Found a mysterious Crafting Kit in your Hollow Knight: Silksong adventure and wondering what the heck it actually does? You’re not alone. The item description talks about crafting “finer, sharper, and deadlier tools,” which sounds like it should unlock some amazing new equipment. But here’s the thing—Crafting Kits are way simpler (and more useful) than they first appear.
Let me clear up the confusion and show you exactly what these items do, where to find them, and whether they’re worth spending your hard-earned Rosaries on.
The Truth About Crafting Kits (Spoiler: No Actual Crafting Required)
Despite what the flowery description suggests, Crafting Kits don’t unlock new tools or require any actual crafting. Instead, they work as straightforward damage boosters for all your existing tools. Think of them as permanent upgrades that make every tool in your arsenal hit harder.
Here’s what actually happens when you pick one up:
- Your tool damage increases immediately
- No crafting interface or additional steps required
- The effect applies to all tools you currently have and any you find later
- You can see your progress in the Inventory menu under “Tool Damage”
The game shows this visually with four circles beneath the “Tool Damage” section in your inventory. Each Crafting Kit fills one circle, suggesting there are four total kits hidden throughout the world.
The official description reads: “Crafting by claw alone produces inferior results. With this kit you can craft finer, sharper, and deadlier tools… if that is your wish.”
It’s poetic, sure, but also pretty misleading for new players expecting some complex crafting system!
Why Tool Damage Matters More Than You Think
Before diving into locations, let’s talk about why these upgrades are actually crucial for your success in Silksong.
Tool damage affects how quickly you can dispatch enemies, which becomes increasingly important as you venture into tougher areas. Higher damage means:
- Faster enemy kills = less time exposed to danger
- More efficient resource gathering from defeated foes
- Better performance in boss fights where every hit counts
- Smoother progression through combat-heavy areas
Unlike some upgrades that feel optional, tool damage boosts have a noticeable impact on gameplay. You’ll genuinely feel the difference after picking up your first Crafting Kit.
Crafting Kit Location #1: The Forge Daughter’s Shop
The first (and currently only confirmed) Crafting Kit can be purchased from the Forge Daughter, a vendor located in the Deep Docks area.
Cost: 180 Rosaries Prerequisites: You’ll need Silkspear and must have freed the Bell Beast to access this area Vendor Location: Deep Docks (exact position varies, but she’s in the main vendor area)
Is 180 Rosaries Worth It?
I know what you’re thinking—180 Rosaries feels like a massive investment early in the game. But here’s some perspective that might help with that decision:
Early game: Yes, 180 Rosaries is a significant chunk of your currency. If you’re struggling with other essential purchases, you might want to prioritize those first.
Mid-to-late game: Rosary income scales dramatically as you progress. Areas like Far Fields provide much better earning opportunities, making 180 feel like pocket change.
Long-term value: Since tool damage affects your entire playthrough, this upgrade pays dividends over time. Every enemy you fight benefits from the increased damage.
Alternative sources: Some Wishes (like the Garb of the Pilgrims quest) reward Rosary Strings that break down into large quantities of Rosaries, making the cost more manageable.
If you’re on the fence, consider your current progression needs. Need better mobility options or essential gear first? Hold off. But if you’re comfortable with your current equipment, the damage boost is a solid investment.
Want to maximize your Rosary earning? Check out our Flintbeetles Volatile quest guide for some lucrative early-game opportunities.
The Other Three Kits: What We Know (And Don’t Know)
Based on the four circles in the inventory interface, there should be three more Crafting Kits hidden somewhere in Silksong’s world. Unfortunately, their locations remain a mystery for now.
What we can speculate:
- They’re likely found in different major areas to encourage exploration
- Some might be rewards for completing challenging quests or defeating bosses
- At least one could be hidden in a secret area or behind a puzzle
- The final kit might be in one of the game’s most challenging late-game zones
This is one area where the community is still actively discovering content, so expect updates as more players uncover these locations.
Essential Vendor Tips for Deep Docks
Since you’re heading to Deep Docks anyway, here are some other things to keep in mind:
The Forge Daughter also sells the Magma Bell, a trinket that’s essential for fully exploring Deep Docks. This item unlocks access to certain heated areas and is required for reaching the Swift Step ability. If you’re planning a shopping trip, budget for both items.
Deep Docks access requirements: Make sure you’ve progressed far enough in the main story. You’ll need the Silkspear ability and must have completed the Bell Beast encounter. If you’re still working on earlier areas, our Far Fields progression guide can help you understand the area flow.
Making the Most of Your Tool Upgrades
Once you’ve grabbed your first Crafting Kit, here’s how to maximize its value:
Experiment with different tools: The damage boost applies equally to all tools, so try out weapons you might have overlooked before. That tool you dismissed as too weak might become viable with the upgrade.
Focus on tool-heavy combat: Look for opportunities to use tools instead of relying solely on your needle. The more you use tools, the more value you get from the damage boost.
Combine with other upgrades: Tool damage stacks with other enhancements you might find throughout the game. Building a tool-focused character becomes increasingly powerful as you collect more upgrades.
Related Quests and Progression
While hunting for Crafting Kits, you might also want to tackle some other rewarding early-game content:
- Mossberry locations – Another quest that teaches important exploration skills
- Hunter’s March bench trap – Learn about a dangerous area to avoid common mistakes
The Bottom Line
Crafting Kits are simpler than their description suggests but more valuable than they initially appear. They’re permanent tool damage upgrades disguised as crafting materials—no assembly required.
The 180 Rosary cost for the first kit might seem steep early on, but the long-term benefits justify the investment, especially as your earning potential increases in later areas. Plus, with three more kits presumably hidden throughout the world, building up your tool damage early sets you up for success in tougher encounters ahead.
Ready to start your Silksong journey? Pick up the game on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, or Xbox.
This guide will be updated as more Crafting Kit locations are discovered. Check back for the latest information on all four kit locations!
