Winklespruit knifemaker a cut above the rest
Johan can spend up to a week sanding the metal to a shiny finish.
Proving he is a cut above the rest, Winklespruit’s Johan du Plooy has been making custom-made knives for 27 years.
A member of the South African Knifemakers Guild, Johan had to score over 80% for five knives judged by a panel from the guild.
“I got into knife-making through my father-in-law,” he said from his workshop at home.
“I can spend up to nine hours a week to finish one knife.”
Johan uses different materials for the handles, including giraffe or warthog bone. Often the customer supplies the type of bone they would prefer.
“People can design their own knife and I will make it.” Johan is currently putting the finish touches to a Bowie knife.
Sandpaper belts are used to shape the stainless steel for the blades, which he cuts out from templates and sends off for tempering.
Once returned, Johan can spend up to a week sanding the metal to a shiny finish. “I use from 80 to 2,000 grit sandpaper to get the finish I want,” he said.
He can even laser-cut different animals into the blade or etch a name or logo onto it.
A perfectly fitting leather sheath completes the package.
Contact Johan on 072-188-8800.
