Knife-maker enjoys teaching others

Rudi Viljoen from Magoebaskloof started making knives in 2010 after completing his first course with Kevin and Heather Harvey.

“They are the only master bladesmiths in South Africa,” he said.

Bladesmithing is the historical and traditional way of knife-making by bladesmiths using high carbon steels.

He refers to his workshop as his man cave as it is where he gets to meditate and re-energise himself.

“I love to immerse myself in creating something unique, each one of my knives is an expression of myself and carries a piece of my soul with it. I am not a fulltime knife-maker and when I do make knives, I prefer to be creative and design a one of a kind type,” he said.

Viljoen whose students speak highly of him, also teaches international students.

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“This was such an amazing experience. Seeing how hard work, determination and commitment can turn into a beautiful knife, was eye opening. I enjoyed every minute of this experience and highly recommend this course.

Rudi is a brilliant teacher and he is there every step of the way, helping and giving advice when needed. It definitely takes a lot of hard work but you will not be disappointed in the result,” said one of the students Cassandra Jayne.

Another student Kim Maritz said, “the knife-making workshop with Rudi Viljoen has definitely been one of my most treasured experiences of 2020 thus far.

From the start to the end of the workshop the information and attention to detail that Rudi gives you makes you feel at ease in the workshop. Every step of the way Rudi is two steps ahead of you, making sure that your vision for your very own knife is coming alive. Rudi helped me to understand every intricate step from designing my knife, spending hours in the forge next to me, to finally having my very first knife in my hands.”

He told the Herald that his real job and passion is coaching the secrets of personal mastery.

“I love working with people and the transformation that happens in the minds when the right seeds are planted and watered,” he said.

The father of two has been happily married for 35 years with the queen of his heart, Rene Viljoen.

He runs a gap year and outdoor training school, called Warriors Academy.

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Viljoen said, “I love the old school art of bladesmithing, making knives, swords, daggers and other blades using a forge, hammer, anvil, and other smithing tools. Bladesmiths employ a variety of metalworking techniques similar to those used by blacksmiths, as well as woodworking for the handles of the knives and swords, and often creative leather-work for the sheaths.

Each blade has its own character and to me its almost as if each blade has a life of its own.”

He also loves the process of teaching others, he told Herald that it is satisfying to see when students are completely absorbed in the process, and finally see the end result of their hard work, whether it be the knives or belt making.

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“There is nothing quite like hand forging your own knife. The course that I run will teach students how to hand forge a basic knife as it has been done through the ages with step by step instruction.

The class focuses on the fundamentals of forging, grinding and heat-treating a blade as well as handle fitting, shaping and finishing. If time allows students also design and stick a custom made sheath for their knives. No previous bladesmithing experience is needed but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is important.

Viljoen’s knifemaking recent workshop started on Monday 31 August where knife making enthusiasts had four days to finish their knives.

For more info visit www.warriors.co.za or www.rudiviljoen.com