Cutting edge entertainment at Durban Easter Knife Show

Easter is around the corner and for most people this time of year is for family, relaxation and indulging in copious amounts of Easter eggs.

But for a few North Coast guys, it is the culmination of countless hours and late nights in their workshops, burning and cutting fingers not to mention being saturated in steel dust.

The Durban Easter Knife Show (DEKS) has been a feature of the annual calendar in Durban for more than 30 years.

The show draws exhibitors from across the country and in previous years buyers have come from as far afield as Germany and the USA.

The North Coast Knifemakers Club will be out in force at this year’s show with more than 10 members exhibiting with four of them being from the Dolphin Coast.

On display will be every conceivable type of hand-made blade – from hunting and fighting knives to kitchen and carving knives; from small “gentlemen’s folders” to Japanese swords.

Blades are fashioned from the best steels of the world, and handles shaped from all sorts of exotic and indigenous materials.

DEKS features the craftwork of both experienced and new knife makers, allowing you to see and purchase the work of Guild members who regularly exhibit overseas as well as the more affordable work of newer makers.

Many of the newer makers will build international reputations, with the result that knives from these craftsmen could appreciate dramatically in years to come.

If you are not looking for an investment but just want a unique custom made knife for every day use, you will be able to purchase knives, superior to store-bought mass-produced ones at very reasonable prices.

Makers whose work you will be able to enjoy include Stefan Diedericks, Antony Topham, Andrew Bell and Ballito’s own David Hoehler but to mention a few.

The makers are only too happy to talk about their craft and anyone interested in taking up knife-making as a hobby is welcome to ask questions and learn more from these specialists.

Many of the makers are experts on knives in general and would love to talk to you about any aspect of knives or advise you about that knife you inherited from your grandfather.

Knife-making equipment and materials will also be exhibited and on sale.

Even those who have little interest in knives will be fascinated by the skill, science and artistry of these works.

If you have young sons, then this will be the ideal opportunity for them to be educated in what knives are all about, including how to handle, sharpen and care for a good knife.

The show will be held at the Protea Hotel Umhlanga Ridge from 10am to 6pm on Friday, April 14 and 9am to 4pm on Saturday, April 15.

More information is available at www.africanblade.com or call Beatrice on 082 908 0064.

Competition

Visit our Facebook page for a chance to win one of five tickets for the show, with one lucky winner also receiving a two day knife making course with David Hoehler.

The course will cover design, profiling, heat treating, grinding, bolstering and handle fitment, with your final product being worth R1500.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

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