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Van Zyl, De Wet

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De Wet van Zyl

De Wet van Zyl is a bladesmith based in Durban, South Africa. De Wet's career began in 2005, when he spent two years apprenticing with Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey at Heavin Forge in Belfast, Mpumalanga. This apprenticeship allowed him to hone his skills to a high level. Upon finishing his apprenticeship, he became a full time bladesmith in 2007. In April 2009, De Wet launched his company, Darkwing Blades and his high-quality craftsmanship quickly caught the eye of his fellow knifemakers.

Van Zyl has won numerous awards over the years:

  • 2022: "Best Culinary Knife" at the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa Show
  • 2021: "Best Culinary Knife", "Finest Own Damascus", "Best Set", and "Best Overall Maker" at the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa Show
  • 2019: "Best Culinary Knife" and "Nick Grabe Trophy – Best New Knifemaker" at the Knifemakers Guild of Southern Africa Show
  • 2011: “Best Boot Dagger” and “Best Art Fixed Blade” at the Durban Easter Knife Show
  • 2010 “Best Fighter” and “Best Dagger” awards at the Durban Easter Knife Show
  • 2008: De Wet was honored with three awards at the Durban Easter Knife Show for his knives

He has been named as a “Maker to Watch” by Blade Magazine.

De Wet creates a wide range of work, from Bowie knives, daggers, and throwing knives, to war hammers and chainmail. He’s also made a Persian khanjar, a wakizashi sword, belt buckle knives, and even a Nepalese khukri. Most recently, he has been focusing on high-performance Japanese-inspired kitchen knives, hand forged from his own damascus or san mai. His ability to take on such a wide range of work shows his exceptional dedication to bladesmithing. His knives are enjoyed by customers all over the world. He also offers bladesmithing courses, sharing his knowledge and skills with aspiring craftsmen.

De Wet van Zyl is extremely passionate about his craft as shown by the numerous awards he has gained. His knives are designed to be used, though they could easily be at the very center of any serious knife collection. Every knife he makes is designed to last a lifetime and can be passed on to the next generation.
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