Introduction to Bladesmithing 1 Day Class with Neels van den Berg (ABS JS & KGSA)

Introduction to Bladesmithing

Outcome:

A single hand forged knife as pictured on the left. No handle scales and no sheath.
Class notes are provided in the form of my Bladesmithing 101 tutorial uploaded to my YouTube channel and is free to access here.

Map:

Click here to download a MAP and Driving directions for Black Dragon Forge in Adobe PDF format.

Introduction to Bladesmithing

1 Day Class @ R1800 per person

There is nothing quite like hand forging your own knife. This introductory 1 day class will teach you how to hand forge a basic knife as it has been done through the ages with step by step instruction by Neels van den Berg, American Bladesmith Society Journeyman Smith and member of the Knifemaker's Guild of Southern Africa.

The class focuses on the fundamentals of forging, grinding and heat-treating a blade. No previous Bladesmithing experience is needed but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is important. The knife will be forged from SAE5160, a medium carbon spring steel perfect for the intended application.

During the class you will be guided through:

Forging your knife blade to shape
Basic flat grinding
Heat treating - hardening and tempering
Blade finishing and sharpening.

Class starts 7:45am and finishes before 6pm.

Cost:

R1800 per person

Class Bookings:

If you wish to make a booking, please WhatsApp me on +27 (0)83 451 3105 for availability as the website is not always up to date. Please read the terms & conditions before booking!

Booking Terms & Conditions:

FULL payment upon class booking. Any cancellations forfeits the full class fee.
I am currently only offer classes for students 14 years and older. Minors will need to be accompanied by a legal guardian for the duration of the class.
Safety equipment is provided for all classes in the form of safety glasses, apron and leather gloves.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times.
Please ensure that you have non-flammable clothing and sturdy leather shoes or boots. No shorts!
In the unlikely event of a class being cancelled by me, all class fees are fully refundable. However I cannot be responsible for any other costs incurred.
You must be in reasonably good physical condition in order to successfully complete any of my classes. Bladesmithing requires a degree of exertion. The dangers for those who have mobility issues will make these classes difficult or impossible to complete. When in doubt, phone me on 083 451 3105 to discuss.
Failure to realize that you are not physically capable, will not be grounds for a refund.
I reserve the right to deny classes to anyone who I consider not physically capable of completing the given class.

Class Bookings

Please read the terms & conditions before booking! If you wish to book a course, please WhatsApp me on +27 (0)83 451 3105 for availability as the website is not always up to date.

Introduction To Bladesmithing

Great fun. Iets really a must on the bucket list!!!

Thysse Kevin Alberton, Gauteng, South AFrica

Introduction To Bladesmithing

Would definitely recommend taking at least a 1 day class with Neels, even if you're not into bladesmithing, it's an awesome outing and it doesn't matter if you're alone or in a group.

Neels is full of stories so you can even sit and just listen to him talking nonsense the whole day. He's lucky a friendly guy that'll help you as you go on, you only need to ask.

Just a friendly note for anyone that does decide to take a class, just keep in mind his workshop is in a nature reserve, so rather take a bakkie because there are some patches of road that are very rough. Beautiful place to visit.

Stephanus Labuschagne (Fanie) Pretoria, South Africa