Australian Blade Ed 3 Dec 2017

Queensland Metal Artisan's Collective
Going to the dark side…
Note - Sometimes all it takes is for something to
QMAC
catch your eye and your interest to bring on a journey.
Some journeys take place in a Maserati, and others in a
horse and cart. But sooner or later, those that are
predisposed to the unfortunate obsession with knives either
spend a fortune collecting them, or they spend the
equivalent on the elusive art of making them.
Since the formation of QMAC almost a year ago, I have become aware that all of our members have a
story. It’s clear that although years may pass, the passion for the craft may subside to a single coal, the
right circumstances can bring it raging back in a surprisingly short time.
Dion’s story: A knifemaker re-booted
The second knife I forged, first attempt at chef’s knife (I’m not showing anyone the first!!!) 5160 – done
about 8 months ago, still busy polishing.
A long, long time ago (about 31 years to be a little more specific) , in a galaxy, or at least a continent,
country and culture far, far away (Zimbabwe to be precise) while going through some significant
adjustments in his life, a young man came across the path of three guys at a local agricultural show who
made knives. Life was about to change for the better!
Unable to secure employment after leaving school, having moved to a new city and exceedingly short
of friends this meeting was life changing. Friendships forged and I started to make knives!!! I
clearly remember, under the mentoring of my mate Steve Wilde (now in Mackay) I learned how
grind, file, heat treat (using a forge made from an old lorry rim), polish, fit handles and brass, make
the odd sheath (all stock removal). Life was good! But, things were about to change.
Between a car accident which injured Steve’s shoulder leading him to close his knifemaking business,
me getting gainful employment (as a trainee in the computer division of a bank – which meant shift
work, a 6 day work week and studies) and, most significantly, the entry of a young lady into my life.