Dab Knife

A dab knife is a metal loading tool with a flattened or sharpened tip designed specifically for handling concentrates. It slices through stable forms like shatter, scoops up sticky waxes, and picks up crumbly textures — basically, it handles whatever consistency you're working with.

Key features:

• Flattened or sharpened metal tip
• Handles various concentrate consistencies
• Durable construction withstands repeated use
• Often includes a comfortable grip section
• Some designs include multiple tip styles

The tip design matters for different types of concentrates. Blade-style tips slice cleanly through shatter and stable concentrates, letting you portion exact amounts. Scoop-style tips work better for sticky or liquid concentrates, such as sauce or budder. Some dab knives feature dual tips — a blade on one end and a scoop on the other — for added versatility.

Material is typically stainless steel or titanium. Both are non-reactive (they won't affect flavor) and easy to clean. Titanium is lighter and slightly more expensive, but it is virtually indestructible. Stainless steel offers similar performance at a lower price point. Either material handles repeated heating and cleaning without degrading.

The handle section affects daily use more than you'd expect. Textured grips or shaped handles make it easier to maintain control when you're working with sticky concentrates.

Using your dab knife: Keep your dab knife clean between uses — residue builds up quickly with sticky concentrates, and old reclaim affects flavor. A quick wipe with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth or paper towel handles most cleaning. For heavy buildup, you can heat the knife slightly with a torch to burn off residue, then wipe it clean. Store it somewhere clean and accessible — you're reaching for it every session, so convenience matters. Many consumption stations include dedicated spots for tools. Some people prefer separate knives for different concentrate consistencies and to avoid cross-contamination of flavors.