By the UK Home Forge — The British Blacksmith's Buying Guide Team · Updated June 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

NC Tool Co vs Devil Forge vs Majestic Forge: UK Propane Forge Showdown

If you're setting up a home blacksmithing workshop in the UK, importing an American propane forge often makes economic sense—but only if you pick the right one. NC Tool Co, Devil Forge, and Majestic Forge are three of the most-searched brands among British metalworkers, yet they differ sharply in build quality, heating capacity, and total cost of ownership once you factor in import duty and VAT.

This comparison cuts through the marketing and focuses on what matters: real-world specs, UK pricing via Amazon UK and eBay UK, and whether you'll actually want to use the thing after month six.

NC Tool Co: The Conservative Choice

NC Tool Co forges are known for understated construction and consistent performance. Their smaller models (typically 3–4 burner capacity) are lighter than competitors' equivalents and favour portability over sheer thermal mass.

Strengths: The burner design is reliable; these forges tolerate inconsistent fuel quality better than fancier models. Setup is straightforward, and their customer support responds to UK enquiries without the dismissive "international shipping void" clause you sometimes get. If you're working stock under 12mm diameter, you won't wait around.

Weaknesses: Thermal efficiency isn't exceptional. You'll burn more propane per hour than the heavier brands, which compounds over a year of regular work. The insulation, whilst adequate, isn't premium-grade, and the steel body is thinner than competitors'. After three years of regular use, scaling and corrosion are visible.

UK Pricing: Typically £900–£1,200 before import duty. Expect to add 20% for VAT once landed. Occasional stock on Amazon UK and eBay UK, though often fulfilled from US warehouses, meaning delays of 4–6 weeks and potential customs hold-ups.

Devil Forge: Maximum Heat, Maximum Complexity

Devil Forge units are heavier, insulated with denser refractory material, and built to soak heat like a commercial kiln. Their burner systems are tuned for consistent flame and are the most adjustable of the three.

Strengths: Heat retention is genuinely impressive. Once up to temperature, a Devil Forge holds it with minimal burner time, cutting fuel costs noticeably. The dual-burner models reach welding temperature fast—under 20 minutes from cold. Build quality is solid; the steel is thicker, and welds are cleaner. If you're doing production work or teaching others, this is the least frustrating option.

Weaknesses: They're heavy (40–60kg depending on size), which matters if your workshop space is cramped or you move gear around. The burner adjustments are fiddly; newer users often over-fuel them in the first month, wasting propane. Parts availability in the UK is poor; a replacement burner nozzle means either waiting for a trans-Atlantic order or paying a premium to a local agent. Spare parts sometimes cost 30–40% more than buying from the US directly.

UK Pricing: £1,100–£1,500 pre-duty. Shipping is often faster than NC Tool Co (devil-forge.com ships to UK regularly), but the initial cost is higher. Amazon UK and eBay UK stock is sporadic; when available, it's typically from resellers marking up 15–25%.

Majestic Forge: The Middle Ground

Majestic forges split the difference: decent thermal mass, simpler burner design than Devil Forge, and lighter than the heavy-duty models. They're the most common find on UK eBay, which says something about market preference.

Strengths: Good value for money. The burner is simple enough that a novice won't foul it up, but still responsive enough for precise temperature control. Weight is manageable (35–45kg for mid-range models). Resale value is reasonable; if you decide blacksmithing isn't for you, shifting one on eBay UK is easier than with Devil Forge's cult status or NC Tool Co's lower profile.

Weaknesses: Insulation is adequate but not exceptional—it's a compromise. Heat retention is better than NC Tool Co but noticeably worse than Devil Forge. The burner can run rough if propane purity is poor, which matters in the UK where some suppliers are less consistent than US standards. Build tolerances are slightly looser; internal surfaces sometimes aren't as clean, which can trap scale.

UK Pricing: £950–£1,300 pre-duty. eBay UK has regular listings from importers, often with faster shipping than buying direct. Amazon UK stock is intermittent but usually competitively priced.

Import Duty and Real Cost

This is where assumptions break down. When buying from the US, add:

• Import duty: 0% (forging equipment often qualifies for relief, but check your specific model)
• VAT: 20% on the landed price
• Shipping: £150–£300 depending on weight and carrier

Order direct from the manufacturer, and you'll typically pay 15–25% less than buying from UK resellers, even accounting for VAT. Use Amazon UK or eBay UK sellers, and you're paying for convenience—which matters if a burner dies mid-project and you need a replacement in 48 hours rather than 4 weeks.

The Real Difference

In a year of weekly metalwork, fuel costs run £400–£600. A Devil Forge's better insulation saves you perhaps £80–£120 annually, which matters over five years but doesn't justify picking one based on cost alone.

Pick NC Tool Co if you value simplicity and don't mind burning more fuel. Choose Devil Forge if you're serious enough to accept complexity for better results. Go Majestic Forge if you want a safe, non-regrettable middle path and don't want to think too hard about it.

All three will heat metal. The difference is in frustration hours and propane bills.