The team
Owner principal knife maker
Jean Wilke, owner and senior knifemaker at Fire Goby Forge, is driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence. His work is grounded in precision, performance, and purpose-built design—resulting in knives that are not only refined in form, but trusted in use.
With over a decade of experience, Jean has trained under some of the finest craftsmen in the field, developing a skillset that blends traditional techniques with a practical understanding of modern demands. His knives are recognised and valued by clients around the world for their quality, reliability, and attention to detail.
As a leader, Jean is deeply invested in both the craft and the people behind it. He sets a high standard within his team, guiding them to produce world-class work while growing into capable, disciplined makers.
While continually refining his own abilities, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge—mentoring apprentices and teaching students of all ages, from retirees discovering a new passion, to young makers beginning their journey. In doing so, he continues to blaze a trail for others to follow.
Werner Hattingh
Knife maker
Werner Hattingh joined Fire Goby Forge on 8 September 2025 as an apprentice knifemaker with absolutely no prior knifemaking skills or experience. His only background was basic handyman work alongside his father. At the time, his appointment was more of an experiment than a conventional job.
Werner’s first exposure to knifemaking came during Jean’s 2-day Forge Knifemaking Course, where his natural “feel” for the machines, the steel, and the craft quickly became evident. At the time, we did not fully realise what we were witnessing—a young man with more raw talent in one hand than many of his peers possess altogether.
Since then, Werner’s work ethic, natural aptitude, and pure talent has seen him progress rapidly, becoming a junior knifemaker far sooner than we ever expected. The quality of his work already surpasses what one would normally expect from someone of his age and experience.
Werner recently completed a two-week Introduction to Bladesmithing course at Heavin Forge under Mastersmith Kevin Harvey. Once again, the ease with which he passed the demanding final examination was a testament to both his talent and his dedication.
Werner is a true asset to Fire Goby Forge, and any knife purchased from him is a collector’s dream—one that will only increase in value over time.
Johandre de Vries
Apprentice knife maker
A dream once imagined is now becoming reality.
Johandré de Vries, 18, is living his childhood dream of becoming a bladesmith.
After making his first knife in 2023 alongside Oom Gawie and Thinus from Herbst Knifemaking Academy, his passion only grew stronger.
From watching Forged in Fire, to hands-on training with Jean in February 2026, he has fully committed himself to the craft.
On 2 March 2026, he began his apprenticeship at Fire Goby Forge.
A fast learner and a perfectionist, he is already proving to be a valuable part of the team.
A young man's future is being forged, one blade at a time.
