Canberra Custom Knife Show

Grnny,

There are some pictures on my website of the kind I make, see http://www.tharwavalleyforge.com/component/option,com_zoom/Itemid,30/catid,2/

or look at the Australian Knifemakers Guild website to see what some of the other makers who are coming do

http://www.akg.org.au/component/option,com_zoom/Itemid,37/

They should give you an idea. Apologies for link – not sure how to insert pictures into the post (or edit the start).

What’s often the best part of a custom knife is the feel. They generally fit you hand alot better than factory ones – which have very squarish handles that assume everyone’s hands are the same. I know I spend a fair bit of effort making it to fit the clients hand – I look at size, are they left or right handed and what they want to use it for. I’ve made quite a few for people with arthritis who need a larger handle to be able to cut things in the kitchen. Knives are a very tactile object, probably part of the appeal.

I’m sure you’ll be impressed if you coe along

Oh, well! That’s not too bad for starters. Can you open tins with them?

It would be nice if they had some pictures for this thread. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a custom knife.

Lets see. I cut food (of all sorts, often tomatoes for sandwiches), I cut the label off some new sandals the other day because I couldn’t snap it, friend used it to trim a loose thread from his motorcycle pants. That is all in the last couple of days.

What sort of things do you cut, p1? My mum was given a swiss army knife which was fantastically useful. It’s amazing how often you can need a knife when you don’t have one.

Yup, law is a bit vague in my opinion when it comes to knives. Personally, if ever asked why I am carrying one, (and I almost always am), I will say it is because I sometimes need to cut things. I have no idea how that will go in court, but it will have to do, because it is the truth. I do leave it at home when going to the pub or similar though.

I think it is illegal to carry one around without a reason. Otherwise if you buy a kitchen knife at Woollies you’re breaking the law driving home.

Running around Friday night with a knife in your pocket after a few ales, probably isn’t legal.

Licenses (or permits) are required for prohibited weapons – which will not be on display or for sale at the Show.

I can see the artwork in this, but I do have a question?

I understand it’s illegal to carry them around so if you buy one do you need a licence to transport it home?

I’m sold. See you there.

p1 said :

I’m interested, because I like knives. I am a little concerned that it will be lots of fanciful, dragon and jewel encrusted monstrosities rather then well designed functional knives though…

Pretty much all the knives are designed as “using” knives for sport or kitchen or general purpose knives. There are a few high end art knives, which are more collectable/investment knives. I am sure you won’t be dissapointed if you like well made tools. Most makers coming belong to tv Australian Knifemakers Guild which have very high entry standards.

I’m interested, because I like knives. I am a little concerned that it will be lots of fanciful, dragon and jewel encrusted monstrosities rather then well designed functional knives though…