Cut Throat Knives debuts knife with animated view of Melbourne

A cutting edge business in Melbourne’s north is making a name for itself, with the latest project encompassing an engraved knife with animated views of city landmarks.

A specialty knife business is slicing through the opposition with a distinctively Melbourne blade that comes alive through a screen.

Aidan Mackinnon gave up a promising career in governance after he was hooked by a knife making course and went on to create his business, Cut Throat Knives.

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Mr Mackinnon said some unusual designs undertaken by the team included a client’s back tattoo engraved onto a blade and a partnership with Nike to include part of a shoe in a handle.

His latest concoction is a blade that uses augmented reality to present animated images of

Melbourne when viewed through a phone app.

This blade comes with a distinctively Melbourne engraving.

Created with artist Marc-o-matic, the knife has a view of Flinders Street Station engraved on the blade and its handle was created with timber leftover from the St Kilda Pier refurbishment.

When a phone app views the blade, it comes to life and projects an animation of famous Melbourne landmarks such as the MCG, the State Library and moving trams, all dealing with Melbourne’s famously fluctuating weather.

Mr Mackinnon said he attempted to create an experience along with a sharp edge.

“I often say the best knife I could ever make is one your grandfather gave you, how can I create that sentimental value?” he said.

Based in Coburg North’s Space Tank Studio, Mr Mackinnon has two employees and a three month wait list for orders.

“I enjoy making things with my hands and I enjoy cooking,” he said.

The business makes specially designed blades, mostly for at-home chefs.

“For the first six months I saw it as an insane idea that wouldn’t work but we’ve grown steadily.”

Aidan Mackinnon has steadily built his business after falling in love with the craft. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The bladesmith urged shoppers to support locals.

“When you buy local you are building your own community,” he said.

Cut Throat has received support from Moreland Council’s Business Moreland team. The team supports local businesses get off the ground by helping creative places such as Space Tank.

Business Moreland economic development manager Maria-Luisa Nardella said there was a growing network of small businesses in Moreland, particularly in design.

“We’re really serious about promoting our local people so locals are aware about local producers,” she said.

The knife, along with a framed print, will set keen chefs back $1450.

Details: cutthroatknives.com.au

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