Training



INSPIRED TO MAKE YOUR OWN KNIFE?


We are very proud of our hands-on knife-making workshops. During these workshops we will guide you to enable you to make the knife of your dreams.

We will supply you with the materials that you will need to make your own knife as well as a step-by-step manual. The workshop teaches you the basic techniques of knife-making. Once you have mastered these techniques you will be able to progress on to the more complicated knife-making skills. When you have completed the workshop you will be the proud owner of a handmade knife, etched with your name on the blade.

Learn from the award-winning experts.

We also offer a comprehensive support-and-supply service to get you started in knife making.

Knife-making Courses

If you want to take it to the next level, you came to the right place.

Basic fixed blade course

  • Basic fixed blade course
  • R3200.00
Registration Form

Basic folder course (Slip-back)

  • Basic folder course
  • R3200.00
Registration Form

Advanced folder course (Liner-lock)

  • Advanced Knife-making Course
  • R4500.00
Registration Form
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Please complete and return the downloadable form to register for a course.
On completion please e-mail (training@herbst.co.za) your registration form to book your attendance. We will contact you to confirm.

  • Basic fixed blade course
  • Basic folder course
  • Advanced folder course
Basic fixed blade course

No prior knife making experience is required.
This course covers basic design, materials, supplier lists, mark-out and cutting, hollow grinding, fitting of bolsters, fitting of handle materials, mirror finishing, etching of name and an overview on basic leather sheath making.
Includes extensive hollow grinding exercises
A comprehensive training manual is included
You take the fixed blade knife you made, home with you - estimated value R 1300.00
Basic folder course (Slip-back)

No prior knife making experience is required.
Covers basic design, materials, supplier list, mark-out and cutting, hollow grinding, soldering and fitting of bolsters, final fitting and riviting, mirror finishing, fitting of handle materials, etching of name, lubricating and caring.
Includes extensive hollow grinding exercises
A comprehensive training manual is included
You take the folding knife you made, home with you - estimated value R 700.00
Advanced folder course (Liner-lock)

For this course you need to have completed one of the above mentioned courses.
You also have to be competent in hollow grinding.
Covers basic design, formulas, materials, supplier list, mark-out and cutting, mirror finishing, bolsters, handles, final fitting, etching, lubricating and caring.
A comprehensive training manual is included.
You take the knife you made, home with you - estimated value R 1450.00.
Course Dates

The following dates in 2024 are available for the various knife makers’ courses. Our courses are presented on a Friday and Saturday from 7h00 to 17h00.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
05 - 06 02 - 03 01 - 02 05 - 06 03 - 04     - 01 05 - 06 02 - 03 06 - 07 04 - 05 01 - 02 06 - 07
12 - 13 09 - 10 08 - 09 12- 13 10 - 11 07 - 08 12 - 13 09 - 10 13 - 14 11 - 12 08 - 09 13 - 14
19 - 20 16 - 17 15 - 16 19 - 20 17 - 18 14 - 15 19 - 20 16 - 17 20 - 21 18 - 19 15 - 16 20 - 21
26 - 27 23 - 24 22 - 23 26 - 27 24 - 25 21 - 22 26 - 27 23 - 24 27 - 28 25 - 26 22 - 23
29 - 30 31 -    28 - 29 30 - 31 29 - 30


Local Guest Houses

The following accommodation are within 10 minutes drive from us.

La Frans Guest House

Esther Labuschagne
+27 12 549 4929
+27 72 454 1494
frans@lafransguesthouse.com
www.lafransguesthouse.com


Testimonials

What our students are saying?

  • "Hiermee wil ek graag dankie se vir die uitstekende mes Kurses wat ek en my stief seun, Rodney, by jul kon bywoon. Dit was hoogs professioneel aangebied, en ons was bevoorreg om die kurses te kon bywoon by die beste mesmakers in Suid Afrika.
    Die vriendelikheid en gasvryheid was ongelooflik, en ons het dit geweldig geniet."

    Johnny Wright, Februarie 2015
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Any Questions?

Do I need any experience to enrol for a knife-making course?

No experience is required to do one of our two basic courses. We will guide you step by step through the knife-making process. If you want to do our advance course we recommend you to start with the basic courses first. If you are experienced in hollow grinding you should be able to do the more advanced coursed.

I would like to bring my son with me for a course. How old should he be to enrol?

Our students must be at least 16 years and older to enrol in one of our courses.

How many students are there on a course?

As each student needs to work on his/her own machine and we can only accommodate 4 – 5 students per class.

Is the course hands-on?

All our courses are completely hands on but with continuous oversight from Gawie and Thinus.

What is the duration of the courses?

All our courses are two days (Friday and Saturday). As there are so much to learn we start at 7:00 am and finish by 5:00 pm.

Do I need to pack my own lunch?

Both days we will provide you with a snacks in the morning and a big lunch in the afternoon. Cooldrink, tea and coffee will also be available during the course.

What clothes should I wear?

Please wear old clothes and comfortable shoes. We will provide you with an apron, safety glasses and a dust mask.

Will all the materials be provided?

All the materials that you will need will be provided to your own pre-describe knife.

Unsure which course is best for you?
Call us at +27 82 254 8016


What Are You Waiting For?

Please complete and return the downloadable form below to register for a course.
On completion please e-mail (training@herbst.co.za) your registration form to book your attendance. We will contact you to confirm.