2018 Winter/Christmas Kith

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
 
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I’ll reserve this spot to keep track of who’s in. If we have four or more committed, we’ll just get on with it.

Warren

Willie71
A.McPherson
JTknives
Vaknut
skillgannon
LeOne
Destructabot.
jwesthurl
 
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Warren you can put me down. It’s not 100% but I am taking winter alittle bit easier this year so I should have time for fun stuff.
 
I’m going to sign up my apprentice, who is too young to get a membership here. If he doesn’t complete, I’ll submit two knives. His name is Kaden H.

I unsigned him up. He got himself into trouble, and lost internet privileges. :poop:
 
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Very low percentage of a chance I'd get something done in time. What would be a cut off date on completion?
 
I would love to finally do one of these, but realistically I'd only have 3 weeks to get it done, which is pretty much only one target weekend for heat-treating anything other than 1084. :-/

A MLK & Ethan Allen's B'day KITH (they're on the same day this year!) might alleviate Holiday Crunch pressures?
 
I'd like to join the KITH, Warren. I meet the requirements though I don't post my knives here. I'd be happy to send some photos or a link to my work if you'd like to verify, but I don't want to run afoul of the rules whilst not having a knifemaker membership.
 
I'd like to join the KITH, Warren. I meet the requirements though I don't post my knives here. I'd be happy to send some photos or a link to my work if you'd like to verify, but I don't want to run afoul of the rules whilst not having a knifemaker membership.
You don't have to have a membership. You are just required to use a 3rd party like imager. That's what most of us do. Post some pics. Seeing other peoples knives is the best part of this site
 
Here's a couple I've done recently:

Camp chef knife: .130" AEB-L with curly koa and blue/black g10 liners.
Chef knife: .100" AEB-L with full distal taper, spalted hackberry, purple dyed redwood burl, and green G10 liners and spacers
Hunter: .156" A2 with black dyed quartersawn sycamore

42726395_259834871335994_5320422968963950987_n.jpg

42128269_258851978307620_8481362074999563637_n.jpg

41061136_1768825616568776_4548976193075937280_n.jpg

41969344_272679236918105_6397611003930345899_n.jpg
 
Here's a couple I've done recently:

Camp chef knife: .130" AEB-L with curly koa and blue/black g10 liners.
Chef knife: .100" AEB-L with full distal taper, spalted hackberry, purple dyed redwood burl, and green G10 liners and spacers
Hunter: .156" A2 with black dyed quartersawn sycamore

42726395_259834871335994_5320422968963950987_n.jpg

42128269_258851978307620_8481362074999563637_n.jpg

41061136_1768825616568776_4548976193075937280_n.jpg

41969344_272679236918105_6397611003930345899_n.jpg

Nice knives. I’ve added you to the list. You are in.
 
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