Biltong Knife
Experience
Grind, shape, and assemble your own biltong knife in a single day — guided by André and Miguel in the Klerksdorp workshop. No experience needed. Perfect for small groups, team building, and bachelor parties.
Make a Knife. Take It Home.
The Biltong Knife Experience is a one-day, hands-on introduction to knifemaking using the stock removal method — the same technique used by professional knife makers around the world. You start with a pre-cut, heat-treated steel blank and work through every stage: grinding the bevel, sanding and finishing the blade, fitting and shaping the handle, and sharpening the finished edge.
No prior knowledge or experience is required. André and Miguel guide every step of the process. All equipment and materials are provided. By the end of the day, you leave with a finished biltong knife you made yourself.
Above all, you are here to have fun. If someone makes a mistake — including yourself — laugh about it together. Every mistake in this workshop is a lesson in disguise, and fixing one teaches you more than a perfect pass ever will.
Great for Groups & Special Occasions
The Biltong Knife Experience is designed for groups of up to six people and works particularly well as a shared activity. Each person works on their own knife, but the atmosphere is social, relaxed, and genuinely memorable.
Team Building
An unusual and highly engaging activity that gets people focused, talking, and working with their hands — away from screens and meeting rooms.
Bachelor Party
Give the groom's party something they'll still be talking about years later — and something useful to take home.
Special Birthdays
A hands-on experience makes for a memorable birthday gift — especially for anyone who loves the outdoors, hunting, or good food.
Friends & Family
A great excuse to get a small group together for a day of craft, conversation, and a shared sense of achievement.
What You Will Do
Your steel blank arrives pre-cut and heat-treated — hardened and tempered, ready to grind. The four main stages of the day are:
Step 1
Choose Your Grind & Grind the Bevel
The bevel is the angled surface that creates the cutting edge. You choose between a hollow grind or a flat grind — see the guide below. André and Miguel run two belt grinders simultaneously, so you'll be placed on the machine suited to your chosen style and guided through the technique. The grinder removes material quickly; patience and focus are what make the difference.
Step 2
Sand & Finish the Blade
After grinding, you work through progressively finer grits of sandpaper to smooth and polish the bevel to a clean satin finish. The ricasso — the flat section of the blade just ahead of the handle — is also finished at this stage.
Step 3
Fit & Shape the Handle
Your handle scales are pre-cut. You fit them to the tang, glue them with epoxy, and pin them in place. Once set, the handle is shaped and sanded until it sits comfortably in your hand with good balance between blade and handle. This is often where the knife truly comes to life.
Step 4
Sharpen on the Belt Grinder
The final edge is put on using a fine grit belt on the grinder. A biltong knife needs a clean, precise slicing edge — André and Miguel will guide you through the correct angle and technique. You'll leave with a knife that is ready to use.
Hollow Grind or Flat Grind?
Both produce excellent biltong knives. Read through the options and choose what appeals to you. We run two machines simultaneously, so we'd love to split the group evenly — one style per grinder keeps the day moving smoothly. André and Miguel will help you decide if you're unsure.
Note: the final edge thickness is controlled by you at the grinder, not by the method itself.
⚒ Hollow Grind
Ground on a round contact wheel against a grinding table, producing a concave (curved inward) surface on the blade face.
- The grinding table supports the blade throughout — very forgiving for first-timers, even if your hands shake a little
- Classic custom knife look — visually distinctive and elegant
- Produces a clean, sharp slicing edge ideal for a biltong knife
- Removes more metal than a flat grind — though on a small biltong knife this difference is insignificant
- The slightly thinner edge can be more delicate on very hard, dry biltong
⚒ Flat Grind
Ground on a flat platen, producing a straight taper from the spine down to the edge.
- Slightly sturdier edge — handles tougher, drier biltong pieces with ease
- Versatile finish that suits both working knives and display pieces
- A reliable, proven everyday edge geometry
- Removes marginally less metal — again, the difference on a biltong knife is minimal
- Requires slightly more consistent technique to maintain an even taper across the blade
The Most Important Tool Is Your Brain
The belt grinder is not the most important tool in this workshop — your brain is. Every accident happens when someone stops thinking carefully about what they are doing. Stay present, stay focused, and never let your attention drift while a machine is running.
The rules here are not suggestions. They exist because experienced makers have learned — sometimes the hard way — exactly what goes wrong and why. Following instructions precisely, not approximately, is what keeps you safe.
- Safety glasses must be worn at the grinder — sparks and metal particles travel fast. Glasses go on before the belt starts moving.
- Never rush — a slow, deliberate pass gives you control. A hurried one ruins the blade, or worse, your hand.
- When in doubt, stop — switch off the machine, put the blade down, and ask. There is no question too basic.
- Listen carefully before you act — André and Miguel will walk you through every step before you attempt it. Wait until you fully understand what you are about to do and why.
André and Miguel are with you through every step. Ask questions freely, enjoy the process, and remember — a focused mind and a careful pair of hands are all you need.
Everything You Need Is Here
Steel Blank
Pre-cut to the biltong knife profile, hardened and tempered — ready for you to grind. No raw materials to source.
Handle Material
Pre-cut handle scales in a selection of materials. André will walk you through the options on the day.
All Tools & Equipment
Belt grinders, drill press, sanders, epoxy, pins — everything in André's workshop is at your disposal for the day.
Expert Instruction
André and Miguel guide you through every stage personally. You are never left to figure it out alone.
Safety Equipment
Safety glasses provided. All equipment is workshop-maintained and ready to use safely.
Your Finished Knife
You leave with the knife you made. Sharp, finished, and ready to slice your first piece of biltong.
Caring for Your Knife
A well-made knife will last a lifetime with a little basic care:
- Clean and dry the blade thoroughly after each use — especially after cutting meat or acidic foods
- Store in a dry place away from moisture. Never store a knife in a leather sheath — the tannins in leather will cause discolouration and rust, even on a clean, dry blade
- Sharpen the edge regularly using a sharpening stone, leather strop, or belt grinder
- Apply a light coat of oil to the blade if storing for extended periods — especially for carbon steel
Want to Learn the Full Craft?
If today sparks something — good. André's full 2-day fixed blade course takes you through the entire knifemaking process from scratch, including heat treatment, bolsters, tapered tang, and sheath making. Limited to two participants per course for completely personal instruction.
View All Courses Enquire & BookAccommodation in Klerksdorp
Groups coming from out of town can arrange accommodation at preferential rates at Ukarimu Guesthouse — conveniently located close to the workshop in Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp.
Visit Ukarimu Guesthouse →Participant Handout
Download the Biltong Knife Experience handout — a concise guide covering the stock removal method, your grind choice, what you will do on the day, safety, and how to care for your finished knife. Share it with your group before the session.
Download PDF Handout →Ready to make something with your hands?
Contact André to discuss group size, available dates, and handle material options. Pricing is by quote and depends on the size of your group and the materials selected. Booking is essential — spaces are limited to six participants per session.
Enquire & Book 💬 WhatsApp André