Fire Goby Forge, Jean Wilke, and Werner Hattingh represent a rare combination of exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and design. Every piece is meticulously made to be both highly functional and visually striking. Knives are forged from the finest steels available, while each forged product offers a unique, problem-solving approach you won’t find anywhere else. Owning a piece by them is more than a purchase — it’s an investment and a must-have for any discerning home or serious collection.
Jean Wilke Custom Knives
Jean Wilke Custom knives are high end, one-of-a-kind pieces, made by Jean Wilke, priding himself on sole authorship of every piece and part.
With Jean’s endless drive for increasing quality and detail you will never make a mistake by owning one of these fine pieces.
Note on commissions: Jean Wilke Custom Knives cannot be ordered or commissioned. Jean allows the artist in him to guide him to make the best creation possible.
These master pieces are made available for sale through BladeGallery.com or at prestigious annual shows like the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa Show.
Fire Goby Forge Knives
The most cost-effective knives in the Fire Goby stable, delivering outstanding performance without compromise.
What Sets Fire Goby Forge Apart
- Performance-driven construction: Primarily stock-removal blades for strict consistency and reliable cutting geometry.
- Mono-steel blades: Tough, easy to maintain in the field, and ideal for demanding everyday use.
- Collaborative craftsmanship: Knives may be worked on by Jean, Werner, or trusted subcontractors, ensuring highest quality standards while keeping costs accessible.
- Machine-finished blades: Clean, precise satin finishes focused on utility and function rather than decorative hand-polishing.
Why Choose Fire Goby Forge
- Outstanding value for money: Professional-grade heat treatment and bladesmith ergonomics at an affordable price point.
- Proven, repeatable designs: Reorder your favourite blade model with absolute confidence.
- Kal-Gard protective coating: Most knives feature a baked-on Kal-Gard coating for superior scratch resistance and corrosion protection in all environments.
- Kydex sheaths included: Durable, lightweight, and weather-proof. The knife “clicks” securely into place, making it ideal for hard use and everyday carry.
Core Knife Models
Fire Goby Forge knives are named after marine fish, reflecting their tough, hardworking, and agile nature.
Sardine
Compact EDC
Tuna
Heavy Duty Workhorse
Lion
Aggressive Tactical Utility
Shark & Wrasse
Precision Field Hunters
Built for Use. Made to Be Carried.
If you are serious about knives and everyday carry (EDC), Fire Goby Forge knives are essential tools—robust, reliable, and designed to be used, not babied. Most users don’t stop at one.
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Werner Hattingh Knives
Werner Hattingh is a young maker with an exceptionally promising future. He joined Fire Goby Forge as an assistant in September 2025 and, in a short space of time, has distinguished himself not only as a valuable asset in the workshop, but also as a knifemaker of remarkable talent.
His knives, based on Jean Wilke’s designs, already rival the work of some full-time makers. His own designs are both innovative and highly practical, reflecting a strong understanding of form, function, and craftsmanship.
If Werner continues on his current trajectory, he is expected to be ready for submission to the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa in late 2026 or early 2027.
Meet Werner on The Team Page
Johandré de Vries
The combination of a keen eye for detail and a passion for knives, under the mentorship of Jean Wilke is making Johandré de Vries’ skill grow with leaps and bounds. Read more about him in the Team section.
Meet Johandré on The Team PageOther Products & Services
While our primary focus is, and always will be, knives, knives and more knives, our skills allow us to offer unique products and restoration services.
Custom Kydex Sheaths
All Fire Goby Forge knives are supplied with custom Kydex sheaths. This expertise allows us to produce a variety of other Kydex products as well.
- Knife sheaths & axe sheaths
- Commercial multi-tool sleeves (e.g. Leatherman-style)
- Revolver and pistol holsters
- Made while you wait: Crafted in our workshop in your presence, ensuring the fit and tension meets your exact personal preference.
Hand-Forged Braaisets
Our forging skills extend beyond blades to practical hot-forged fireside tools. One of our most popular offerings is our handcrafted “braaiset.”
- Consists of three purpose-made tools: a spade, wire brush, and coal scraper.
- Neatly hung on an artistic hot-forged metal frame.
- Designed for indoor braais or outdoor fire pits, where moving hot coals is essential and aesthetics still matter.
Rehabilitation & Sharpening
All knives eventually become dull. We sharpen quality knives to hair-shaving sharpness and repair severely damaged blades.
Note: Low-quality imported cheap "Paki" knives made from substandard steel cannot be sharpened effectively; we politely decline work on them.