Basic Info:
Im a li’l ‘ol knifemaker based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I started when I did a “Basic course in Bladesmithing” course with Stuart Smith in August of 2009
Since then I have completed:
* March 2016 : The“American Bladesmith Society’s Introduction to Bladesmithing” 2 week course at Heavinforge in Belfast, South Africa by ABS Master Smiths Kevin and Heather Harvey.
* November 2017: The “Puukko Course for experienced knife makers” by ABS JS rated Bladesmith – Stuart Smith.
* March 2024: The “Handles, fittings and sheaths” 1 week course at Heavinforge with ABS Mastersmith Kevin Harvey.
Societies and club Memberships:
American Bladesmith Society rating: Apprentice Smith 2 Jan 2019
South African Bladesmiths Association Member: Jan 2011
Discovery Knife Club member : September 2019
All work is 100% hand made by myself from forging the blades or profiling of stock removal blades, to heat treating, final finishing and leatherwork.
Preferred Steels and Models:
I use simple high carbon steels like 1070, 1075, 5160, 80CrV2.
I enjoy making the smaller Bowies and Hunters, Bird n Trout, Puukko’s and Culinary knives, but do a few other styles and special projects along the way…
Forging:
The Puukko style knives are exclusively forged with a hand hammer and anvil, using a venturi style gas fueled forge.
Heat Treating:
All heat treating is done by myself, starting with triple normalizing the steel after forging, quenching and then double tempering with a freeze cycle. The blades that are full quenched are selectively tempered with an Oxy/Propane torch set up. All blade edges are tested with a brass rod before hand finishing to ensure edge hardness and flexibilty.
Preferred Handle materials:
I use African hardwoods like Leadwood, Wild Olive, Mopane, Tamboti etc as well as some exotic hardwoods like Purple heart and Curly maple..
Instagram: @ewpknives………………………………………………..Facebook: EwP Knives………………………………………..e-Mail: erin@ewpknives.co.za