Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/847291
16 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. SSAA NSW Goulburn Branch President speaks out The knifemaking art on show Find out what makes a premium blade When SSAA NSW Goulburn Branch President Ken Kenchington spoke to local newspaper The Goulburn Post to publicise the Branch's Try Shooting Day in May, reporter Mariam Koslay clearly asked him some tough questions. We thought Ken's considered and balanced response to perception of fi rearm risk was so well put that we posted the item on our website and Facebook pages. The social media response was immediate and strong, reaching a record number of people and attracting numerous likes, reposts and comments. Well said, Ken! Would your hunting knife sever a piece of 25 millimetre rope in a single pass? Or still be able to shave after cutting through two planks of wood? Can the blade be bent 90 degrees without breaking? These are standard tests for admission to the American Bladesmith Society, and you can check out – or buy – many custom-crafted knives that meet these requirements at the 2017 Sydney Knife Show, to be held at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse from 5 – 6 August. The expo, now in its third year, is organised by the Australian Knife Art Association, a not-for-profi t organisation dedicated to showcasing local and international knifemakers, manufacturers and suppliers of the products and services involved with this fascinating, highly skilled and ancient craft. Specialised materials, fi nely judged heat treatments and patiently applied manufacturing techniques in overlaying and bonding are used to create functional works of art that are designed to outperform knives produced by factory processes. The Sydney Knife Show will feature free demonstrations of blacksmithing, knife making and sword fi ghting that will increase your knowledge while impressing you with the expertise involved. Australia has a dynamic community of custom knife-making artisans, from commercial operators to hobbyists, and the Knife Art Association expects around 80 per cent of the projected 150 stalls will be taken by local exhibitors. This is an opportunity to view and buy the best that the craft can offer. Want to know more about the 2017 Sydney Knife Show or The Knife Art Association and its activities? Visit www.sydneyknifeshow.com.au, contact info@sydneyknifeshow.com.au or call Corin Urquhart (CorinU@Gameco.com.au) on 0415 245 405 or Keith Fludder (Keith@Knifemaker.com.au) on 0412 687 868. 'It's the person, not the gun' The Goulburn Post Friday 14 April, 2017