Jean Wilke was born in 2002 in Pretoria where he still resides today. He started knifemaking at only 14 years old when he encountered Forged in Fire. The color of the steel, the sound of the hammer on the anvil, and the skill of the bladesmiths immediately mesmerized him. Unlike other teenagers, however, this was not merely a passing interest, but a burning passion that grew stronger over time. In 2016, for his 14th birthday, Jean received a special gift from his parents -- a one day smithing course with Dennis Kriel. He was immediately hooked. At 15, he found himself on a two week intensive Introduction to Bladesmithing course at Heavin Forge. Despite having no prior mechanical training or experience, his ascent was nothing short of incredible. By the time he was 18, he had earned a place in the prestigious Knifemakers’ Guild of Southern Africa, all while still navigating his school years. He was the youngest person to ever be welcomed into the Guild. This impressive feat marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career.
On November 30, 2020, Jean took a significant step in his career. After finishing school, he drove to one of his mentors, Mastersmith Neels van den Berg, removed his school blazer, and proclaimed, “I am now a full-time knifemaker!” The very next day, Jean embarked on his journey as a full-time craftsman, immersing himself fully into his passion.
The initial months of Jean's full-time career were challenging. The solitary nature of working alone in his workshop was tougher than he had anticipated, thrusting him into the harsh realities of adulthood. Despite these hurdles, the additional time and focus he invested in his craft led to a noticeable increase in the complexity and detail of his knives.
A turning point came when Jean's family visited Mastersmiths Kevin and Heather Harvey at Heavin Forge. While there to collect a horse Heather had gifted to his brother, Jean’s father casually mentioned the possibility of Jean becoming an apprentice at Heavin Forge. This idea was initially dismissed by Kevin. “A Guild member is nobody’s apprentice!” exclaimed Kevin. The next morning brought an unexpected opportunity. Kevin, having reconsidered, proposed a unique arrangement: Jean could become a part-time intern, spending two weeks at Heavin Forge and two weeks in his own shop each month.
This arrangement led to exponential growth in Jean's skills. His work soon gained recognition and he won two categories at his first KGSA show—an almost unprecedented achievement. His growing reputation also caught the eye of Daniel O’Malley, who began representing Jean's work at BladeGallery.
At Heavin Forge, Jean honed his skills in damascus steel making, deepened his understanding of knife theory, and mastered the art of intricate detailing. The experience at Heavin Forge became a dream come true for the young maker. Notably, at the age of 18, he was invited to assist with the premium ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing course—which was typically restricted to people 18 or older only. Since then, he has become a regular assistant and the “braaimaster” (BBQ master) during the evenings.
Jean also utilized his newfound skills to create a series of his own courses, including a two-day forged knifemaking course and a two-day sheath making course. Many students who trained under Jean have gone on to the more advanced courses at Heavin Forge, further solidifying his role as a prominent educator in the knifemaking community.
In December 2022, Jean expanded his workspace from a 30m² workshop to a 70m² facility. This new space allowed him to invest in additional machinery, including a power hammer, milling machine, and steel lathe, which in turn improved both his production capabilities and his ability to train more students.
One challenge Jean has faced is his inability to test for the ABS Journeyman Smith rating, primarily due to visa issues preventing him from attending Blade Show. Nonetheless, Jean remains determined to overcome this obstacle and aims to participate in Blade Show 2025.
Jean’s passion for knifemaking is profound. He sees it not merely as a profession but as an intrinsic part of his identity. His goals are clear and ambitious: to achieve ABS journeyman and master smith ratings, gain an invitation to the Art Knife Invitational, and ultimately to create knives so masterfully crafted that they will awe future generations of archaeologists.
Jean Wilke’s journey is a testament to dedication, skill, and an unwavering love for the art of knifemaking.
Awards:
- Best Fighting Knife - Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, 2024
- Best Hunting Knife - Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, 2024
- Best Forged Knife - Brooklyn Knife Show, 2023
- Best Hunting Knife - Brooklyn Knife Show, 2023
- Best Culinary Knife - Brooklyn Knife Show, 2023
- Best Forged Knife - Blomfontein Knife Show, 2023
- Runner-up Fighting Knife - Blomfontein Knife Show, 2023
- Runner-up Fixed Blade Work Knife - Blomfontein Knife Show, 2023
- Best General Purpose Knife - Cape Town Knife Show, 2023
- Best Kitchen Knife - Cape Town Knife Show, 2023
- Best Hunting Knife - Cape Town Knife Show, 2023
- Best Hunting Knife - Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, 2022
- Best Hunting Knife - Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, 2021
- Best Fighting Knife - Knifemakers' Guild of Southern Africa, 2021
- Best Fixed Blade Fighter - Cape Knifemakers Guild, 2021
- Best Hunting Knife - Cape Knifemakers Guild, 2021
- Best Working Fixed Blade - Baobab Custom Knife Show, 2021
- Best Working Fixed Blade - Baobab Custom Knife Show, 2020
- Best Working Fixed Blade - Baobab Custom Knife Show, 2019