There are a number of benefits available to members of the Australian Knifemakers Guild. In particular, members receive a quarterly newsletter called 'On The Edge' . This publication carries discussion topics and articles of interest to knifemakers, collectors and enthusiasts as well as containing information about the best sources and contact details for such things as heat treating, handle materials, steels including damascus billets made by members etc. Contact details for all members are also contained in the newsletter. The guild is a voting member of Craft Australia, the Nation's peak craft body and access to Craft Australia's resources is also available to members.
Membership of the Guild is available in several levels.
Click here to download a probationary membership application form
Click here to download assesment crieteria for knives
Full Membership is available to makers of knives who have demonstrated an acceptable standard of proficiency, through the process of probationary membership. Voting members enjoy additional benefits including listing on the Guild website.
Probationary membership is intended for those new makers who wish to become voting members of the Guild. Before being accepted as a Probationary member, new makers must submit three knives to their State representative for appraisal. These are rated against a set of criteria. The applicant needs to pass 10 of the 20 criteria to be accepted as a probationary member.
Twelve months later a further three knives must be submitted for appraisal. The probationary member must achieve a score of 18 out of twenty across thr three knives before the admission of the Probationer to Full membership is voted on by members at the next Annual General Meeting of the Guild.
For makers who do not wish to pursue full membership but still wish to enjoy the benefits of membership, Associate membership may be a more attractive option. If you are interested in becoming a Probationary member please contact the secretary for further information.
Corporate membership is available to organizations, craft bodies, museums, institutions, schools colleges and private enterprises. Corporate members do not have the right to vote but otherwise enjoy the same benefits as Associate members. Corporate members may join by printing and completing the application form and submitting it to the Secretary with their membership fees.
Associate Membership is available to those who are artisans, collectors or people who wish to support the Guild and its objectives. With the exception of voting and listing on the Guild website, Associate members enjoy most of the benefits of Full members, including access to other members, access to resources etc. Associate members may join by completing the application form and submitting it to the Secretary with their membership fees.
Overseas membership is available to those who are resident outside Australia but share the same interest in knifemaking as local members. Overseas members do not have the right to vote but otherwise enjoy the same benefits as Associate members. Overseas members may join by printing and completing the applcation form and submitting it to the Secretary with their membership fees.