Forge Your Legacy: Discover the Bladesmith in You at Black Dragon Forge

There’s a primal thrill in gripping red-hot steel, sparks flying as your hammer rings out against the anvil. This isn’t just about making a knife. It’s about stepping into an ancient tradition, testing your mettle, and crafting something uniquely yours.

At Black Dragon Forge, nestled deep within the rugged beauty of South Africa’s Crocodile River Reserve, you don’t just learn bladesmithing. You live it. Guided by an award winning team of smiths, surrounded by nature, and fueled by fire and grit, you’ll transform raw metal into a blade that’s not only razor-sharp but rich with personal meaning.

If you’re chasing adventure, craving a hands-on escape from the digital grind, or hunting for a bucket list experience with bite, this is where your story begins.

What Is the Bladesmithing Experience?

The Bladesmithing Experience at Black Dragon Forge is a full-day, hands-on workshop that takes you from raw steel to finished blade. No prior experience is required. You’ll learn the ancient skills of forging, heat treating, grinding, shaping, and finishing a knife. Under the guidance of award-winning bladesmiths, you'll not only walk away with a finished blade, but also the pride of knowing you created it yourself.

You’ll:

• Forge and shape your blade from raw steel
• Heat treat and temper it for strength
• Grind and finish it into a functional, sharp tool
• Take home your very own knife, handmade by you

Why Choose Black Dragon Forge?

Black Dragon Forge isn’t your average workshop. It's an experience rooted in raw authenticity and surrounded by wilderness.

A Setting Like No Other:

Just 45 minutes from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the forge is hidden deep in the Crocodile River Reserve. You'll travel the final stretch along a winding dirt road through protected wilderness. This secluded location sets the stage for a truly immersive, back-to-basics experience.

World-Class Guidance:

Your mentors for the day are real award winning bladesmiths. These are professionals with accolades, years of experience, and a deep passion for the craft. You’ll get patient, personalized instruction every step of the way.

Everything Is Provided:

All tools, safety equipment, and materials are included. You just need to bring your curiosity, your courage, and clothes you don’t mind getting a little smoky.

Meet the Black Dragon Forge Team

Your guides aren’t just instructors. They are the soul of the forge, a tight-knit team of elite craftspeople, each bringing a unique edge.

• Neels van den Berg - American Bladesmith Society Master Smith, Member of the Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa and founder of Black Dragon Forge. A legend in the bladesmithing world, known for his 16th-century style daggers and razor-sharp standards.
• Shawn Softley - The calm in the chaos. Patient, encouraging, and technically brilliant, he’s your go-to guy when things get fiery.
• Erin William Peacock - The artist of the group. A former musician whose creative finesse brings soul to steel.
• Owen Louw - Young prodigy on the rise. His passion and precision at just 15 will inspire you.
• Tshulu Lebudi & Steve Bongwe - The backbone of the forge. From tools to meals, maintenance to morale, they keep the fires burning and the forge running like clockwork.

Together, they’re not just teaching a skill. They’re inviting you into a brotherhood of steel, sweat, and craftsmanship.

What You’ll Walk Away With

At the end of the day, you’ll leave with more than just a knife.

• A handcrafted blade, made entirely by you
• Skills that connect you to centuries of craftsmanship
• A renewed sense of pride, grit, and creative fire
• Memories and stories that will last a lifetime

Your blade might not win any competitions, but it will shave hair and command respect. Use it, display it, or gift it, either way, it’s 100 percent your creation.

Perfect for Gifts, Groups, and Team-Building

Looking for an unforgettable gift? The Bladesmithing Experience makes an epic surprise for birthdays, Father’s Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Gift vouchers are available, making it easy to share the experience with someone who deserves something extraordinary.

Corporate teams and groups are also welcome. Forge real connection and collaboration while crafting side by side. This is team-building that breaks the mold and leaves you with more than just a PowerPoint takeaway.

What to Know Before You Book

• No experience necessary
• Minimum age: 16 (under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian)
• Wear closed shoes and long pants (cotton preferred)
• Arrive early. The forge is located in a wilderness area and final access is via a dirt road
• Safety briefing and gear provided on-site
• Class size is limited to ensure individual attention

How to Book

Ready to feel the heat and forge your legacy? Booking is simple through the Black Dragon Forge website. Choose your preferred date and reserve your spot, spaces are limited, and they fill up fast.

You can also purchase a gift voucher, or reach out to inquire about group sessions for corporate or private events.

👉 See Class Dates & Book Now

Conclusion

Learning bladesmithing at Black Dragon Forge isn’t just a workshop. It’s a journey into fire, steel, and self-discovery. Whether you’re forging your first blade or gifting someone an experience they’ll never forget, this is your invitation to create something real, something lasting, something legendary.

Ready to pick up the hammer?