About Us
Welcome to Black Dragon Forge, where craftsmanship meets passion and smithing dreams come to life! Whether you're a seasoned smith or just stepping into the mesmerizing world of blades, we’re here to support your journey with expertise, innovation, and dedication.
From fire and steel to grit and soul, our team is what makes Black Dragon Forge more than just a workshop. We're a community of makers, mentors, and mischief-makers, all bound by a love for craftsmanship and storytelling through steel.
Neels van den Berg - Master Smith & Founder
The beard behind the blade. An ABS Master Smith with an eye for 16th-century elegance and a heart full of kodawari (uncompromising attention to detail). Neels leads the forge like a Renaissance general, with precision, wit, and a touch of drama. If he’s quiet, he’s either designing something brilliant or judging your plunge lines.
Shawn Softley - 2IC, Instructor & Ring Leader
Part craftsman, part therapist. Shawn brings calm to the chaos, guiding students through grinding, shaping, and the occasional existential knife crisis. Always ready with advice, encouragement, and maybe a tactical cup of coffee.
Erin William Peacock - Style Captain & Artistic Instigator
Half musician, half bladesmith, all detail. Erin’s knives are where function meets flair, often sprinkled with poetic soul and the occasional cherry blossom. If you hear jazz or smell wild olive wood, Erin’s probably nearby, making something both sharp and soulful.
Owen Louw - Apprentice & Future Legend
At 15, Owen is already making knives that turn heads and spark envy. With the grind of a veteran and the curiosity of a craftsman in bloom, he’s proof that age is just a number, unless you’re counting hours at the grinder. In that case, he’s already ahead, with 17 years experience!
Tshulu (Boy) Lebudi - Head Chef & Maintenance Guru
The man, the myth, the multitool. Tshulu has been by Neels’ side for over two decades, long before Black Dragon Forge officially sparked to life. From steelwork and electrics to the best forge-cooked meals this side of the Vaal, there’s nothing he can’t build, fix, or cook.
Steve Bongwe - Welding Wizard & Shop Alchemist
If it’s made of steel, chances are Steve’s welded it, shaped it, or made it better. Originally joining the team to help physically build the forge, Steve has become an indispensable all-rounder with unmatched technical chops and an incredible sense of humour.
The Heart of Manufacturing
While blades are our passion, products are our profession.
From Damascus forges and burners to bevel grinding jigs, smelting furnaces, and fireproof dice (yes, dice), every piece of gear we make is built in-house by our manufacturing dream team: Shawn, Tshulu, and Steve. With a combined mastery of welding, fabrication, grinding, plumbing, and pure grit, this trio ensures that Black Dragon Forge tools don’t just work, they endure.
If you’ve bought a piece of BDF hardware, it came from their hands ... and probably with a few stories baked in.
Since our journey began in October 2009, Black Dragon Forge has been a trusted name in the blacksmithing and knife-making community. We design and produce high-quality, handcrafted tools that are built to last and perfected through real-world use and feedback from our amazing community of smiths and knife enthusiasts.
At Black Dragon Forge, our mission goes beyond providing exceptional tools and products. We aim to forge lasting relationships with our customers, offering guidance, sharing expertise, and building a community centered on craftsmanship and creativity. Whether you're here for a tool that transforms your craft or advice from a fellow enthusiast, you’re in the right place.
Have a question or need assistance? Whether it’s about our products, knife-making tips, or just to chat about your latest project, we always happy to help.
How to Reach Us
📞 Phone: +27 83 451 3105
✉️ Email: neels@blackdragonforge.com
📍 Address: Farm 29, Corner of R512 (Pelindaba Road) & Place Roads (Winsome Valley Road), Lanseria, 1748, South Africa
We look forward to hearing from you. Let’s forge something extraordinary together!
