About Us

Blacksmiths and creatives based in Somerset West and Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa.

Hamerkop specializes in creating bespoke high-carbon kitchen knives that we tailor to meet the needs of individual clients.

We also create a host of unique upcycled items.  Watch this space for new products. 

Hamerkop was started by self-taught blacksmith Francois van Heerden in 2019 while working as a brewer in the Free State. In 2021, Francois’ then girlfriend Ruda (now wife) joined the business, working behind the scenes on the carpentry side of things, as well as taking care of the admin. 

When we are not doing creative work, you'll find us outside, where we both work as Nature Guides. We also run a guiding company - Salt and Soil!  

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