Australia Knife : A Rich Tradition Of Handcrafted Tools

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Australian knife making has a long and rich history dating back to the early colonial period. Some of the earliest settlers brought knife making skills with them from Britain and Ireland. These early blades were often fashioned from scrap metal and designed primarily for tasks like clearing land, hunting and general purpose work. Through experimentation and necessity, a distinctive Australia Knife  tradition emerged. By the late 1800s, there were several small knife shops producing utilitarian knives suited for the harsh Australian environment and lifestyle.

Popular Blade Styles

Over time, certain blade styles became particularly popular among bushmen, explorers and laborers. The stockman's knife had a curved blade tapering to a strong point, ideal for intricate tasks like harness repair, clerical duties or basic medical procedures. The bushman's bowie knife featured a crossguard, clipped point and wide blade for chopping and splitting wood. However, the most iconic was the Australian bush knife or 'bushie.' With a straight 10-12 inch blade and robust handle, it proved versatile for everything from ...
... preparing meals to basic carpentry and leatherworking.

Rise Of Local Knife Makers

In the early 20th century, a number of renowned knife makers established workshops across the country. Notable names included John Kingston in Western Australia, Bob Burnside in New South Wales and Colleen McColl in Victoria. They advanced designs while maintaining traditional craftsmanship using local hardwoods like Tasmanian oak, spotted gum and Australian ironbark. Blades were often hand-forged from scrap ship boiler plate or mild steel rod. Popular handles incorporated kangaroo, possum or echidna hides plus bone, brass and nickel silver fittings.

Post-War Boom And Decline

Following World War II, there was increased interest in bushcraft and pioneer skills. This stimulated further knife specialization with makers producing hunting, skinning and fillet knives. The 1960s-70s saw the peak of Australian custom knifemaking. However, mass production of cheaper overseas blades along with diminished frontier living led to a slow  decline. By the 1980s, just a handful of aging master knifemakers remained active. Their classic patterns were in danger of being lost.

Revival Of Traditional Craft

Fortunately in recent decades, there has been a revival driven by bushcraft and heritage enthusiasts. Younger knifemakers studied under the few remaining masters to learn traditional skills like stock removal, pattern welding and hand-finishing. Australian Bladesmiths Guild was formed to promote knifecraft. Modern makers like BJ Herridge in Queensland and Tom Markwell in Victoria fuse classic styles with innovative designs and advanced steels. Major knife shows feature their works as well as demonstrations on forging, heat treating and handle construction.

Australia Knife  And Collecting Australian Knives

Demand has expanded beyond working knives to include high-end collectibles. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for production pieces up to several thousand for limited edition custom works. Major collectors pursue rare examples from notable early 20th century masters. Knives also adorn museums and sell well at regional agricultural shows celebrating rural heritage. Overseas recognition grows with exports to Europe, America and Asia. While mass production overseas dominates general cutlery sales, custom Australian knife making endures as a respected craft tradition symbolizing the pioneering spirit of the bush.

Get more insights on this topic: https://uconnect.ae/read-blog/102017

Author Bio:

Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it