Mini Salamander #148

Bastian, Alistair

"From my workshop in Mount Gambier, South Australia, I researched far and wide in an attempt to find all I could on past and modern knife making techniques, quickly developing my own unique style. Within a few years I had developed my own distinct designs with folding knives including images and high relief carving of Australian fauna and flora, winning my first award in 2003 at the Melbourne Australian Knife Makers Guild Show. Since then I have come away with numerous awards throughout Australian knife shows achieving recognition here and overseas. In 2002 I began branching into forging my own carbon steel and Damascus blades and with the help of a fellow knife maker, Shawn McIntyre, I have honed my skills in Mosaic Damascus. Through the use of an old power hammer and the gas forge I built myself, I started to create my own style of Damascus containing distinctive pattern welded steel. In 2004, I worked along side Mike Peterson to create Japanese Mokume utilizing copper and iron. This lead to the fabrication of bowls and other traditional Japanese pieces, although knife making has remained my passion. In 2003 I became a member of the Australian Knife makers Guild and in 2006 was elected the South Australian representative of the Guild."