mo): This element improves the steel’s strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and heat. Molybdenum allows the steel to maintain its cutting edge at high temperatures generated during drilling, preventing softening or deformation.

High Vanadium Content: Vanadium is added to increase wear resistance and edge retention. In M-7, the high vanadium content (typically around 1.8-2.1%) forms hard vanadium carbides within the steel matrix. These carbides enhance the steel’s ability to resist abrasion and maintain sharpness when cutting through hard materials like stainless steel or titanium.

Salt Nitride Treatment: As noted previously, KnKut bits undergo a salt nitride treatment, which diffuses nitrogen into the steel’s surface, further increasing hardness and wear resistance. This enhances the bits’ ability to handle challenging materials.

In summary, M-7 molybdenum HSS with high vanadium content is a premium tool steel alloy engineered for superior hardness, wear resistance, and heat tolerance, making it ideal for high-performance drill bits used in demanding applications.

M35 Cobalt steel is a type of high-speed steel (HSS) alloy that contains cobalt as a key alloying element, designed for enhanced performance in cutting tools like drill bits, end mills, and other machining tools. Here’s a detailed explanation of its composition and properties:

M35 Cobalt Steel Composition: Base Material: M35 is part of the M-series high-speed steels, primarily alloyed with molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) to provide strength, hardness, and heat resistance.

Cobalt Content: M35 typically contains about 5% cobalt (Co), which significantly boosts its heat resistance and hardness compared to standard HSS. The cobalt increases the steel’s ability to maintain its cutting edge at high temperatures.

Properties: High Heat Resistance: The cobalt content allows M35 to withstand higher temperatures (up to ˜600°C or ˜1100°F) without losing hardness, making it ideal for drilling or cutting materials that generate significant heat, such as stainless steel, titanium, or other high-strength alloys.

Hardness: M35 typically achieves a Rockwell hardness of 62-65 HRC, providing excellent edge retention and durability.

Wear Resistance: The vanadium and molybdenum content forms hard carbides, enhancing resistance to abrasion and extending tool life.

Applications of M35: M35 Cobalt steel is commonly used for high-performance drill bits, taps, reamers, and other cutting tools, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where precision and durability are critical.

Comparison to M7 HSS: M7 vs. M35: M7 is a molybdenum-based HSS with high vanadium content (1.8-2.1%) but typically no cobalt. M35, with its 5% cobalt, offers superior heat resistance, making it better for high-temperature applications or harder materials. However, M7 may be slightly tougher and less brittle, depending on the specific application and heat treatment.

Applications: M35 is often chosen for drilling or cutting extremely tough materials like stainless steel, nickel alloys, titanium, or inconel where high heat is generated. M7 is also capable of handling these materials but may not perform as well under extreme heat.

In summary, M35 Cobalt steel is a high-performance HSS alloy with 5% cobalt, offering superior heat resistance, hardness, and wear resistance compared to standard HSS. It’s particularly suited for cutting tough, high-strength materials where high temperatures are a concern, making it a premium choice for demanding machining tasks.

While KnKut emphasizes strict control over the quality of their products from raw materials to finished goods, specific details about the exact origins of these materials (e.g., which countries or regions) are not explicitly stated in available information.

KnKut drill bits receive mixed but generally positive feedback from users on forums such as automotive, machining, and tool discussion sites (e.g., Garage Journal, Practical Machinist, Reddit's r/Tools and r/Snapon_tools, CK5, and Bob Is The Oil Guy).

Mechanics, machinists, and hobbyists often praise their sharpness, performance in metal, and value as alternatives to pricier truck brands like Matco. However, criticisms focus on durability in heavy-duty applications, sharpenability, and questions about their manufacturing origins. Based on aggregated user experiences, KnKut bits score around 4/5 stars for everyday professional use, particularly in automotive and sheet metal work, but may not suit high-volume machining or thick materials without frequent replacement.

Sharpness and Cutting Performance: Users frequently highlight how KnKut bits cut quickly and cleanly, especially in steel and sheet metal. A 36-year mechanic on Reddit noted, "Personally I use KnKut bits and I've never had a better bit." Another called them "mind blowingly amazing in steel." In comparisons, they perform between high-speed steel (HSS) and carbide, lasting longer than HSS without carbide's brittleness, making them suitable for hand drills. Step-point designs are lauded for aggressive cutting, with one user saying they "shred through metal."

Durability in Moderate Use: For tasks like drilling rivets or roll bar material, they hold up well. One user drilled "hundreds of rivets" without issues, while another reported a single bit handling 60 holes through wood and 3/16" tubing while remaining "very sharp and very usable." Sets have lasted "a couple years" for some before needing sharpening.

Value and Affordability: Often seen as a budget-friendly alternative to rebranded versions from tool trucks. Users point out KnKut supplies Matco's bits at "half the price," with Matco simply relabeling them. Compared to Norseman or Astro equivalents, they're competitively priced and "amazing" for the cost, especially for mechanics avoiding overpriced options. One user recommended them "if money isn’t an issue," implying premium quality justifies the spend.

Limited Durability in Tough Applications: Feedback indicates they "don't last long" on thick materials or hardened bolts, with users calling them "worthless" for such tasks. Carbide versions are brittle in hand tools due to vibration, leading to chipping. Step-point designs are often viewed as "disposable" since they're hard to sharpen effectively.

Sharpenability Issues: A common complaint is difficulty resharpening, making them less economical long-term. One machinist said, "Not being able to sharpen a drill bit is a deal breaker... Having to replace these step point ones instead of sharpening is such a waste." Users suggest a Drill Doctor sharpener helps, but it's not ideal for all designs.

Questions on Manufacturing and Quality Consistency: Skepticism arises from KnKut's small office setup and lack of a visible factory, leading some to suspect they're relabeled imports or from brands like Norseman/Cleveland. One user called them "overpriced twist drill sets" from "fly by night companies." While claimed USA-made, this is debated compared to established manufacturers like Viking Drill and Tool.

Comparisons to Other Brands KnKut is often positioned as a mid-tier option:

Vs. Matco: Nearly identical, but cheaper and with similar "amazing" performance.

Vs. Norseman/Viking: Comparable quality, possibly rebranded; Norseman is praised for longevity (e.g., same set for 6+ years).

Vs. DeWalt/Milwaukee: Preferred by some for metal work, with users keeping KnKut separate from "lesser" sets.

Vs. Cobalt Brands (e.g., Cle-Line): Seen as niche but effective; cobalt bits generally outlast HSS but may be more brittle.

Conclusion Overall, KnKut drill bits are well-regarded for sharp, efficient cutting in metals like steel and sheet, making them a solid choice for mechanics and fabricators seeking USA-made tools at a reasonable price. They're especially valuable as Matco alternatives, but fall short in durability for thick or hardened materials and require careful use to avoid premature wear. If you're drilling occasionally in automotive or light fabrication, they're worth considering—users with decades of experience swear by them. For heavy machining, opt for sharpenable cobalt or carbide from brands like Norseman.

Below is an organized list of the products KnKut produces in the US, based on available information from their official website and related sources:

Jobber Length Drill Bits Made from high-grade Molybdenum High-Speed Steel (HSS) with high vanadium content, and M35 Cobalt. Salt nitride treated for enhanced hardness, suitable for drilling tough materials like stainless steel and titanium alloy. Features: 135° split point tip, no center punch or pilot hole required, gold surface treatment for lubricity. Available in sets, such as the 26-piece Letters A-Z set and M35 cobalt drill bit sets (e.g., 29-piece, 21-piece, and 13-piece HD Hex Shank sets).

Short Stubby Length Drill Bits Also made from high-grade Molybdenum HSS with high vanadium content. Shorter flute and overall length for increased rigidity, reducing deflection and breakage. Designed for screw-machine applications, referred to as "short stubby" for layman terms. Examples: Letter N (0.3020" diameter) and 35/64" fractional sizes.

Left Hand Jobber Length Drill Bits Manufactured with the same high-grade Molybdenum HSS and salt nitride treatment. Designed for specific applications, such as removing broken bolts. Available in sets, such as the 13-piece and 15-piece sets.

Step Point Drill Bits Combine a split tip point with a step drill design for accurate starting without a center punch. Available in sets like the 12-piece 1/4" hex shank quick-release drill bit set.

Fractional Performance Step Drill Bits Conical in shape with dual flutes for clean, accurate holes in thin-gauge metals. Used for hole expansion and deburring, with sizes ranging from 1/4" to 1".

2. Car ReamersMade from high-speed steel. Designed for truing, aligning, deburring, and enlarging holes in structural steel members, automotive maintenance, and fabrication.

3. Carbide Burrs (Rotary Files) Made in the USA with a double-cut design for rapid stock removal in harder materials. Commonly used for removing burrs from castings in industrial applications.

4. Fractional Dies Manufactured from high-Molybdenum tool steel with a black surface treatment on threads for durability. Designed for clean, accurate threading in various applications.

5. Performance Taps Made from high-speed steel with a design for quick chip ejection and precise threading. Available in National Coarse and National Fine sets, with plug-style spiral pointed taps ideal for production tapping of through holes.

15-Piece Drill Bit Set Overland Tool Bag A comprehensive set designed for automotive and industrial use, packaged in a durable tool bag.

Quick-Release Drill Bit Sets Feature a hex shank for secure placement in drills, with popular sizes included in a single storage case.

Numbered Drill Bit Sets Example: 20-piece jobber length numbered bit set for precise drilling applications.

Applications KnKut products are tailored for demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and metal fabrication, capable of drilling through tough materials like stainless steel, titanium alloys, and hardened steel (48-65 Rockwell "C").

Distribution: While manufactured in the USA, KnKut products are distributed nationally through retailers like NAPA and other industrial suppliers.