Hot knives are simple, electric loading tools that solve one of dabbing’s messiest problems: getting sticky extracts from jar to heated surface without wasted product or lint-covered “globs.” Instead of a cold metal dabber, a hot knife gently warms a ceramic blade or tip so the concentrate slides cleanly into a banger, e-rig, or vape chamber. The result is less fumbling, more precision, and far fewer sticky fingers.
How it works: Most hot knives are pen-style devices with a rechargeable battery and a ceramic-tipped blade. Press and hold a single button to heat the tip for a few seconds, touch the extract, and let it “melt off” right where you want it. Because the tip is heated only while pressed, concentrates don’t scorch on the tool, and flavors stay intact. Puffco’s Hot Knife helped popularize this category with a USB-C-chargeable unit whose ceramic tip drops extract in roughly three seconds with minimal mess and fuss.
Why people like them: consistency, cleanliness, and dosing control. A warm tip releases a rice-grain-sized dab neatly, which helps beginners avoid oversized hits. The modern “hot knife” is a safer, pocketable evolution of the old-school “hot knifing” trick—literally heating two kitchen knives to inhale resin—which is not recommended today.
Popular options to consider:
Puffco Hot Knife — A compact, single-button tool with USB-C charging and a ceramic tip designed to drop your extract in about three seconds. It charges in ~30 minutes and is rated for dozens of uses per charge, making it a straightforward match to Puffco e-rigs or any banger.
Lookah “Sardine” Hot Knife — A travel-friendly loader that ships with a spare ceramic tip, tip cover, and a small battery (around 240–250 mAh) that heats quickly. Replaceable tips and easy cleaning make it a good budget pick.
Yocan Hot Knife (Blade/Dirk/JAWS) — Yocan offers several models. The Dirk/Blade versions pair a 400 mAh battery with USB-C charging and replaceable ceramic tips; the newer Black JAWS adds a built-in thermometer and a much larger 1800 mAh battery for extended sessions.
Dr. Dabber Drop — A successor to the brand’s original heated Budder Cutter, the Drop is a multi-use loading tool with calibrated heat and dual settings to handle different consistencies, plus a magnetic cap and USB-C charging.
Tips for smarter use: Keep a silicone jar or non-stick mat nearby, and preload small portions for cleaner sessions. Heat the tip only as long as needed—brief pulses prevent burning residue on the blade and preserve terpenes. After loading, tap the button and wipe the warm tip with a cotton swab to keep it spotless (many brands recommend this exact cleanup).
Safety and care: The tip gets hot—treat it like you would a soldering iron. Use the included cap or cover when traveling, keep it away from fabrics, and wait for cooldown before pocketing. Charge with the provided USB-C cable and avoid over-tightening replaceable tips. Finally, remember that the hot knife only loads; you’ll still need a temperature-controlled e-rig or a properly heated banger to vaporize the dab itself.
Bottom line: for concentrate fans, a hot knife is a small upgrade that pays off every session—cleaner drops, better control, less waste, and fewer sticky mishaps—whether you pair it with a Puffco, a classic glass rig, or your portable at home or on trips.