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Australian Blade Ed 3 Dec 2017

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Welcome to the third edition of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Blade</strong> and the last for <strong>2017</strong>.<br />

This year’s been a busy one in the <strong>Australian</strong> knife community. For the first time, the American<br />

<strong>Blade</strong>smith Society held an introduction course over two weeks at Eveleigh Works in Redfern, Sydney.<br />

We’ve seen some outstanding knife shows held in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and one is about to be<br />

held in Canberra. In regional locations, handmade <strong>Australian</strong> knives are exhibited at local agricultural<br />

shows and markets. Right across the country, knifemakers and knife aficionados gather informally to<br />

hold our own private workshops and exhibitions, accompanied by backyard cooking and ice cold<br />

beverages. <strong>Blade</strong>s, Beer, Bundy and Bar-B-Ques - Living the Dream!<br />

But despite the distances that divide us, we are a united lot for several reasons. One factor that binds<br />

us is the willingness of members of the <strong>Australian</strong> knife community to chip in and help one another. I<br />

choose the term “<strong>Australian</strong> knife community” deliberately to include not only knife makers, but<br />

knife aficionados and others who willingly contribute, assist and support knifemakers in our fields of<br />

endeavor. We have world class makers like Steve Filicietti, Peter Del Raso, Bruce Barnett and Keith<br />

Fludder all assisting us lessor mortals with advice and techniques. Aficionado and collector Andrew<br />

Smith works behind the scenes assisting makers and at the Sydney Knife Show. Michael Masion,<br />

another aficionado and collector publishes <strong>Australian</strong> Knife and found it within his heart to provide<br />

all the Adelaide show photos for this issue of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Blade</strong>! Such willingness to help and share<br />

demonstrates just how healthy our <strong>Australian</strong> knife community is and bodes well for our future. Last<br />

and by no means least and as Peter Del Raso acknowledges in his article, there are some supportive<br />

and understanding the knife widows out there.<br />

So to all these folks – thank you! Your contributions are noted and you are valued!<br />

I'm very pleased to advise that ABS Master Smith and 17th Generation Yoshimoto <strong>Blade</strong>smith, Mr<br />

Murray Carter accepted an invitation to write an article exclusively for this edition of <strong>Australian</strong><br />

<strong>Blade</strong>. Mr Carter is well known and respected at an international level and would have to be one of a<br />

handful of authorities on Japanese bladesmithing, outside of Japan.<br />

This issue covers the Adelaide Knife Show, which for the<br />

past 25 years has been hosted by Peter and Maxine Bald.<br />

That must be some sort of record and is a very fine<br />

achievement!<br />

The last edition of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Blade</strong> fare-welled Perth<br />

bladesmith Jack O'Brien. That edition also featured a<br />

marlin handled Bowie by Joseph Bethune (pictured<br />

right) protégé of <strong>Australian</strong> knifemaking pioneer,<br />

George Lee Sye. We understand that since the last<br />

edition, Joseph has crossed Bifröst and now joins Jack<br />

and George. Our sincere condolences to Joe's family and<br />

friends.<br />

Hammer fast, grind hard!<br />

Chris Harriss

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