Dirk Theron | Dirk Theron Bladesmith

Basic Introduction
“After a lifelong interest and love for knives, i pursued the craft behind them and found a passion for the process as much as the end result. Everything from the creative aspect of design to the intricate calculations of bringing them to life and the physical power behind manipulating the elements, bladesmithing has entirely gripped me. I most enjoy challenging myself to create more complex pieces with each new project and have a particular passion for creating my own Damascus. With time, I hope to continue to reach new heights within this field, absorb as much knowledge as possible from all the talented bladesmiths out there, and achieve true mastery of this craft.”

Favourite Steel
“Any combination of quality steels that can help bring a design to life in a functional and artistic way. My go-to steels are 1070 & 1095 high-carbon steels in conjunction with 15n20 to create a robust, reliable, and proven blend of steel where the craftmanship can be appreciated.”

Favourite Handle Materials
“African Blackwood, Snakebean, other natural hardwoods, Damascus embellishments, and any heirloom-quality materials that can help realize a knife that can be a lifelong companion in use or collection.”

Signature product
None Submitted

Technical
“After practicing and experimenting with salvaged steels and materials at the beginning of my journey as a smith I have come to find that they are not reliable enough to warrant spending hours and days just to have small imperfections deem it unusable. Every client can be assured the steel is always obtained from reputable suppliers to ensure quality control throughout. Above that I frequently execute torture tests to ensure my steel and subsequent blades are of the highest quality i can produce. Overbuilt never fails.”

The future
“Continuing the journey to become a mastersmith not only in South Africa but internationally. I’d like to grow my brand as well as my skillset, platform, and portfolio to join the likes of South Africa’s internationally renowned smiths such as Neels van den Berg, Henning Wilkinson, and Stuart Smith.”

Awards
•The Cape knife Club show – Best EDC/ Utility Knife (26 March 2022)
•The Cape knife Club show – Best Hunting Knife (26 March 2022)
•The Cape knife Club show – Best Kitchen Knife (29 October 2022)
•The Cape knife Club show – Best Hunting Knife (29 October 2022)
•The Cape knife Club Annual Competition – 1st Place – Wolhuter “Lion” Knife (19 November 2022)