Thanks to all who made the first Canberra Custom Knife Show such a success. Thanks especially to the makers who took a risk on a new show and brought the craft to a new group of potential customers. We had nineteen tables, with a good proportion of probationary members.

Over 320 visitors came through on the Saturday to see a wide range of high quality knives from makers from all over Australia. Feedback from a number of visitors said that their expectations were well and truly exceeded and couldn't wait for next year. Thirty four knives were sold on the day, with a number of orders made as well. We expect this number to increase as the show gets established and the Canberra clients get into collecting. One comment overheard "Can we buy these?". So some education is needed before next show.

The venue at the Embassy Motel was a good central location in Canberra, with lots of parking and the catering was great. The room was big enough, but seemed quite busy most of the day. There was room for a few more tables, next year we will aim for a maximum of 24 tables.

The winners of the awards were:
Art Knife – Maurie McCarthy
Folder – Maurie McCarthy
Small Game – Thomas Gerner
Forged Blade – Thomas Gerner
Utility – Mal Hannan
Hunter – Adam Fromholtz
Fixed Blade – Keith Fludder
Kitchen – Thomas Gerner
Damascus – Keith Fludder
Tactical – Geoff Peck

The Workshop day on Sunday was designed as a professional development day for knifemakers. Twenty two makers and enthusiasts came to the Tharwa Valley Forge, including six probationary members and some associate members from the Guild. There were a number of demonstrations and hands on sharing throughout the day.

Master Bladesmith Thomas Gerner from WA guided a dozen makers through forging a blade. Doug Timbs from QLD, gave a fascinating demonstration on inlaying leather sheaths using exotic leathers like sting ray skin, barramundi leather, crocodile and ostrich. It was great to hear the breadth of knowledge on wood and treatments from Eugene Dimitriadis from Xylo-Australis. Adam Fromholtz showed how to make eye-catching mosaic pins to embellish handles. Maurie McCarthy demonstrated how to easily get that hollow grind on the blade.

Was was great to see was the interactions and sharing between people during the long breaks. Lots was learn, new inspirations and enthusiasm developed and some good friendships forged. It is a shame we can't do this more often due to being spread out across the country. Hopefully other workshops will spin out from this trial.

Next year's show will again be on the first weekend in February - Show on the 2nd and the workshop on the 3rd.

Thanks again for your support, and we hope to see more of you next year.

Karim