Custom Creative Knives

Many people around Tieri know Allison Andolfatto as Miss Allison, a former Learn to Swim Instructors at Tieri Aquatic Centre. But did you know she also sells custom knives?

Allison, you’re well known around town as Miss Allison from Tieri Aquatic Centre, can you tell us more about that?

Yes, I was until recently a Learn to Swim Instructor at the Tieri Aquatic Centre, and I have been extremely busy up-skilling my swimming qualifications and gaining hands-on experience. In October 2025, I completed my Towards Competitive Stroke and Coaching qualification, followed by 50+ hours of pool-based experience at a North Queensland facility, shadowing experienced coaches.

For 12 months, I had the privilege of working alongside Tracy Ryder, a highly respected swimming coach with over 40 years of industry experience. Her guidance and support sparked my interest in aquatic education and continues to motivate me to learn and develop every day in this rewarding field.

Sounds busy! But we know you also have your own business, Custom Creative Knives, can you share more about that?

It’s true, my swim instructor training has left me with limited time for my creative business. However, I am still producing select pieces when time allows.

Your knives look incredible, where can people buy them?

Due to new legislation regarding the sale of knives, I have made the decision not to attend markets.

To purchase my knives, please visit my Custom Creative Knives Facebook page or online store. Local customers are welcome to make an appointment to view stock in person.

Some stock is available on my online store:

👉 customcreativeknives.my-online.store

 • Secure checkout via the website

 • PayID also available for direct sales

 • Handmade unique one of a kind creations 

If you have any questions or want to make an appointment to view in person, feel free to DM via Facebook – facebook.com/customcreativeknives

Online store – customcreativeknives.my-online.store 

What do you love about your business?

Since starting Custom Creative Knives in 2022, apart from great support at markets, I have been really happy to have donated and sold my creations at discounted rates to support a number of worthwhile local fundraising events. These include the local ambulance service, three separate cancer fundraisers, a charity golf day, and a farewell retirement gift for a long-term former Glencore employee.

My creations not only give me an outlet for creativity, but often go on to become meaningful pieces of art in someone else’s home—objects with both purpose and story.

Do you create anything other than knives?

When I’m not creating chef knives, I’m known for taking on a wide range of hands-on projects. My most recent endeavour was an outdoor shower – much to my husband Michael’s initial resistance, especially when it involved hauling home what most people would have considered nothing more than firewood. What followed became a collaboration of muscle and creativity. Where others saw a dead tree, I saw the beginning of a creative art project.

That’s the inner workings of an artist’s mind: forever seeing beyond the surface, in search of what others may not see. And as for what I’ll create next? Well, discovering that is all part of life’s adventure!