Recommendation? South African makers

D

Dadex

Joined
May 1, 2021
Messages
143
Hi everybody,
Im in search of a SA maker. I have a custom build in mind and i would like to know which one of these makers would you recommend.
They all have designs that i like so wont be an issue. Just want the build i want done the best way possible.
The makers ive think about are Thorburn, Herucus BLomerus, Lourens Prinsloo and Kosie Steenkamp.
 
Thorburn is excellent, but I usually see variants of his different models rather than one-off pieces, but worth asking.
 
3 Leg Dog - Riaan Manser
Not totally custom but I did get to choose some scales that were one off.
Richard338 said:
Thorburn is excellent, but I usually see variants of his different models rather than one-off pieces, but worth asking.
Click to expand...
Most work off patterns but I think the custom is in unique materials:

IMG_2645.jpg

Thorburn also has some patterns that are rare:

IMG_2646.jpg

I don't think I've seen more than a few of the L47 and it's not on the website.
As said above, doesn't hurt to ask.

Thorburn is top notch.
I think most of the one off work is with Andre van Heerden, A2 knives.

Steven65 Steven65 is the one to talk to. He is from SA and has a nice collection.
 
Dadex said:
Hi everybody,
Im in search of a SA maker. I have a custom build in mind and i would like to know which one of these makers would you recommend.
They all have designs that i like so wont be an issue. Just want the build i want done the best way possible.
The makers ive think about are Thorburn, Herucus BLomerus, Lourens Prinsloo and Kosie Steenkamp.
Click to expand...
Those are all excellent makers. Andre Thorburn sells exclusively through Blade Gallery only. The others you could contact directly.
I also suggest A2 knives which is a partnership between Andre Thorburn and Andre van Heerden, also sold through Blade Gallery.

As jideta jideta has said Des Horn is also an iconic and brilliant SA maker. I have a few of his.........;)

 
Steven65 said:
Those are all excellent makers. Andre Thorburn sells exclusively through Blade Gallery only. The others you could contact directly.
I also suggest A2 knives which is a partnership between Andre Thorburn and Andre van Heerden, also sold through Blade Gallery.

As jideta jideta has said Des Horn is also an iconic and brilliant SA maker. I have a few of his.........;)

Click to expand...
What an amazing collection: ive checked both Thorburn and Van Heerden but it has not been the easiest task. Not them in particular but Bladegallery, not a good experience so far trying to order a knife through them.
 
I'll throw out a plug for Clyde Challenor. His work is right up there with the other top tier South African makers. Love my Viper.

KjqMYaX.jpg
 
Whats the deal with south african makers lately? Ihave see this posted in other areas mentioning them, What do they offer that other custom makers do not?
 
halden.doerge said:
I'll throw out a plug for Clyde Challenor. His work is right up there with the other top tier South African makers. Love my Viper.

KjqMYaX.jpg
Click to expand...

Clyde absolutely makes beautiful knives!

GT99 said:
Whats the deal with south african makers lately? Ihave see this posted in other areas mentioning them, What do they offer that other custom makers do not?
Click to expand...

There is nothing specifically special about SA makers apart from history, quality and price. South Africa has a long history of custom knife making and we have some of the best knifemakers on the planet. Chris Reeve is South African and was a very active member of our Guild until he moved to the USA in the early '90's.

South African custom knives, specifically those made by members of the Knifemakers Guild of South Africa, have generally always been excellent quality and good value for money.

At the Blade Show in Atlanta I would say the largest group of non-US makers are South Africans.

Here are a few of mine.........







 
JDVD edc front flipper.
A great sub 3” front flipper is for sale at an excellent price. It is slim, lightweight, and an excellent edc. I’ve been carrying it a ton size I purchased at twice the price a few months ago. Very Shamwari-like.

Kizer, JDVD, ZT

I’m not the first owner of any of these. Assume they have been carried unless otherwise stated. Kizer Cormorant XL this is in like new condition. Just got it a few days ago to check out. All the opening methods work pretty well. Box and docs included. $100 Zero Tolerance 0566 classic...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
 
Jcsixx01 said:
JDVD edc front flipper.
A great sub 3” front flipper is for sale at an excellent price. It is slim, lightweight, and an excellent edc. I’ve been carrying it a ton size I purchased at twice the price a few months ago. Very Shamwari-like.

Kizer, JDVD, ZT

I’m not the first owner of any of these. Assume they have been carried unless otherwise stated. Kizer Cormorant XL this is in like new condition. Just got it a few days ago to check out. All the opening methods work pretty well. Box and docs included. $100 Zero Tolerance 0566 classic...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
Click to expand...
Yea but im looking for a custom build that i have in mind
 
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