{"product_id":"6-152mm-chefs-knife-by-donovan-moolman","title":"6\" \/ 152mm Chef's Knife by Donovan Moolman","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHunting Knife by Donovan Moolman\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade: 1070 carbon steel with an edge quench and etched finish\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 152mm \/ 6\" \u003cbr\u003eOAL: 270mm\u003cbr\u003eHandle: OD green G10 handle scales with brass pins\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"217\" data-start=\"176\"\u003eWho is Donovan Moolman?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-top: 6px; margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; float: left;\" alt=\"Donovan James Moolman with a red beard and glasses wearing a black Black Dragon Forge t-shirt with a graphic design against a dark background\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0788\/7444\/4055\/files\/Donovan_James_Moolman_240x240.jpg?v=1770353295\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Germiston, South Africa, Donovan James Moolman is the maker behind \u003cstrong\u003eDonovan Moolman Custom Knives, also known as That Oaks Knives\u003c\/strong\u003e. His journey into the world of bladesmithing began with a simple road trip to Belfast. Curious and looking for something new, Donovan discovered Heavin Forge online, made a call, and found himself speaking directly to Kevin Harvey. That spontaneous visit sparked a lasting passion for knifemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Donovan comes from no prior background in crafts or trades, since December 2021, he has immersed himself fully in the \u003cstrong\u003eworld of hand-forged knives\u003c\/strong\u003e. His work doesn’t follow a singular signature style but instead reflects influences from admired makers and his own developing vision. Whether it’s the bold lines of a Bowie or the utility of a 4-inch veld knife, Donovan’s blades are crafted with \u003cstrong\u003ethoughtful precision\u003c\/strong\u003e and practical use in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonovan works with 5160 for tough, plain carbon blades, 1085 when a hamon is desired, and Damascus for more visually striking projects. His process is straightforward yet refined - starting with design and material selection, moving through forging, pre-grinding, and heat treating, followed by a detailed sequence of fitting and final sanding that ensures every piece is finished to a high standard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of Donovan’s \u003cstrong\u003eforging is done by hand\u003c\/strong\u003e with the help of a power hammer, staying true to traditional techniques. Among his proudest creations is the Bowie knife he completed during the two-week ABS course at Heavin Forge - a benchmark piece that solidified his commitment to the craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe draws inspiration from \u003cstrong\u003efunction and culture\u003c\/strong\u003e, aspiring to create knives that resonate emotionally with their owners. “I hope that when a client picks up one of my knives, there’s a connection - a ‘I need this knife’ feeling,” he says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonovan credits Kevin and Heather Harvey as major influences in his development as a maker. Though he isn’t formally part of any organizations yet, he’s already received recognition:\u003cstrong\u003e two awards at his first-ever knife show (Brooklyn 2021) as a novice maker.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Donovan, the greatest joy comes from \u003cstrong\u003ecreating something functional and beautiful\u003c\/strong\u003e - pieces that are not only used but cherished, and perhaps even passed on to future generations. Each knife he makes reflects his \u003cstrong\u003eabsolute best effort\u003c\/strong\u003e, with no corners cut, and no detail overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3407\" data-start=\"3118\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3140\" data-start=\"3118\"\u003eFollow or contact:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3207\" data-start=\"3204\"\u003e📧 Email: thatoaksknives@gmail.com\u003cbr data-end=\"3240\" data-start=\"3237\"\u003e📸 Instagram: @that_oaks_knives\u003cbr data-end=\"3382\" data-start=\"3379\"\u003e📱 Phone: +27 82 065 1197\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Donovan Moolman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52927636046103,"sku":null,"price":2000.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0788\/7444\/4055\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-04-25at15.55.27_2.jpg?v=1777442759","url":"https:\/\/www.blackdragonforge.com\/products\/6-152mm-chefs-knife-by-donovan-moolman","provider":"Black Dragon Forge","version":"1.0","type":"link"}