THINGS YOU ONLY KNOW IF YOU’RE A...

Knifemaker Adam Parker, 48 Parker Knives Australia Some knives are like snowflakes.

“Damascus steel is two types of steel in alternating layers one on top of the other. One of those steels has nickel in it and the other one doesn’t. When we make a blade out of it we etch it in acid. The steel that doesn’t have the nickel goes a real dark colour, while the other steel stays bright and shiny, and that’s what gives you the pattern within the steel. It looks like a beautiful watery or woodgraintype pattern. You can manipulate the pattern to a certain extent, but no two are the same.”

Pop culture has had a big impact.

“The Lord of the Rings started it: people all of a sudden wanted to make swords and armour. There’s a huge resurgence in kitchen knives – you can thank shows like My Kitchen Rules and Better Homes and Gardens. People are looking at the knives they use and go, ‘Gee, I’d love a good knife.’”

Knifemaking classes are for everyone.

“It’s a real varied audience. I’ve had international people who’ve come in; a man from Dubai and a lady from Sweden. I’ve had jewellers from Sydney come down to learn, I’ve had people in wheelchairs, I’ve had people who are 11 years old, fathers and sons – I’ve even had a hens’ party. They come from all walks of life.”

Handmade isn’t much more expensive.

“You can buy a good Wüsthof knife made in Germany for about $300-$400. I’ll make the same thing and it’ll be around $600-$700. It’s not outrageously over the top and you’ve got a one-off creation that I guarantee will outperform the factory knife. My knives have a full lifetime guarantee. That’s my lifetime – once I’m dead I can’t help you!”

The materials are wild.

“I can get everything from mammoth ivory and dugong tusk for handles to all of the exotic hardwoods from around the world. I’ve got really high tech stainless steel that’s used in the aerospace industry. I’ve used swordfish bill, mother of pearl and black-lipped pearl. The sky’s the limit.”