With updates to the UL-987 safety standards, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) introduced stricter requirements for table saw safety, particularly around riving knife design.

One of these requirements is that all table saws must be equipped with a true riving knife that:

• Maintains a specific distance from the blade at all times.
• Remains aligned in height with the top of the blade.
• Deflects no more than a specified amount when subjected to pressure from the underside (to help prevent kickback).

Why Thin-Kerf Riving Knives Are Challenging

Thinner riving knives, sized to match thin-kerf blades, are more flexible and often cannot meet the deflection and strength criteria outlined in the latest UL-987 standards. These standards are not only strict about proximity and motion, but also about mechanical rigidity.

Why We Don’t Offer Them

Because of these limitations:

• We currently do not offer thinner riving knives for use with thin-kerf blades on saws certified to the latest UL-987 standard.
• We are also not permitted to offer them as optional accessories unless they fully meet the same performance and safety standards as the original riving knife.

We understand this may be an inconvenience for those using thin-kerf blades, but ensuring compliance with UL safety standards and protecting users from potential hazards remains our top priority.