Mark Lewis

Dragon Claw Ironworks | Handcrafted Custom Knives

Core Offerings

• Signature Knives: Specialized pairing knives, everyday carry (EDC) knives, and custom builds.
• The Specialty: Masterfully crafted Japanese Sushi knives (Yanagiba).

About Me & The Brand

The story of Dragon Claw Ironworks began with my father, an avid pocket knife collector. For my sixteenth birthday, he gifted me my first Bowie hunting knife. While I didn't fully appreciate its depth and artistry at the time, that gift sowed the seeds for a lifelong passion.
Today, I view knife-making not merely as a trade, but as a functional art form. Every blade forged at Dragon Claw Ironworks blends raw utility with meticulous aesthetic design, turning premium steel into a timeless piece of craftsmanship.

Materials & Artistry

Signature Steels

• Forged Carbon Steel: High-performance steels including 1095, 1084, 5160, and 80CRV2 (personal favorite).
• Stock Removal: Premium Böhler N690 stainless steel.
• Specialty Artistry: A passionate dedication to crafting with Damascus steel.

Handle Materials

• High-durability synthetics including G10 and Micarta.
• Premium, hand-selected natural materials.

Technical Excellence & Heritage

At Dragon Claw Ironworks, every knife is crafted with an uncompromising pursuit of perfection. The work is heavily inspired by South African masters like Kevin and Heather Harvey, Neels van den Berg, and Stuart Smith, as well as global legends such as Jim Bowie, Bo Randall, R.W. Loveless, and Ron Lake.
• Sourcing: 100% of all premium materials are sourced strictly from reputable South African suppliers.
• Heat Treatment: To ensure optimal edge retention and durability, all carbon steels are heat-treated in-house, stainless steel is processed professionally at Böhler Industries, and custom Damascus is treated by the legendary Stan Hohowsky of Eyrie Forge