Neels van den Berg

Neels van den Berg | Black Dragon Forge

Neels van den Berg is an American Bladesmith Society Master Smith, award-winning knifemaker and founder of Black Dragon Forge in Lanseria, South Africa. Known for his intricate daggers inspired by 16th-century Europe, he brings the same commitment to craftsmanship to sharing the forge with people making their very first knife.

His journey began in 2009, when a demonstration at a Medieval Festival sparked his curiosity and led him to a knifemaking class with Stuart Smith. By 2013, he was forging full-time. Drawing on a background in art, graphic design, marketing and business analysis, Neels developed an approach that combines creative expression with carefully planned construction and uncompromising attention to detail.

His signature work includes symmetrical quillon daggers, stiletto daggers and main-gauche daggers. Influenced by the proportions and elaborate fittings of Renaissance weaponry, these pieces bring together challenging geometry, precise fit and finish, and sculptural detail. Aged bronze, fine silver, mosaic Damascus and fossilised mammoth bark ivory feature in work that combines traditional hand skills with modern design methods.

Neels achieved his American Bladesmith Society Master Smith rating in 2022, receiving the B.R. Hughes Award for Best Master Smith Submission at Blade Show Atlanta that same year. His other accolades include multiple Best Art Fixed Blade and Best Dagger awards. He is an American Bladesmith Society Judge, a member of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa, and a Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa Evaluation Committee member. These roles reflect his commitment to both practising the craft and maintaining its standards, a commitment he brings to the instruction offered at Black Dragon Forge.

For Neels, that knowledge also has a practical purpose: helping others discover what they can make with their own hands. Having started with a class himself, he understands the importance of that first introduction. At Black Dragon Forge, he and his instructor team guide complete beginners through the unfamiliar tools, techniques and challenges of forging a knife.

Your First Knife Starts Here

The 1-Day Bladesmithing Experience at Black Dragon Forge gives you the opportunity to step into a working forge and turn raw steel into your own knife. You do not need previous experience. The day follows a structured process, with demonstrations, clear explanations and instructor support as you progress.

After the welcome and safety briefing, you heat your steel, pick up a hammer and begin forging. You then work through profiling, grinding, hardening and surface finishing, watching your knife take shape with each stage. You quench your own blade under direct instructor supervision, while the team handles laser engraving and final sharpening.

Every participant makes a hunting and utility knife from SAE 5160 high-carbon spring steel, with the blade and handle formed from one continuous piece. The proven design allows beginners to complete the project within the day, with instructors helping them through the more demanding steps.

Expect heat, sparks, noise and physical work, along with the satisfaction of learning something entirely new. Whether you come on your own, bring friends, share the experience with family or join colleagues for a team day, there is plenty to talk about when everyone starts with a piece of steel and finishes with a knife they helped create.

Tools, materials, consumables and protective equipment are provided. A traditional South African lunch of beef boerewors, pap, and tomato and onion sauce is included, with coffee, tea and Oros available during the day. The experience begins at 07:45 and usually finishes around 16:30.

You take home your engraved and sharpened knife, a certificate of completion, a display stand, paracord and Black Dragon Forge Blade Wax. Clear instructions explain how to complete the required tempering after class, before using your knife, and how to care for it afterwards. Photographs from the day are shared through your class WhatsApp group.

The experience is open to ages 14 and up, with a legal guardian required to accompany participants under 18 for the full class. Gift vouchers are also available for someone who would enjoy a day at the anvil.

Your first knife begins with a decision to give it a go. Join Neels and the Black Dragon Forge team for a day of fire, steel and the satisfaction of saying, “I made this.”

View available dates and book your Bladesmithing Experience.