Since Mandeni resident Stefan Diedericks was a young boy, he has been fascinated by the ancient art of knife making.
Over the years, the former Okapi factory manager has mastered the fine metal work, which requires creativity, attention to detail and many hours of patience.
“On average it takes me about two days to make a knife,” said Diedericks, who has twice won the Non-Guild Competition at the annual Knife Makers Guild show.
“The first step is to cut your knife profile out of raw steel and cut the holes for the handles.”
Next, is probably the most crucial part of the procedure – hardening and tempering the steel.
“The knife needs to be heated to just over 1000 degrees Celsius and then cooled rapidly in oil. This makes the blade harder, but also more brittle, which is why it must be tempered. I heat the steel for about two hours at more or less 180 degrees, to reduce the hardness and eradicate the brittleness.”
Then he grinds the knife, polishes the blade and starts with the really creative part – the handle.
“The sky is the limit when it comes to handles. Mammoth ivory, mother of pearl, warthog tusks, giraffe bone, gem stones, hard woods and carbon fibre are just a few of the possibilities.”
Once the knife is complete, a leather cover needs to be made and voila! The knife is ready!
Diedericks said a great aspect of knife making is that it is a hobby that pays for itself.
“You do not need a lot of equipment to start making knifes, in fact, you can do it with a hand file. If you are more serious, you can set yourself up very well for about R10,000. I sell my knifes between R1000 and R10,000 a piece, so you can quickly make back the money you have invested.”
He said the demand for handmade knives is growing nationally and internationally.
“More and more people are starting to make knives. If you are interested in knife making, the fastest way to learn is to take a few lessons and join a club.”
Feeling inspired? Contact Diedericks on 082 578 7440 to book your knife making lesson.
To join the North Coast Knife Makers Club, contact the chairman, David Hoehler on 078 639 8356.
Remember the old saying, a man without a knife is a man without a life.
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