Introduction
In Vereeniging you will find several options for knife making courses. Offering you the chance to learn the art of crafting your own blades.
Why Consider Making Your Own Knife?
Crafting your own knife brings joy and satisfaction, as you learn new skills and create something unique with your own hands. It is a rewarding hobby that allows you to express creativity and precision.
Which Academy Offers Courses In Vereeniging?
Herbst Knife Making Academy stands out as an excellent choice. With a highly skilled team passionate about knives and knife making. Offering a unique experience with top-quality customer support. Their machines and products are of superior quality, ensuring you get the best training possible.
What Can I Expect From The Herbst Knife Making Academy?
At Herbst Knife Making Academy, you will participate in hands-on workshops guided by award-winning experts. They provide all the materials you need, along with a step-by-step manual.
Courses cover basic techniques and progress to more advanced skills, ensuring you leave with a handmade knife personalised with your name on the blade.
What Delivery Options Are Available?
Herbst Knife Making Academy offers various delivery options, including local pick-up, own courier arrangements, and standard courier service with The Courier Guy. Costs vary depending on weight and delivery method.
Can I Do A 2-Day Course?
Yes, Stefan Diedericks offers a 2-day knife making course right in your area. This hands-on experience allows you to create a knife from start to finish, valued at over, R1500. It is a one-on-one course focusing on basic techniques, paving the way for further exploration in knife making.
Do I Need Any Experience For My 2-Day Course?
This comprehensive course is designed to teach participants the basic techniques of knife making, providing a solid foundation for progressing to more advanced projects as their skills and confidence grow.
Experience Level
- No prior knife making experience is required to enrol in this course.
Class Size
- With a maximum of one student at any given time, participants receive personalised attention and guidance throughout the course.
Course Includes
- Tuition
- Use of tools
- Workshop consumables
- Safety gear
- All materials (blade, handle material, bolster, liners, and pins)
- Lunch and refreshments
Topics Covered Over 2 Days
- Knife Design Layout
- Heat Treatment of Steel
- Hollow Grinding
- Handle Fitment
- Chemical logo etching
- Leather Sheath Making
Check this out:
https://www.kgsa.co.za/Member?Id=49
Can I Take A Knife Making Course By A Female Knife Maker?
Yes, you can enrol in a course offered by Heather, who plays a big role in teaching!
Due to permanent injuries to both of her hands, Heather retired from bladesmithing in 2013. She now assists her husband, Kevin, in teaching their two-week ABS-approved Introduction to Bladesmithing course and handles all the administrative tasks associated with their bladesmithing business.
Heather was born in Vereeniging, South Africa, but grew up in Zimbabwe. She began her career as South Africa’s first qualified female farrier after studying at Montana State University Horseshoeing School in 1983.
Allergic to horses, she transitioned to traditional blacksmithing and qualified with the Metal and Engineering Industries Education and Training Board. In 1996, she met Kevin Harvey, who ran the knife making shop at Gold Reef City theme park.
Her journey into bladesmithing began in 1995 when she started making Damascus steel and forging knives in 1997. She received the Blade Magazine Scholarship in 1998 and attended the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Arkansas, U.S.A.
Heather became a member of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa in 2003 and received her Master Bladesmith rating with the American Bladesmith Society the same year, becoming the second female Master in the world.
Heather and Kevin are founder members of the Southern African Bladesmiths Association (SABA) and have taught at the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing.
Highlights of Heather’s career include having her weapons featured on Wilbur Smith’s book covers and receiving prestigious awards such as the W.W. Scagel Award and the ABS Chairman’s Award.
ABS Master Bladesmiths Heather and Kevin Harvey of Heavin Forge present a variety of bladesmithing courses. They offer Basic Bladesmithing,
ABS two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing
What you will learn:
- Handles
- Fittings
- Sheaths
- Full House (Basic Bladesmithing and Damascus combined)
- Damascus Steel Making courses.
Contact them for information on other courses offered on request, such as:
- Bowie Build
- Advanced Bladesmithing
- Advanced Damascus
- 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. All information on their courses and the course schedule can be viewed on their website.
In Vereeniging, we are lucky to have a bunch of skilled experts ready to teach you how to make knives. They have tonnes of experience and are passionate about sharing what they know.
Whether you are into traditional blacksmithing or want to learn advanced techniques, there is something for everyone. Learning from these pros means you will get hands-on guidance and support right in your backyard.
It is a great opportunity to pick up new skills and be part of a cool community of knife makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a knife without forging?
Yes, you can make a knife without a forge. Essential materials include quality steel, handle materials, epoxy, and rivets. Necessary tools comprise abrasives, a hacksaw or angle grinder, a drill, files, sandpaper, and safety gear.
What is a hobby knife called?
A hobby knife may be called an X-Acto knife, Exacto knife, utility knife, precision knife, or just a hobby knife.
What are the four basic types of knives?
The four essential types of knives are a chef knife, a paring knife, a serrated bread knife, and a Japanese blade like the nakiri and/or santoku.
Which knives cannot be sharpened?
Micro-serrated knives cannot be sharpened. These knives are recognised by their sharp jagged cutting edge.
What scrap metal makes good knives?
High-carbon steel is ideal for making knives intended for everyday use, such as cooking. However, mild steel can be used for show knives, eliminating the need for heat treatment.
Author: Janice van der Westhuizen