In an age of mass production and digital everything, a dedicated community of South African artisans is keeping one of humanity’s oldest crafts alive—forging blades entirely by hand.
The Cape Knife Show, taking place in the Tygervalley Arena on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, offers visitors a chance to witness this fascinating blend of ancient technique and modern creativity, where each piece takes weeks to complete and no two are ever identical.
The Cape Knife Club, established in 1991, began with just a handful of enthusiasts sharing tips and techniques. Today, it’s evolved into a thriving community spanning weekend hobbyists to full-time craftspeople, all united by their passion for transforming raw steel into functional art.
From steel to statement piece
What makes these knives special isn’t just their functionality—it’s the personal touch that goes into every piece. Each blade reflects its maker’s individual style and technique, with prices ranging from R600 for beginner works to R20 000 for masterpieces that have taken months to perfect.
The show features 45 makers displaying their latest creations alongside suppliers offering everything needed for aspiring knife makers to try their hand at the craft. It’s become something of a gateway for people seeking a tangible, hands-on hobby in our increasingly digital world.
Television sparks real-world interest
The surge in popularity of programmes like Forged in Fire has introduced blade making to entirely new audiences, with many discovering they’re drawn to the meditative, problem-solving nature of the craft. The Cape Knife Club has responded by offering monthly meetings and hands-on demonstrations for newcomers.
Entry costs just R50 and includes automatic entry to win a R3 000 handcrafted folder by Andre Viviers. An additional R50 secures a chance to win the premium Xyro folder worth approximately R8 500, featuring specialist M390 steel and titanium construction.
The Cape Knife Show runs Saturday 25 October from 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 26 October from 09:00-15:00 at Tygervalley Arena.
