Owen Louw | Apprentice Bladesmith
Owen Louw | Apprentice Bladesmith
From the small community of Lanseria, South Africa, Owen Louw is emerging as one of the most promising young bladesmiths in the local craft scene. At just 15 years old, Owen brings a rare mix of energy, curiosity, and commitment to his knives - each one forged by hand and driven by a passion that began with a single class at Black Dragon Forge.
Originally exploring carpentry, Owen found his true calling after attending a knife-making workshop with master bladesmith Neels van den Berg. What started as a fun experience quickly ignited into a full-fledged passion. Since October 2024, he’s been forging his path, quite literally, one blade at a time.
Owen prefers 5160 high carbon steel for its strength and versatility. His process begins with forging, followed by grain normalization, grinding, hardening, polishing, and finishing with hand-made handles - often using local materials like wild olive wood. His work is a blend of traditional method and learning-in-action, supported by tools like a belt grinder and his trusted baby grinder.
One of his proudest achievements so far is a chef’s knife he sold, built from 5160 steel and finished with a wild olive handle - a piece that captured both craftsmanship and utility. He credits both Neels van den Berg and Shawn Softley as key mentors, helping guide him as he navigates the challenges and excitement of the craft.
As an apprentice at Black Dragon Forge, Owen is not just building knives - he’s building a future. He sees every mistake as a lesson, and every project as an opportunity to improve. His work embodies patience, determination, and a clear love for making something meaningful with his own two hands.
For collectors, what sets Owen apart is more than his skill - it’s his story. Each knife is a testament to hand-forged dedication from a maker still in his teens, proving that age has nothing to do with impact when passion leads the way.
Follow or contact:
📞 WhatsApp: 084 060 2198
📘 Facebook: Owen Louw
