It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone, but here we are again looking back over the results of our second year running the AKG Melbourne Show.

From all reports a good time was had by all, exhibitors and patrons alike, and not only was it an opportunity to show and sell knives but renew old friendships and make new ones which contributed to the overall enjoyment and success of the weekend.

By definition, the show was comparative to last year’s numbers with 25 exhibitors, 2 suppliers and 1 book stall, although the composition of makers was considerably different as we had many new or returning exhibitors even as some of the more established makers were absent. It was great to have the addition of new ideas and perspectives from these makers although next year it would be fantastic to see both our new and our long-standing members in attendance. As far as sales were concerned, a total of 138 knives were sold which equates to approximately 5.5 knives sold per exhibitor, slightly down on last year’s average of 6 but considering that we only had 336 patrons through the door this is still a good ratio of sales. This shows that we are reaching the appropriately knife-minded, although more patrons would be a better result for all of us. A great deal of cost-cutting was done this year, especially to the advertising, and although the attendance and sales results were similar to last year, we actually made a profit this year instead of a loss.

In years past we have had international collectors attending the show – mainly from the USA – whose trips were partially subsidised by the Guild. It was decided at this year’s AGM that we would again be encouraging visitors from other countries in this manner for next year’s show as it benefits not only the individual maker with the profits from resulting sales but enhances the reputation of Australian knifemakers as a whole. The internet is also a great tool for promoting ourselves as well, with our new Guild website soon to be up and running. Thanks to Dean Johnson for offering to keep his eye on as many knife-minded forums as he can find.

One very popular addition to the show was the DVD and video demonstrations which we had running in the background for people to watch, and the feedback we received suggested that not only the patrons but also the makers were taking plenty of notes! A big thanks to Col Barn who supplied the discs and tapes for this, they were a huge success. Also we added door prizes this year, simple books on knife-related subjects that were drawn every couple of hours and seemed to provide a great deal of enjoyment for those lucky enough to win. A small cost to the Guild, but a positive reward in good publicity. Thanks to Peter Moncrieff for a good supply of books!

Speaking of tickets, the annual raffle was again a success, and thanks should go out to all those who did such a good job in selling tickets. Dave Myhill was the lucky winner of the Peter Bald folder, and considering that he sells probably the largest amount of tickets out of us all he is a very worthy winner. Anyone wanting to sell tickets for next year’s raffle for the superb Peter Del Raso hunter needs to get in touch with us and we’ll post them out. Legally we’re not allowed to send out raffle tickets without them being requested first.

We must take time to mention the fantastic job done by our volunteers who gave up their own ime to sit at the door table and admit patrons. This is greatly appreciated and goes a very long way to helping us reduce show costs. Thanks again all of you! It was also good to see Stewart Townsend back again after his unfortunate illness last year, along with his wife Linda who was one of our highly appreciated front door volunteers. It has become a popular tradition for the attending wives and partners of knifemakers to head off to the Victoria Market for some retail therapy with whatever money their knife-selling hubby has just made, and this year was no exception to the rule. We did, however, consider an intervention for Brenda Bidgood who has agreed to attend at least one meeting with Handbagaholics Anonymous. We also expect to seesome photos next year of Lee Hannan’s new drapes, although we would prefer not to see any photos at all of her present to hubby Mal.

Last but absolutely not least, congratulations to Jason and Carene Cutter who are expecting a little knifemaker-in-training of their own this October, we sure hope to see the three of you at the show next year!

At the judging of awards this year we were delighted to have first-time exhibitor Dean Johnson win est Folder, although we were nowhere near as delighted as he was! As always, we encourage everyone to have a go at putting their knives up for judging in the appropriate category for variety if nothing else. For example, the Best Utility category was completely under-represented this year with only one knife entered and although Peter Del Raso’s knife was a worthy winner he could
have done with some competition. This category is tailor-made for the probationary makers with the knife price limited to $200 so don’t be shy, get one ready for next year and have a go.

The winners of this year’s awards are as follows:
    Art Knife        Maurie McCarthy
    Small Game   David Brodziak
    Forged          Ally Bastian
    Hunter          Peter Del Raso
    Fixed Blade   Peter Del Raso
    Kitchen         Keith Fludder
    Damascus     Shawn McIntyre
    Tactical         Peter Del Raso
    Utility            Peter Del Raso
    Folder          Dean Johnson

Congratulations to you all, it’s great to see such fine examples of the talent amongst the Guild. As unpleasant as it is, we must make mention of the fact that there was one knife that was stolen rom a member’s table this year. It’s not that we like to highlight the negative, rather we would prefer to make a point of reminding everyone to keep an eye on their table and if you’re on your own just ask the person next to you to keep their eye out if you have to take a walk.

At closing time on Sunday afternoon we did have a rather unusual yet entertaining visitor. Michele White is Australia’s only female sword swallower and she gave us a small sample of her routine which was enough for us to book her on the spot for next year’s show. She will be doing two theatrical performances for us on the Saturday next year so don’t miss it, this is entertainment at its mind-boggling best.

In closing, we would like to highlight an amazing achievement by Karim Haddad, who didn’t sell any knives but he did sign up thirty Victorians who are willing to travel to the ACT to participate in his knifemaking class and pay for the privelege. It’s fantastic to see that there are dedicated teachers and students willing to go to this amount of trouble in the pursuit of knifemaking. Good on you, Karim, your initiative and great ideas are keeping the knifemaking future bright.

Adam & Terri.