Introduction
Yes, if you are searching for knife making courses in Pretoria, you are in luck! There are numerous knife making experts living in Pretoria readily available to kickstart your knife making journey.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, this article provides all the necessary information to set you on the right path. Look no further than this article, which gives you the information you need to set you in the right direction. Let us take a look at two of the knife makers in your area.
Which Knife Making Academy In Pretoria Is Award-Winning?
With so many choices and different knives you can make, let us look at some knife making academies e in Pretoria offering courses near you.
Introducing the Herbst KnifeMaking Academy:
Located in Pretoria, South Africa, Gawie and Thinus Herbst, award-winning members of the Knife-makers Guild of Southern Africa, handcraft knives that reflect the rich South African environment.
The Academy offers hands-on courses for hobbyists or professionals, including fixed-blade, basic folder (slip-back), and liner-lock folder knife making courses. They also manufacture high-quality knife making machines, tools, and contact wheels.
Gawie Herbst, with a hobby-turned-career since 1998, specialises in African designs and laser-cutting techniques. He has won numerous awards and is a trendsetter in the industry, manufacturing unique knife making machines.
Thinus Herbst, influenced by his father Gawie, excels in:
- Fixed blades
- Folders
- Art knives,
- Swords
His 3D etch work on blades and leather work is sought after by collectors worldwide. He has earned multiple awards, and his work is featured in international publications. By taking a course, you will learn from an expert knife maker right on your doorstep.
Check this out:
https://www.kgsa.co.za/Courses
https://www.facebook.com/HerbstKnifeMakingAcademy
Who Offers Bladesmith Courses In Pretoria?
Drakon Forge, Pretoria, offers Bladesmith courses where you can reach your potential through learning this craft. Join them at the renowned Knife Show in Pretoria. Meet the knife makers in person and have a look at all the wonderful knives on display.
These courses are set up to guide beginners and enthusiasts through every step of the blade making process.
Under the guidance of seasoned bladesmiths, you will learn:
- The intricacies of steel selection
- Heat treatment
- Edge sharpening
By the end of your journey, you will forge not just a blade, but a masterpiece that tells your story.
Have a look at the quenching techniques you will learn :
Water Quenching:
- Achieve extreme hardness with rapid cooling, selectively used for blades demanding high hardness.
Oil Quenching:
- Balance hardness and toughness for durable blades with excellent edge retention.
Air Quenching:
- Gain precision and control over the quenching process, which is essential for intricate designs.
Plate Quenching:
- Maintain straightness and prevent warping for longer blades.
Polymer Quenching:
- Tailor cooling rates for optimal blade characteristics, perfect for specialised and custom blades.
At Drakon Forge, there is a commitment to innovation and mastery. Share in our knowledge and learn from us when you choose our course offerings. Join us and transform raw steel into a blade that tells your unique story.
Who Offers Weekend Knife Making Courses?
A comprehensive bladesmithing course is offered at a workshop and studio located on a farm in the Southern Cape, South Africa. This all-inclusive knife making weekend in the countryside includes accommodation and catering.
Rucus Coetzee, born in 1991, began making knives in 2010 under the guidance of Master Smiths Kevin and Heather Harvey. He worked full-time with them for three years and gained guild membership during this period.
Rucus is now a full-time knife maker, specialising in both forged and stainless steel blades.
His work includes:
- Simple utility knives
- Historical daggers
- Swords
- Kitchen knives
He prefers using natural materials and enjoys incorporating bronze, brass, and copper for fittings. He also makes his own Damascus steel from time to time.
Where Can I Purchase Knife Making Materials?
Zees Knife Supplies is your go-to place. This is your ultimate destination for all your knife making needs. Whether you are just starting or a seasoned expert, this store has everything you need to create incredible knives. This owner-run business has been proudly serving the South African knife making community since 2017.
Passionate about knife making they are dedicated to enhancing the craft in South Africa by constantly introducing new and exciting products to the market. This is where you can fill your online cart and make use of all the resources available to you.
Now that you have gained insight into some of the courses offered and where to purchase top-quality materials, do not hesitate any longer. Book a course today!
People Also Ask
Why can’t we forge Damascus steel?
When the ingredients for making Damascus steel changed, sword makers could not make it anymore because they didn’t understand the new stuff. But in 1998, J.D. Verhoeven figured out the recipe again.
Can you forge on wood?
You can use wood for fuel in smithy work, but there are limitations on what you can do and the size of pieces you can work on. Green ash is a decent wood for forging in a forge, and it oddly works better when it’s a bit moist rather than very dry. Red alder is another good option for forging fuel.
Which metal can’t be forged?
Cast iron is tough and resistant to wear, but it’s brittle and can not be forged.
Can you use stainless steel to forge a knife?
Most stainless grades are forgeable, as steel companies forge them before selling them to knife makers. Steels with fewer carbides at forging temperature, and smaller carbides, are typically easier to forge. AEB-L is a great steel to begin with for this reason, and it is relatively affordable too.
Can you use normal bricks for a forge?
Yes, you can use normal red bricks for a forge. They are cheap and readily available. Fire bricks are better and more heat-resistant, but they cost more. Do not use concrete bricks, as they can crack and explode under heat.
Author: Janice van der Westhuizen