Guild Member Course

The following is a list of the courses offered by members of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa.

Please contact the members directly for more info.

Rucus COETZEEVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 0607626535
Email: rucus.coetzee@gmail.com
Bladesmithing Courses (Eastern Cape - Southern Cape region)

I offer a full comprehensive course at my workshop & studio on a farm in the Southern Cape, South Africa. An all inclusive Knifemaking course weekend in the countryside that includes your accommodation and catering 

Price R7900 (*2023)

https://rccustomblades.wixsite.com/forge/knifamakingcourse

Email: rucus.coetzee@gmail.com

Whatsapp/cell: 0607626535
Jack CONNANVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 076 546 6402
Email: jack.connan@gmail.com
I do not give courses as such but i do teach on a one on one basis , from the very basics to some advanced work . It all depends on the student .
Jaco DE KOCKVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 082 962 1416
Email: bonus@lantic.net
Fixed blade and linerlock.
Tiaan GroenewaldVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 072 5035 688
Email: tiaangroenewald@yahoo.com
1. Introduction to bladesmithing.(One day course where each member make a Blacksmith's knife.)
2. Introduction to making Pattern welded steel (Damascus). One day course where members can look and learn.
3. Pattern welded steel (Damascus) course where members make their own billet. (Hands on)
4. Fixed blade knife making course. Forged or stock removal method.
5. Preparation for guild member application one on one course. (Making a knife from start to final assessment.)
Contact me for more information.
072 5035 688
Stationed in Bloemfontein, Free State.
Kevin HARVEYVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 074 892 9359
Email: heavin@heavinforge.co.za
ABS Master Bladesmiths, Heather and Kevin Harvey of Heavin Forge present a variety of bladesmithing courses. We offer, on a regular basis, Basic Bladesmithing, ABS two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing, Handles, Fittings and Sheaths, Full House (Basic Bladesmithing and Damascus combined), Damascus Steel Making courses. Contact us if you require information on our other courses that we offer, on request, to past students, i.e. Bowie Build, Advanced Bladesmithing, Advanced Damascus and Advanced Blade Grinding.

Heavin Forge is the second school outside of the U.S.A to be approved by the American Bladesmith Society to offer their two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing course. http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index.php?section=pages&id=181

All information on our courses and the course schedule can be viewed here: https://www.heavinforge.co.za

Phone: 074 892 9359
Heather HARVEYVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 082 442 4840
Email: heather@heavinforge.co.za
ABS Master Bladesmiths, Heather and Kevin Harvey of Heavin Forge present a variety of bladesmithing courses. We offer, on a regular basis, Basic Bladesmithing, ABS two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing, Handles, Fittings and Sheaths, Full House (Basic Bladesmithing and Damascus combined), Damascus Steel Making courses. Contact us if you require information on our other courses that we offer, on request, to past students, i.e. Bowie Build, Advanced Bladesmithing, Advanced Damascus and Advanced Blade Grinding.

Heavin Forge is the second school outside of the U.S.A to be approved by the American Bladesmith Society to offer their two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing course. http://www.americanbladesmith.com/index.php?section=pages&id=181

All information on our courses and the course schedule can be viewed here: https://www.heavinforge.co.za

Phone: 082 442 4840

Gawie HERBSTVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 0720603687
Email: info@herbst.co.za
HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY
We are proud to introduce the HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY, We are a father-and-son team who develops and promotes the art of handmade knives as a hobby or business. HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY is located in the north of Pretoria, South-Africa, where knives are handcrafted by Gawie and Thinus Herbst. Gawie and Thinus both are award-winning members of the Knife-makers Guild of Southern Africa. They have received several awards for their outstanding designs and craftsmanship. All the designs and materials used in the production of HERBST knives are reflective of the uniquely rich South African environment.

Not only do we make exceptional knives but we also have knife-making courses available that is completely, hands-on. One can choose between three different courses during which you will have the opportunity to learn how to design and make your own knife. These courses include a fixed-blade knife-making course, a basic folder knife-making course(slip-back) and a liner-lock folder knife-making course. We are very proud of our hands-on knife-making courses. During these courses we will guide you to make the knife of your dreams. We will supply you with the materials that you will need to make your own knife as well as a step-by-step manual. The courses teaches you the basic techniques of knife-making. Once you have mastered these techniques you can progress on to the more complicated knife-making skills. When you have completed the course you will be the proud owner of a handmade knife, etched with your name on the blade.

As there is very limited knife-making equipment available in South Africa, Gawie and Thinus decided to design and manufacture their own unique range of highly specialized knife-making machines. These machine became very popular among the true hobbyist and professional knife-maker and today HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY is one of the leading manufactures of knife-making machines, tools and contact wheels in the world. WWW.HERBST.CO.ZA
Thinus HERBSTVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 082 254 8016
Email: info@herbst.co.za
HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY
We are proud to introduce the HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY, We are a father-and-son team who develops and promotes the art of handmade knives as a hobby or business. HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY is located in the north of Pretoria, South-Africa, where knives are handcrafted by Gawie and Thinus Herbst. Gawie and Thinus both are award-winning members of the Knife-makers Guild of Southern Africa. They have received several awards for their outstanding designs and craftsmanship. All the designs and materials used in the production of HERBST knives are reflective of the uniquely rich South African environment.

Not only do we make exceptional knives but we also have knife-making courses available that is completely, hands-on. One can choose between three different courses during which you will have the opportunity to learn how to design and make your own knife. These courses include a fixed-blade knife-making course, a basic folder knife-making course (slip-back) and a liner-lock folder knife-making course. We are very proud of our hands-on knife-making courses. During these courses we will guide you to make the knife of your dreams. We will supply you with the materials that you will need to make your own knife as well as a step-by-step manual. The courses teaches you the basic techniques of knife-making. Once you have mastered these techniques you can progress on to the more complicated knife-making skills. When you have completed the course you will be the proud owner of a handmade knife, etched with your name on the blade.

As there is very limited knife-making equipment available in South Africa, Gawie and Thinus decided to design and manufacture their own unique range of highly specialized knife-making machines. These machine became very popular among the true hobbyist and professional knife-maker and today HERBST KNIFE-MAKING ACADEMY is one of the leading manufactures of knife-making machines, tools and contact wheels in the world. WWW.HERBST.CO.ZA
Bertie RIETVELDVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 083 232 8766
Email: bertie@rietveldknives.com
One on one course (3 days) & Guild preparation course.
See my website for more info. www.rietveldknives.com
Hennie VAN BRAKELVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 083 287 6038
Email: hilknife@lantic.net
I'm offering fixed blade knife courses. I supply all materials which include steel for one knife, sanding discs, grinding belts and handle material. You finish the course with a good looking (not to be ashamed off) fixed blade utility knife.

I teach you the basics of making a fixed blade knife. This includes, marking out and drilling the blank, hollow grind the blade, prepare the handle area, heat treating, polishing, making and fit bolsters, fit handle and finish off. I also teach you to make a leather sheath and how to etch your name on the blade and finally how to sharpen the knife.

The cost is R4000.00 / person. I can handle one or two people.


Neels VAN DEN BERGVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 083 451 3105
Email: neels@blackdragonforge.com
There is nothing quite like hand forging your own knife. This introductory 1 day class taught by Neels van den Berg, an American Bladesmith Society Master Smith and member of the Knifemaker's Guild of Southern Africa, will teach you how to hand forge a basic knife as it has been done through the ages, with step by step instruction. The class is open to students of all skill levels, including those with no prior experience in bladesmithing.

The class focuses on the fundamentals of forging, grinding, and heat-treating a blade. The knife will be forged from SAE5160, a medium carbon spring steel perfect for the intended application. During the class, students will be guided through the process of forging the knife blade to shape, basic flat grinding, heat treating - hardening and tempering, and blade finishing and sharpening.

The class covers the safety precautions that must be taken when working with high-carbon steel and the tools and equipment used in bladesmithing. Students will learn about the history of bladesmithing and the different types of blades and knives that are made by bladesmiths, as well as the basic principles of blade design, such as blade geometry, edge angles, and balance.

By the end of the class, students will have the opportunity to take home a single hand-forged knife, which is the outcome of the class (No handle scales and no sheath). Class notes are provided in the form of the instructor's Bladesmithing 101 tutorial uploaded to his YouTube channel, which is free to access.

This class is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the art and science of bladesmithing. It's a hands-on class that provides a great introduction to the field, and will give you a taste of the process and the skills required to be a bladesmith. You will have the opportunity to learn from a master of the craft, and gain a solid foundation in the basics of bladesmithing.

For more information and bookings, please phone me on 083 451 3105
Johann VAN DEVENTERVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 082 446 4917
Email: jdmusic69@gmail.com
Only one on one Courses.
Contact me for detail. (very little dates available)
De Wet Van ZylVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 079 640 9867
Email: vanzyl.dw@gmail.com
Jan WAHLVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 082 719 6120
Email: wahl.jan@gmail.com
Basic fix blade hunter course
Jean WilkeVIEW PROFILE
Telephone: 061 371 6132
Email: jean@fire-goby-forge.co.za
I do blade smiting courses from my workshop "Fire Goby Forge" in Pretoria
The goal of the course is to make a Harry Wolhuter Lion killer knife from 5160 carbon steel.
I have 2 versions of the course:
- A 2-day full time version
- A 4 to 5 sessions, Friday evening version
I will be offering more courses in 2021.