Knifemaker · KGSA · Cape Guild
Jean Wilke
Fire Goby Forge
Pretoria, Gauteng
Exhibiting at BFN Knife Show 2026 and Safari Knife Show 2026. 6 & 7 November 2026, Ramblers Club; 27 & 28 November 2026, Safari Nursery.
Courses
Forged-knife course (two parts) and a Sheath-making 101 course.
Past work
These pieces show Jean’s style; most have found owners. Ask what’s on the bench now or commission your own.
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Sheath-making 101 course – Make a sheath for your knife
MAKE A SHEATH FOR YOUR KNIFE!!! · Leatherwork and sheath-making is the steph-child of the knife-making world. Very few knife-makers enjoy it and some just outright hate it. · With that said, any great knife, deserves a great sheath. · This course is designed as a first step into the wonderful world of leatherwork and sheath-making.
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Forge knife 201 course – Forge Knife-making course
My knife-making course is unique as it consists of 2 parts to ensure maximum knowledge transfer: · Part 1 (2days) · With Hammer, Heat, grinder and steel, you create a really great forged knife (Harry Wolhuter Lion killer) · You are however not alone! You do some parts, I assist you with some parts
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2 photos
JW Athena
The most complex dagger I have made to date and I can see her in the boot of the pirate captain wielding “Blackbeard’s knife” (also here on show). · Overall impressions · This knife has such a wonderful combination of lines · If you turn her with the tip to the sky, the handle has the wonderful curves of a women’s body, with the guard, her arms, stretched out to command the battle.
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2 photos
JW Chef Knife
This Chef knife is an absolute workaholic. With its near indestructible material, it is destined to land in the hands of professional chef or a serious home cook. · Overall impressions · This knife is all about work!!! · No shiny parts that can scratch or dull – the satin finish is bound to remain for years to come.
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2 photos
JW Sanmai Camping Knife
My little winner! This simple design has helped me to obtain membership to Cape Knife Makers Guild, Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa and prizes at Baobab knife show. · Overall impressions · This simple camp knife sports a double grind, bringing out the lines of the SANMAI on the blade. · The wrought iron guard has wonderful patterns.
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2 photos
JW Goldilox 2
My “Goldilox” every day carry knife (EDC) is really as the name suggests, just perfect! · It is neither too long, nor too short. Neither too heavy, not too light… it is just right! · Overall impressions · This Goldilox (#8 in the range) is as pretty as a lady.
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2 photos
JW Goldilox 1
My “Goldilox” every day carry knife (EDC) is really as the name suggests, just perfect! · It is neither too long, nor too short. Neither too heavy, not too light… it is just right! · Overall impressions · This Goldilox (#7 in the range) is real little workhorse.
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2 photos
Lion
The story of Harry Wolhuter that killed a lion with a knife is known world-wide. This knife is a modern take on that famous knife. …want to hear the best part… I am related to Mr. Harry on my mother’s side! · Overall impressions · This is an honest hard-working knife · I deviated from the original, by adding a second edge on top
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2 photos
Pirate Shank
This is just a fun little integral knife, forged from a 25mm round bar. It is unassuming, yet has all the basics of a serious cutter. · One can imagine it in the belt of a young pirate or cabin boy. · It is the knife I make in my “forge and grind” demonstrations, with just a little more refinement. · If ever there was a knife to start a knife collection, this is it!!!
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2 photos
The Cub
The “Cub” is my 2/3 version of the Harry Wolhuter Lion Killer knife but make no mistake it is a knife in its own right. It is my most successful design to date. · Overall impressions · It is a small utility knife that is at home in the kitchen and in the veld, but best around the braai · The simple clean lines are kind on the eye and easy in the hand
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3 photos
Blackbeard
Blackbeard · This is the most difficult knife I have made to date and I just love it! · Overall impressions · It has the shape that reminds of a Bowie, yet has a Persian sweep in the tip.
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Athena 104
Athena, goddess of war · The most complex dagger I have made to date and I can see her in the boot of the pirate captain wielding “Blackbeard’s knife” (also here on show). · Overall impressions · This knife has such a wonderful combination of lines