South African Knife Makers

Gusmanb

Gusmanb

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Hay Every one,

Can any one Tell me how they compare the ADV Bucher or Pathfinder Custom to some of the Other S.A. Makers like Andre Thorburn and Van Heerden? Saw an amazing YouTube Revews by Jim Skelton of a Custom with Damasteel.

also want to give a good word out about Andre Thorburn and Van Heerden's IKBS Flippers.
When I got my L51 Thorburn it was missing a Screw, but He Sent a replacement all the way from S.A. for free!
So I Feel like they both Care about there Customers.

Thanks!
 
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This Thread Had been moved to feedback, and
will use it as an ongoing thread for anyone who has delt with any of the S.A. knife makers Out there.

I want to give a first impression of Corrie Schoeman.
This is a guy who works through FB, and when I Contact him For the First time He responded to me the vary next day, and was able to fit my in for an order before His Trip to the Blade Show in Atlanta Next Month. One thing that Surprised me is he requires no funds up front tell
I am satisfied with the Knife in Hand.
Got to give this guy Credit. :)
 
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http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-my-Butcher-fixed?highlight=Andre+de+villiers was my thread, if you want to hear the full story I recommend reading it, but I will give you a concise summary:

ADV is a scumbag, and the worst maker I've dealt with yet. He sweeps his problems under the rug with his (formerly) massive sales as he has these machine shops continuously churning out his midtechs. His "customs" aren't even truly custom anymore, they're just his midtechs that he adds a little bit of anodizing and milling to. He probably hasn't touched a grinder since before the Butchers blew up. I would definitely avoid him, or any knife maker who dwells solely on Facebook or Instagram.
 
Misanthropia said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-my-Butcher-fixed?highlight=Andre+de+villiers was my thread, if you want to hear the full story I recommend reading it, but I will give you a concise summary:

ADV is a scumbag, and the worst maker I've dealt with yet...
Click to expand...

Totally agree with you there. The worst by far. He has extremely poor character. It's no coincidence that there are so many stories of people getting hosed by Andre. And to have a reputable custom dealer like Fort Henry Custom Knives completely delete you from their database, now that's saying something.
 
Thanks for the warning Guys

its really Disappointing reading all the negatives, I like the design allot.
I hope that he straitens Him self out and fixes all problems.
 
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Well, I want to add that not all the S.A. Makers are to be avoided.

I have recently been in Email Contact with Andre Van Herrden, Corrie Schoeman, and George Muller.
All of them have responded to all my Email regarding custom work.

As a matter fact all of them where able to fit me in some way or another in there busy schedule
as they prep for the Atlanta show and the Las Vega show in September.
 
Gusmanb said:
Well, I want to add that not all the S.A. Makers are to be avoided.

I have recently been in Email Contact with Andre Van Herrden, Corrie Schoeman, and George Muller.
All of them have responded to all my Email regarding custom work.

As a matter fact all of them where able to fit me in some way or another in there busy schedule
as they prep for the Atlanta show and the Las Vega show in September.
Click to expand...

I have heard good things about both Andre Van Heerden and Andre Thorburn, both South African makers (Andre must be a popular name down there). The two collaborated under the moniker "A2" on a knife for PDW, the Badger. Cool knife. I would buy one if they weren't sold out.
 
I've chatted with Andre Thorburn, George Muller and Johann van Deventer at the East Coast/New York Custom Knife Shows. They're stand-up guys and their knives are spectacular. Also Des Horn.

There are a number of excellent SA makers in SA who aren't too well known over here. You should check out Neels Van Den Berg - he operates through Facebook and makes awesome knives at very reasonable prices: https://www.facebook.com/neels.vandenberg?ref=ts&fref=ts

Chris Reeve is also South African, from my home town, just for the record!
 
Yes I read Chris was From S.A. that was a nice surprise.
I am a proud owner of a Large Custom Left Hand Sabenza ;)

Will Check out Neels.

Contacted JD too, would like one of His STF Flippers ;)
 
Theuns Prinsloo is a wonderful human being.

His is a member of the S.A. Knife makers guild, and I believe he is also an honorary member of the American guild.

Most of his work is sole authorship, his 'style' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the quality and craftsmanship is as good as anyone's.
 
JR88FAN said:
Theuns Prinsloo is a wonderful human being.

His is a member of the S.A. Knife makers guild, and I believe he is also an honorary member of the American guild.

Most of his work is sole authorship, his 'style' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the quality and craftsmanship is as good as anyone's.
Click to expand...

I took a look at his work, I like his tactical Flippers.
the Tanto blade find on it is Groovy; )
 
South Africa has some of the best knifemakers in the world and we punch well above our weight in quality and innovation.

The entrance standard for our Guild is one of the highest in the world. However like all organizations we have our bad apples and you should not allow one or two bad eggs to dissuade you from purchasing knives from some truly gifted makers.

South Africa has produced some iconic knifemakers like Chris Reeve, Owen Wood and Peter Bauchop. Along with them we have other brilliant makers like Bertie Rietveld, Des Horn and Rob Brown who are world class. We also have many up and coming makers like Niell Schutte who won the prize at Blade Show last year for the best fighting knife.

Andre Thorburn and Andre van Heerden are two of the finest folder/flipper makers on the planet and they have really perfected the IKBS system. They are both absolute gentleman and a pleasure to do business with.

Many South Africans travel to Blade every year and they are really worth a look.

It really upsets me that the poor business practice of one or two individuals may end up tarnishing the reputation of others. Please judge each person individually and according to their merits.
 
I was able to handle an A2 folder at the local knife show in Seattle a couple months back, it was easily the best flipper I've ever touched, the quality was staggering and it went right to the top of my grail list for when I actually have funds available.
 
KingMC said:
I was able to handle an A2 folder at the local knife show in Seattle a couple months back, it was easily the best flipper I've ever touched, the quality was staggering and it went right to the top of my grail list for when I actually have funds available.
Click to expand...

I am vary please to here another great review.
I am o so looking forward to mine :)
 
Charl Pienaar is another SA knife maker that is aces! I bought a slip joint from him and his work is impeccable.

He's working on a tactical folder that looks extremely promising.

@charlpienaarknives on IG.
 
JR88FAN said:
Theuns Prinsloo is a wonderful human being.

His is a member of the S.A. Knife makers guild, and I believe he is also an honorary member of the American guild.

Most of his work is sole authorship, his 'style' may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the quality and craftsmanship is as good as anyone's.
Click to expand...

I would be looking forward to getting one of His Works Of Art Just need to find one Or Contact him Somehow.
 
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