Willie71
Warren J. Krywko
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 12,214
As in the title. Is there interest this year? If there is, I’ll host it. We’ll be looking at a cutoff for December 1, 2018, so people can receive their knife before Christmas, in most cases. If you are international, you are welcome to join, but be aware of shipping costs to and from the states. Makers out of the US might need to make up the difference in shipping costs from us domestic shipping, depending on the specific makers circumstance. Some simply couldn’t afford $100.00 overseas shipping. It’s usually less, $20.00 or so for most people, but be aware.
What is a kith? A kith stands for knife in the hat. As far as I remember, the tradition comes from the Great Depression, with so many out of work. Men would put their knives in a hat, and each person would reach in and grab one to whittle with that day. In our time, it’s a gift exchange. Each maker makes a knife by the cut off date, and I do a random draw to let people know who their recipient is. You can join, and there is no obligation until the cutoff date. If life gets in the way, no harm, no foul. You must post a pic of your completed knife the day after the cutoff to qualify. No one will know whose knife they will be receiving. Only the maker, and myself know who gets what, so its a Christmas/winter surprise.
Who qualifies? Anyone who can make a serviceable knife. If you have a knifemaker membership, you are automatically in. Realistically, if you haven’t completed 10 knives so far, you probably want to sit out this year. Makers should know about useable edge geometry, how to finish a blade so there aren’t obvious flaws, and have a well shaped handle. Common knives are 3.5-4” blade skinners/edc knives, small 5-7” kitchen knives, and there have been a handful of Bowie’s, larger kitchen knives, and folders. If you make a small knife, make a sheath. Kitchen knives should have a stand, saya, or zippered pouch.
Since people have different means, cost is dependent on the maker. Most submit a knive valued between $150.00 and $250.00 if you choose to make something more valuable, that’s ok too, but don’t be upset if you get a lower value knife in return, as it’s about giving, not receiving. One of the most critical aspects of the kith is newer makers putting their knives in the hands of more experienced makers so they can get constructive feedback on how to improve. We can post photos as we go for feedback and suggestions. You can always email me to get feedback. You won’t be included in the draw if you don’t provide me your shipping information on the completion date.
Warren
What is a kith? A kith stands for knife in the hat. As far as I remember, the tradition comes from the Great Depression, with so many out of work. Men would put their knives in a hat, and each person would reach in and grab one to whittle with that day. In our time, it’s a gift exchange. Each maker makes a knife by the cut off date, and I do a random draw to let people know who their recipient is. You can join, and there is no obligation until the cutoff date. If life gets in the way, no harm, no foul. You must post a pic of your completed knife the day after the cutoff to qualify. No one will know whose knife they will be receiving. Only the maker, and myself know who gets what, so its a Christmas/winter surprise.
Who qualifies? Anyone who can make a serviceable knife. If you have a knifemaker membership, you are automatically in. Realistically, if you haven’t completed 10 knives so far, you probably want to sit out this year. Makers should know about useable edge geometry, how to finish a blade so there aren’t obvious flaws, and have a well shaped handle. Common knives are 3.5-4” blade skinners/edc knives, small 5-7” kitchen knives, and there have been a handful of Bowie’s, larger kitchen knives, and folders. If you make a small knife, make a sheath. Kitchen knives should have a stand, saya, or zippered pouch.
Since people have different means, cost is dependent on the maker. Most submit a knive valued between $150.00 and $250.00 if you choose to make something more valuable, that’s ok too, but don’t be upset if you get a lower value knife in return, as it’s about giving, not receiving. One of the most critical aspects of the kith is newer makers putting their knives in the hands of more experienced makers so they can get constructive feedback on how to improve. We can post photos as we go for feedback and suggestions. You can always email me to get feedback. You won’t be included in the draw if you don’t provide me your shipping information on the completion date.
Warren
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