Classes run from 7:45 AM to just before 4:30 PM.

Please plan to arrive a little earlier to get settled, especially as the last stretch of the drive is on a dirt road inside a Nature Reserve with a speed limit of 40 km/h. We recommend allowing an extra 15 minutes for travel.

During the Bladesmithing Experience, every student forges the same knife design. This keeps the group on track and guarantees that you leave with a completed, hardened and sharpened blade by the end of the day.

You will make a forged integral hunting and utility knife, forged from a single piece of steel. The blade and handle are one continuous piece, similar in concept to a butter knife, but engineered for serious work. There are no handle scales fitted during class, and we do not drill or prepare the tang for wooden handles on the day. The focus is on learning to move hot steel, shape a clean profile, forge in the integral features and complete a fully functional working knife.

Typical specifications (these can vary slightly from student to student):

• Overall style: Forged integral hunting / utility knife
• Steel: Medium to high carbon spring steel, suitable for a tough, hard-use blade
• Blade length: Approximately 100 mm
• Overall length: Approximately 230 mm
• Blade shape: Drop point style with a straight or very slightly curved cutting edge
• Spine thickness: Robust at the spine near the handle, tapering towards the tip
• Grind: Flat primary bevel, taken thin enough for real cutting performance
• Edge: Heat treated and sharpened in class so you leave with a ready-to-use knife
• Finish: Clean, working finish on the bevels and spine, with forge texture often retained in selected areas for character
• Handle section: Integral handle forged as part of the blade, with forged-in transitions and shaping for a secure, comfortable grip without a fitted wooden handle
  

This knife is designed as a practical, hard-working tool. It is ideal as a small hunting or camp knife, a utility blade in the workshop, or as a proud reminder of your first day at the anvil. Each student follows the same pattern, but every knife carries the personal touch, hammer marks and decisions of the maker who forged it.

Not at all!

Our Bladesmithing Experience is designed for complete beginners. Whether you’ve never held a hammer before or you’re already curious about the craft, our masters will guide you every step of the way. From raw steel to your finished blade, you’ll be in expert hands throughout the entire process.

Absolutely - that’s the whole point!

At the end of the experience, you’ll walk away with your very own handcrafted blade. We make sure no knife leaves the forge until it’s sharp enough to shave arm hair! It’s not just a memento - it’s a badge of pride and proof of what you’ve achieved in a single day.

Come dressed for action!

We recommend comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit smoky or dirty. Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety. Avoid synthetic fabrics if possible, as natural fibers are safer around heat and sparks. Safety gear is provided, but if you have your own, feel free to bring it along!

We typically host around 20 participants and 6 instructors per class, which allows us to give you plenty of personal attention while keeping the forge atmosphere lively and social.

For private or corporate groups, we can accommodate up to 23 people. If you’re interested in a custom experience, just reach out - we’d love to craft something special for you.

100%, yes - and it’s one of our most popular gifts!

Our online vouchers let you give the experience of forging fire into steel. The recipient simply selects from our scheduled class dates to lock in their adventure.

Pro tip: No wrapping paper needed. The memory of crafting their own blade will last far longer than any gift box!

Send a gift voucher - redeemable for any available class date

Yes! We provide a traditional South African lunch around 11 AM, including:

🥩 Beef Boerewors
🥣 Pap (maize meal)
🍅 Tomato and onion sauce
☕ Coffee, tea, and Oros (South African fruit drink) available all day

Please note, we only cater with beef boerewors. If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, feel free to bring your own meals and refreshments - we’ll make sure you have access to the necessary facilities.

Hidden in the heart of the Crocodile River Reserve, in Lanseria, 45 minutes from both Johannesburg or Pretoria, Black Dragon Forge is more than a destination - it's a journey.

You’ll drive the final 7.5 km through protected wilderness, down a winding dirt road with a 40km/h limit - a fitting lead-in to the raw, grounded experience that awaits.

This isn’t a city workshop. This is the real deal! The setting is quiet and surrounded by nature - the perfect environment to focus, create, and connect.

Download Printable Map (PDF Format)

Yes - our classes are open to anyone 14 years and older.

Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a legal guardian for the full duration of the class. They will work together as a pair (at the cost for 1 person) to make 1 knife. 

Bladesmithing is a physical activity that requires a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll be standing, hammering, and working with tools throughout the day.

If you have any doubts about your physical ability, we recommend you call us in advance at 083 451 3105 to discuss. Please note: discovering on the day that you're unable to complete the class will not be grounds for a refund.

We provide all essential protective equipment, including:

- Safety glasses (must be worn at all times)
- Leather apron
- Leather gloves

Please wear non-flammable clothing and sturdy leather shoes or safety boots. No shorts or open shoes (“plakkies”) are allowed in the forge. And no alcohol is permitted on the premises.

Please be sure of your availability before booking, as all bookings are final.

Cancellations or rescheduling are not permitted, and the full class fee is forfeited if you cancel.

In the rare event that we need to cancel a class, you will receive a full refund of your class fee. However, we cannot cover any additional travel or accommodation costs.

For safety and space reasons, only booked participants and required legal guardians (for minors) are allowed in the forge area.

Don't know where to stay? Click the button below for a list of nearby accommodation options for visitors attending classes and events at Black Dragon Forge.

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