Knifemaking Courses
Whether you learn in-person in Klerksdorp or from your own workshop via video — Andre has a course for you. All equipment provided. Complete beginners welcome.
Two hands-on courses are offered in-workshop in Klerksdorp, plus a full video-based distance learning option. All courses use stock removal techniques — where we sand away everything that does not look like your knife. Courses can be modified to suit your needs; discuss any specific focus areas when booking.
Fixed Blade Knife Course
Andre's hands-on fixed blade course takes you through the complete process of making a quality fixed blade knife from raw steel — right in his Klerksdorp workshop. No experience needed. All equipment and materials are provided. You'll leave with a finished knife and sheath you made yourself, plus the foundational skills to continue at home.
- Complete beginner friendly — no prior experience needed
- All tools and equipment provided in Andre's workshop
- Hands-on, one-on-one instruction from Andre throughout
- Take home a finished knife and leather sheath you built yourself
- Held at the workshop in Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp — by appointment
- Guild-level instruction — techniques used in professional commission work
From Raw Steel to Finished Blade
Step 1
Design & Steel Selection
Understanding blade geometry and steel types for fixed blades. Designing your knife profile — blade shape, handle proportions, and overall balance — and transferring the design to steel.
Step 2
Cutting & Profiling
Cutting the blade blank to profile, drilling handle pin holes, and establishing the bevels. Andre guides you safely through using the workshop's angle grinder and belt grinder.
Step 3
Grinding the Blade Bevel
Establishing and refining the blade bevel — the most critical skill in knifemaking. Andre demonstrates and supervises your grind to ensure a consistent, even edge bevel throughout.
Step 4
Heat Treatment
Hardening and tempering the blade to achieve the correct hardness for a working edge. Understanding the theory behind heat treatment and how to avoid common mistakes.
Step 5
Handle Fitting & Shaping
Selecting and fitting your handle material — wood, G10, or bone. Cutting, shaping, and contouring the scales for a comfortable, secure grip. Pinning and gluing the handle in place.
Step 6
Finishing & Sharpening
Hand-sanding the blade through grits to a satin or mirror finish. Final handle sanding, polishing, and sealing. Sharpening to a working edge — ready to use the moment you leave.
Liner-Lock Folding Knife Course
The most technically demanding course Andre offers — and the most rewarding. You'll build a complete folding knife with a working liner-lock mechanism from scratch in his Klerksdorp workshop. Maximum two participants at a time for personal, focused instruction. All tools and equipment provided.
- Complete beginner friendly — no prior experience required
- All equipment and tools provided in the workshop
- Maximum two participants — focused, personal instruction throughout
- Take home a finished liner-lock folder you built yourself
- Guild-level knowledge — same techniques used in Andre's commission work
Six Modules — Steel to Finished Folder
Module 1
Steel Selection & Knife Design
Understanding blade steels — N690, RWL-34, and what makes a good folder steel. Designing your blade profile, grind geometry, and handle shape on paper before touching metal.
Module 2
Profiling & Rough Grinding
Cutting out the blade blank, drilling pivot and pin holes, and establishing the primary grind. Andre demonstrates his techniques for consistent hollow and flat grinds.
Module 3
Heat Treatment & Finishing the Blade
Hardening and tempering to achieve the correct Rockwell hardness. Hand-sanding through grits to a mirror or satin finish. Understanding and preventing warps during heat treatment.
Module 4
Liner-Lock Mechanism
Cutting and fitting the stainless steel liners, setting the lock face angle, drilling and fitting the pivot, stop pin, and spring. Understanding what makes a lock safe and reliable.
Module 5
Handle Materials & Shaping
Selecting and working with G10, carbon fibre, wood, and stabilised materials. Cutting, shaping, contouring, and finishing scales to fit perfectly and feel right in the hand.
Module 6
Final Assembly & Tuning
Assembling the complete knife, setting blade play and action, tuning the lock, final sharpening, and polishing all hardware. A finished knife you'll be proud to carry — and tell stories about making.
Online Folding Knife Course
Expand your knifemaking skills from the comfort of your own workshop. This comprehensive, video-based course covers the complete process of crafting a liner-lock folding knife — with a parts kit, course manual, and step-by-step build-along videos included. Telephone support is available throughout your build.
Designed for enthusiasts who live far from Klerksdorp, or who cannot take three days away from daily commitments. Learn at your own pace, revisit any video as many times as you need, for life.
Build-Along Videos
Step-by-step videos you can watch and repeat in your own workshop. Lifetime access to all content included.
Parts Kit Included
All steel and handle materials for the course knife are included — nothing to source before you start.
Course Manual & Technical Plans
Full course manual and scaled drawings for the knife design covered — reference material you keep forever.
Direct Support from Andre
Telephone and WhatsApp support throughout your build — ask questions any time you get stuck.
Course Completion Certificate
Every student who completes an in-person course with Andre receives a personalised certificate of completion — a record of the skills acquired and the knife built in the workshop. More importantly, you leave with a handcrafted knife that tells its own story.
Accommodation in Klerksdorp
Accommodation is available at preferential rates to knifemakers attending in-person courses at Ukarimu Guesthouse — conveniently located close to the workshop in Wilkoppies, Klerksdorp.
Visit Ukarimu Guesthouse →Your Knifemaking Library
Free resources written and compiled by Andre — download them before your course or share them with anyone getting started in the craft.
Blade Beginnings
An introduction to knifemaking — the perfect starting point for anyone new to the craft.
Download Free PDF →The Stock Removal Method
A detailed guide to making knives using the stock removal method — the technique taught in Andre's fixed blade course.
Download Free PDF →Workshop Safety Framework
Safety rules, PPE requirements, and application-specific guidelines for all equipment used in the workshop.
Download Free PDF →Start your knifemaking journey
Contact Andre to discuss any course — enrollment, fees, available dates, and what you'll need to get started. Students of all experience levels are welcome.
Enquire About a Course 💬 WhatsApp Andre