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Handmade knives in Australia
Knife-making in Australia is at an all-time high – there have never been more artisanal bladesmiths available than today. Every year, the Sydney Knife Show attracts hundreds of vendors and attendees. It even spawned two other conventions dedicated to knife art in different parts of the country: the Queensland Knife Show and Perth Knife Show.
What are Australian knives made of?
Australian artisanal knives are made out of steel, although what exact type depends on the desired sharpness, toughness, and hardness of the blade. Some knives may even be made out of multiple types of steel or steel alloys.
One of the most requested materials is Damascus steel, a special type of steel that is used to create ornate blades and extremely sharp edges. Damascus steel is perfect for precision cutting, most commonly seen in the preparation of sashimi.
Handmade kitchen knives vs commercially-produced blades
Standard kitchen knives that you can find at the store or online are perfectly fine for most purposes. You can still slice, dice, or cut with ease. But if you want something more durable, more precise, and more comfortable to use, then upgrading to a bespoke knife is a no-brainer.
The major difference between a bespoke knife and one that is mass-produced is that the latter are made using moulds and machines. On the other hand, a custom knife by an artisanal knife maker is painstakingly and lovingly crafted by hand. They spend years perfecting each stage of the knife-making process to create a product that is tough, sharp, and long-lasting.
Benefits of using a handmade knife
Strength
Handmade knives go through a forging process which reduces the brittleness of the blade. Plus, they’re usually made from a single piece of metal, which makes it less likely to break or crack during use.
Longevity
For maximum durability, you can’t go wrong with an artisanal knife. Handmade knives last for years and sometimes even decades if you take care of it properly. Because of the rigorous knife-making process, custom knives keep their shape and strength even with extremely heavy use.
Sharpness
A sharp blade is safer and easier to use than a dull one. Handmade knives are known to be sharper than their commercially-produced alternatives because of the hard carbon-heavy material that they’re made of. They’re also much easier to sharpen using a whetstone than a regular knife.
Value for money
Although artisanal knives are much more expensive than a cheap factory-made knife, it’s considered a good investment because you won’t need to replace it any time soon. Instead of spending a few bucks on a knife that will last you a few months to a year, you should spend a little more to get a knife that will last you a lifetime.
Australian vs Japanese blades
Japanese knives are highly valued around the world for their incredible craftsmanship and unparalleled cutting performance. However, Australian blades may also be made using the same process, so you get similar if not the same quality. Plus, if you buy from an Australian knife-maker, you support local crafters!
The cost of a high-quality handmade knife
The price of a good artisanal knife in Australia can come as a shock – a custom knife can cost anywhere from $200 to $2000+. You are paying for quality, performance, and precision. A good knife-maker spends days perfecting your knife so that it aligns with your specifications and performs just a well as it’s supposed to.
How are custom knives in Australia made?
Artisanal knives are made through a gruelling and meticulous process. It starts with either shaping the knife from a piece of steel or forging it the old-fashioned way (with tongs, an anvil, and a furnace). Then, the steel is placed through a belt grinder for several hours.
Once the knife is ready, it is carefully inspected, weighed, and measured multiple times to ensure that everything is perfect. Then, it is treated at a precise temperature to keep it tough yet flexible.
The top bladesmiths for custom chef knives in Australia
Oatley Knives
How to buy an Oatley knife: Visit the website for their available knives, or contact them for a custom order
Mert Tansu Knives
How to buy a Mert Tansu knife: Visit the website or email tansuknives@yahoo.com.
Check out Mert Tansu Knives here.
Tristone Blades
How to buy a Tristone Blades knife: Email chadd@tristoneblades.com.
Check out Tristone Blades here.
Metal Monkey Knives
How to buy a Metal Monkey knife: Contact them through their Facebook page.
Check out Metal Monkey Knives here.
Tharwa Valley Forge
How to buy a Tharwa Valley Forge knife: Sign up for the waiting list or join a knife-making course to craft your own.
Check out Tharwa Valley Forge here.
Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, you’ll love the comfort, precision, and performance of a custom blade. Check out these Australian artisanal knife makers, and you’re sure to find a kitchen knife that will serve you for a very long time.
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