Step Up To The Anvil
Jean Wilke is the chief instructor on all courses and is assisted by various makers, depending on the course presented. Each course is aimed at a specific level in a knifemaker’s career.
For example, the 2-Day Forge Knife Making Course is designed for first-time makers and knife enthusiasts to experience and learn the fundamentals of knife-making in an encouraging, safety-first environment.
Whether you want to build a lifelong hobby or just create a handsome, razor-sharp kitchen tool with your own two hands, our classes give you direct machine time, individual attention, and real forging experience.
Select Your Workshop
Practical, fully equipped workshops hosted at our Pretoria forge.
Jean Wilke’s 2-Day Forge Knifemaking Course
Step into the world of traditional bladesmithing and experience the magic of transforming raw steel into your own finished knife.
🔥 Why This Course Is Different
- No waiting for machines — Dedicated tooling and workspaces for participants.
- No spectators — 100% hands-on involvement from lighting the forge to edge testing.
- Real hands-on forging — Work directly with hot steel, hammers, and anvils.
🛠 What to Expect
Forging the profile, heat treating, bevel grinding, handle fitting, and razor-sharp finishing — all done by you under Jean Wilke's direct guidance.
👊 Who This Course Is For
Knife enthusiasts, DIY makers, outdoor lovers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable artisan experience.
1-Day Leather Sheath Course
A fine blade deserves a sheath that protects both the edge and the bearer. Learn the timeless art of leathercrafting tailored specifically for custom knives.
🔨 Course Focus
- Premium vegetable-tanned leather selection and grain inspection.
- Precision pattern drafting for a tight, secure knife hold.
- Decorative stamping & saddle stitching using professional leather tools.
- Edge burnishing, dye application, and weather-seal finishing.
📐 What You Learn
Leathercraft fundamentals, wet forming for exact blade retention, welt installation, and belt-loop reinforcement.
👊 Ideal For
Graduates of the 2-day knife course or knifemakers looking to produce professional sheaths for their blades.
3-Day Forge & Sheath-Making Journey
Combine the 2-Day Forge Knife-Making Course with the 1-Day Leather Sheath-Making Course into a full 3-day immersive journey!
🛠 Over Three Immersive Days, You Will:
- Forge your own knife from raw high-carbon steel under expert supervision.
- Grind, shape, and sharpen your blade to razor keenness.
- Craft a fitted custom leather sheath with belt loop and hand-stitched welt.
- Leave with a complete, heirloom-quality knife-and-sheath set made entirely by you.
👊 Who This Course Is For
Ideal for enthusiasts, collectors, DIY makers, or father-and-son/partner experiences.
“We came, we saw, we made something wonderful!”
Jean Wilke’s 2-Day Sheath-Making Course
Designed specifically for makers and serious leathercrafters who want to master advanced sheath styles and high-end finishes.
🎯 Course Goals
- Work safely with specialised hand tools and machinery.
- Master leather tension, symmetry, and dye gradients.
- Produce 2½ complete sheaths across the 2-day curriculum.
💼 What You Will Make
- Fold-over sheath — classic EDC pouch design.
- Three-piece sheath — welted construction with rigid throat.
- Inlay panel — exotic skin/leather accent window.
📝 The Details
Includes: Tools, leather materials, certificate of completion, and meals.
Bring: Your own finished knives to fit.
Schedule: Fridays & Saturdays | 08:00 – 17:00