Exhibiting at BFN Knife Show 2026 and Safari Knife Show 2026. 6 & 7 November 2026, Ramblers Club; 27 & 28 November 2026, Safari Nursery.
In Jean’s own words
Jean Wilke and Fire Goby Forge's history starts a decade ago when a 14-year old Jean saw the reality show "Forged in Fire". Since then Jean has become a force in the South African and indeed world knife-making community. Read more about Jean's journey on
https://fire-goby-forge.co.za/about
In 2025 Jean (at the age of 23) started an apprenticeship program to mentor, train and inspire young knifemakers. Werner Hattingh and Johandré de Vries (see their profiles on this page) are the first two makers that is learning under Jean.
Jean is constantly developing his own skill in high end collectable knives as are stocked by Blade Gallery.com. [https://www.bladegallery.com/products/c2233-wilke-jean/?t=p] ; https://fire-goby-forge.co.za
Jean also brought out a range of quality every-day usable knives.
Marketed under the brand "Jean Wilke's Fire G. Forge" knives. These knives are not only available from our website, but at various stockists around the country.
https://shop.fire-goby-forge.co.za
Jean Wilke and Fire Goby Forge offers you the opportunity to not only own great knives, but also learn more about knives and knife-making.
Let's talk on how we can serve you "knife-needs" 083 654 5408.
Written for this directory in 2026.
Courses
Fire Goby Forge's most popular courses are: - 2-day Forge knifemaking course, with an - Optional 3rd day to make a leather sheath (for the knife made on the 2-day course) - 2-day Leather sheath course - 1-day Sharpening workshop
Work
Pieces marked available are for sale. Contact Jean directly to buy one or to commission your own.
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Royal Wrasse - by Jean Wilke's Fire G. Forge Available · R 1,320.00
Steel: AEB-L Stainless steel · Handle: G10 · Length: 75mm Blade, 160mm total · Our fixed-blade alternative to a pocket folder. A compact three-finger knife that is light, versatile, and easy to carry
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Royal Sardine - by Jean Wilke's Fire G. Forge Available · R 1,430.00
Steel: AEB-L Stainless steel · Handle: G10 · Utility – this is the only way to describe the Sardine. Our best-selling knife.
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Ingwenya Integral - by Jean Wilke's Fire G. Forge Available · R 950.00
Steel: 5160 Carbon steel · Length: 115mm Blade, 230mm total · Rough and ready! A solid integral knife forged from a single piece of steel. This beast is the perfect outdoor companion
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Royal Tuna - by Jean Wilke's Fire G. Forge Available · R 1,630.00
Steel: AEB-L Stainless steel · Handle: G10 · Length: 110mm Blade, 225 total · EDC (Everyday Carry) is the only way to describe the Tuna. Not too long, not too short – just perfect.
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Jean Wilke's 2-day Forged knifemaking course Available · R 2,900.00 per person
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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Black knight Sword
Steel: Damascus, 1085, 15N20 · Handle: Boyna Burl with Nickel silver fittings · Length: 600mm
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Persian Fighter
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Kris Dagger
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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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JW Athena Sold
A dagger I made a couple of years ago called Athena. I can see her in the boot of the pirate captain wielding “Blackbear · 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
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JW Chef Knife
This Chef knife is an absolute workaholic. With its near indestructible material, it is destined to land in the hands of · 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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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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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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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.
