AKC's Books and Multimedia AKC PUBLICATIONS & VIDEO PRODUCTIONS specializing in publications for the knife-minded PO BOX 149 CHIDLOW 6556  WESTERN AUSTRALIA  TEL: (08) 9572 7255    FAX: (08) 9572 7266  EMAIL: akc@knivesaustralia.com.au DVD: Counters to Knife Attacks  by Glenn Waters / Japan DVD: The Damascus Bladesmith DVD: The Beginners Guide  to the Custom-made Knife Japanese Swords and fittings in the WA Museum Damasteel handbook  / Bilgren Edgemaster: 50 Australian Knife  Articles  / Spencer Australian Custom Knifemakers 1991 Spencer's Guide 1 Australasian Custom Knifemakers 2nd Ed (1992) - Spencer's Guide II AKC Personal Edgeware Inventory Booklet DVD: Lynn Abrams World  Of Straight Razor Shaving Other AKC pages: AKC Club Page    AKC's Australian Knifemaking Supplies  AKC Mailorder Knives

 
 
 
 

Australian/New Zealand Edged History     EDGEMASTER, 50 Australian Knife Stories represents a decade of writing by Keith Spencer in his monthly knife column, EDGEMASTER, for the Australian Shooters Journal.  Interested in Aussie knifemakers? Who started the Australian custom knife scene?  Who did what, and where, and when? Knifemaking,  collecting,  using... Real-life stories ~ history in the living $29.95 Aust +  $7 post EDGEMASTER  50 Australian Knife Stories         A selection of published articles from a decade of writing 1988 - 1998  by Keith Spencer More than 150 knifemakers and collectors are referenced in the text with over 270  photographs that have not been previously published.  This extraordinary publication is very much a history of Australian bladeware - custom knifemakers, manufacturers, collectors, places and  events  are all widely covered. Historic and contemporary knifemakers and events are detailed. The fight against anti-knife legislation is outlined.  It took 200 pages,  and  80 000 words to present a range of articles that truly reflect a decade of Australian knife history. Includes chapters on Understanding the Hand-made Knife  by USA writer, Bernard Levine; The George Lee Sye Story (pioneer of Australian custom knifemakers); With Hacksaw and File ( basic knifemaking for beginners); and The All-Aussie Knife - Australian knives, past and present. Spencer's Guide to Australian Custom Knifemakers [1991] The first ever compilation of Australian custom knifemakers. An expose of the fascinating work of a dedicated band of Australian artisans to a generally unenlightened public and those in the world who appreciate the time honoured art of custom knifemaking. An historic publication for knifemakers and collectors $9.95 Aust + $7 post Includes chapters on: New Zealand Bowie Legend by NZ writer/maker, Bill Reddiex; Heritage Knives of Australasia (indigenous and imported bladeware); and Knife Enhancement (featuring special skills associated with knifemaking).     Australasian Custom Knifemakers  [2nd Edition]  ... Spencer's Guide II  An expanded edition with many more Australian makers, including artisans from New Zealand. More knife stories, more pictures, more makers. Contributions by leading overseas knife writers and a complete directory of who's who in Australian custom knifemakers, and where to find them. A historic publication for knifemakers and collectors $19.95 Aust + $7 post or purchase the three as a package  $49.00 (plus $10.00 post)  Now that's a great saving! +  + Ideal for Insurance details & Legislated Record Keeping $6.95 (+ post)   AKC Personal Edgeware Inventory Booklet The AKC Personal Edgeware Inventory booklet of 48 pages, with space for a full description and photo of each item, is specifically designed to record knife collections. Contains room and guidance for all the necessary details for insurance claims and proof of purchases.

 
 
 

Japanese Culture   A must-have book for any reader or collector  with an interest in Japanese blades. The Cool Collection: Major Simon Cool  (1891 - 1961) was born in Doesburg in the Netherlands. He developed his collection of arms and armour from a smaller collection inherited from his Uncle. During the war, the collection was hidden in a secret compartment in the cellar of the Cool's house. Also concealed was a collection of Japanese swords and guns belonging to a Jewish doctor who stayed during the occupation. The doctor later gave his collection to Cool, who subsequently added to it.  In 1956, Major Cool and his wife visited their two sons  who had migrated to Western Australia a few years earlier. They decided to gift their collection to the Western Australian Museum. By May 1960 the collection had been shipped, unpacked and was on display in a gallery in the Perth Museum. In 1971, when the Fremantle Museum opened, a significant part of the Cool Collection was exhibited in the Museum's Sultan Gallery. Japanese Swords and fittings in the Western Australian Museum by George Trotter First published in 1989, this 130 page book  was out of print for several years, then reprinted in 2002 with new information on the more modern bladesmiths, and the correction of a number of textual errors and omissions. Contains clear photographs and extensive text descriptions, including an introduction to Japanese blades, Koshirae, periods of manufacture, swords, table of nengo dates, reading signatures and dates, and photo after photo with complete descriptions. The Western Australian Museum holds an extensive and varied collection of Japanese swords and fittings. The majority of the items came from Major Simon Cool's private collection and from Colonel G.F. Weick's collection from the United Service Institute Museum.  The Author: George Trotter George Trotter is best known in Australia for his studies in the field of Japanese swords. With a major in East Asian history and Japanese from the University of WA, George corresponded for many years with two highly prominent men in the field of Japanese swords, Mr Willis Hawley (USA) and Mr Albert Yamanaka (Japan). George's interest continued to develop.  In 1982, he joined the History Department of the WA Museum and began work on the Arms and Armour Collection held there. Here he was able to access the entire collection of Japanese swords and wrote the catalogue 'Japanese Swords and fittings in the WA Museum.'  Fantastic value at only $24.95 + $7.00 post     DVD:  Glenn Waters, KA’s Our Man in Japan columnist for six years and a world class art-knife custom knifemaker, has produced a special Ju-Jutsu training DVD on another of his great loves – martial arts. Australian-born, Glenn has been living in Japan since 1986 and began learning Ju-Jutsu at six years of age under his father’s strict tutorage. Eric Waters, Shihan 10th Dan, taught Glenn Seki Guchi Ryu Ju-Jutsu. That was 47 years ago and Glenn has now racked up 35 years as a martial arts teacher instructing in his own unique style of Ju-Jutsu. In fact, most aspiring martial artists go to Japan to study the disciplines, but Glenn went there as a martial arts teacher, mainly instructing those above black belt level from many varied styles. COUNTERS TO KNIFE ATTACKS Unlike a lot of gung-ho DVD’s on the market relating to knife fighting, the Waters DVD focuses on credible ways of dealing with an attack by a knife-wielding assailant. Obviously, ‘absence of body’ beats ‘presence of mind’ when confronted by a knife threat, provided ‘flight from the scene’ is a viable option. This martial arts training DVD demonstrates many practical counters to various knife attacks, first at real speed, then when slowed down with commentary and finally with step-by-step photos and explanations.  In Australia it is an offence to carry weapons for self defence. Law-abiding citizens observe the law, but the criminally-minded don’t – that’s why they’re criminals, because they break the law and carry weapons. Every day around this country law abiding folk have to face criminals that are prepared to intimidate, injure and kill to achieve their unlawful objectives.  If your life is on the line, what you can learn in 75-minutes from Counters to Knife Attacks might be enough to enable you to survive when faced with a villain brandishing a knife, brick, iron bar or any other implement they choose to use to threaten you. $49.00 plus $7.00 post in Australia. International postage quoted.

 
 
 

Knifemaking & Bladesmithing   During long hours spent alone at the forge, Myron painstakingly mastered the art (although modestly he says he still has much to learn) of flawlessly blending metals which he hammered into one-of-a-kind knives. How does he do it?  "Lesson number one... do not lose concentration ...ever." Nine basic steps: Preparing the Forge Firing the Forge Forming the Stack Heating the Billet Applying Flux Taking the Weld Drawing Out Making the Fold The Dasmascus Billet The Damascus Bladesmith:  featuring knife-forging specialist Myron Husiak  and interviewed by Keith Spencer An instructional DVD for those interested in spending time with a bladesmith as he demonstrates and discusses the process of forging a damascus blade. Filmed on location in Melbourne, Victoria, the video features Australian knife-forging specialist Myron Husiak, as interviewed by Keith Spencer. Myron Husiak, a foundation member of the Australian Knifemakers Guild and a valued member of the Australasian Knife Collectors Club began forging damascus blades before D.-I.-Y. (do-it -yourself) books on pattern-welded knives were published. Myron had to scrounge snippets of information on the subject, then set about experimenting with this ancient art of bladesmithing that had its origins in the Middle Eastern city of the same name - Damascus.  Myron shares words of bladesmithing wisdom in this truly unique DVD. Running time - 75 mins  Colour  / DVD PAL  $A29.00 + post This production is directed at the aspiring knifemaker who wants to know what knifemaking is about and how to get started.  Collectors of hand-crafted knives will also find The Beginners Guide to the Custom Made Knife a suitable addition for their library. Spend an hour in his workshop while David demonstrates the rudiments of making a basic knife using the stock-removal method, in 12 basic stages.  Outlining the blade shape Cutting out the blade Profiling  and surface grinding Surface sanding by hand Preparing to grind Hollow grinding the blade Hand sanding the grind Squaring the tang Hand sanding for finish Fitting the guard Fitting a basic handle Shaping the handle The Beginners Guide to the Custom-made Knife Now Available in DVD-Pal format  featuring full-time Australian knifemaker, David Brodziak. David Brodziak is an established full-time Australian knifemaker of note, who plies his art in the south-coast Western Australian port of Albany.  An award winning artisan recognised long ago by Australian collectors and users, David has also developed a significant export market to discerning collectors overseas. On average he produces a knife a day to satisfy orders. He also has knives permanently displayed for sale in selected venues around the state. Not all of David's creative pieces command high price tags. He has an excellent reputation for producing stylish practical knives for all sorts of applications. To be a full-time maker you need to be both versatile and efficient, but above all, the finished product must be top quality. David meets that criteria.   Running time - 60 mins  Colour  / DVD PAL  $A29.00 + $7 post DAMASTEEL HANDBOOK 92 pages of photos, illustrations and riveting text clearly describing the applications of Swedish Damasteel (stainless damascus steel), the powder metallurgy technology by which it is manufactured and the wonderful variety of intricate patterns available.  Published by the producers of Damasteel, this reference book is a must for those with an interest in blended metals for cutlery, jewellery, firearms and furniture fittings. $29.00AU + $7.00 post

 
 

Collectors and Users DVD: Lynn Abrams' World Of Straight Razor Shaving Highly Recommended Viewing  by users world-wide! $39.00 plus $7 post (Express post included) across Australia. Cut throat razor enthusiast, Mr Lynn Abrams is a well known identity in the world’s razor scene.  As a 30 year plus straight razor shaver (cut throat razors are known as ‘straight razors’ in the USA), and the founder of the original Web-based Razor Place ( an internet forum and support group for razor enthuisiasts), he has also honed over 7000 razors for people all over the world who lacked the skill and were unable to ‘hone their own’.  But this DVD, with it's 3 ½ hours of instruction and demonstration, should solve that problem for you. Presented in eight sections, ‘chapters’ include honing, stropping, shaving demo, E-bay buying, introduction to mugs, soaps, and brushes, cleaning razors, soaps, mugs and brushes, buying a razor, and a look at some of Lynn’s own razor collection. A remarkable DVD, and likely to become the most important shaving tool, after your razor of course!    (International quotes for  airmail provided.)

 

Other books in our catalogue:   The Sword Through The Centuries - Hutton Sword and Daggers - an illustrated handbook - Wagner Japanese Woodworking Tools - Odate A complete Guide To Scrimshaw - Schroeder Custom Knifemaking -McCreight Cutting Targets With the Japanese Sword The Art of Engraving - Meek Complete Metalsmith - student edition - McCreight The Complete Bladesmith - Hrisoulas The Hand Forged Knife- Schroen Sharpening and Knifemaking- Watson Sharpening Made Easy - Bottorf Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings - Goins Switchblade - Benson Standard Guide to Razors - 2nd Edition Teach Yourself the Cut-throat Shave - Leadbitter Ka-bar- the Next Generation - Walker How to Scrimshaw and Carve Ivory -Collins Bowie Knife - Thorpe Knife Throwing - Collins Knife & Tomahawk Throwing - McEvoy

 

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AKC Publications & Video Productions Email: akc@knivesaustralia.com.au PO BOX 149 CHIDLOW 6556  WESTERN AUSTRALIA  TEL: (08) 9572 7255    FAX: (08) 9572 7266 International callers:  TEL:  + 61 8 9572 7255    FAX: + 61 8 9572 7266 Credit cards accepted: VISA, MASTERCard   (Australian money orders and cheques accepted)