- Joined
- Feb 4, 1999
- Messages
- 5,786
Okay, I guess we're doing it! Thanks to Dave Larsen for the idea and Tim for helping out, too. I'm sure this will change, so keep checking back here for updates. Sorry about making so many separate threads on this, too. I guess we need to establish some ground rules and time lines.
Knife in the Hat is something that has been done in many forms on different forums and by different people. The way it works is that everyone interested gets in touch with me, and I'll put names in a hat and draw. Everyone gets a name, and everyone makes a knife. You send your knife to the name I drew for you, and you get a knife from someone else. So, you get to see another maker's work and share your own with someone else. Like Tim (ToolHead) said in another post, it is important to realize that the fun of this is in the challenge of making something for another maker, as well as enjoying someone else's work for it's own sake. Don't get fixed on the idea of "getting something for nothing" or worry too much about what you're getting out of it. Focus on what you're putting into it!
So, below you'll find some ground rules, deadlines, etc and we can get rolling with this!
To make things fair, let's talk about time lines first:
Time Line for Knife in the Hat
There need to be two dates to keep in mind. First is a registration date, second is a date we decide on for when the knife should be completed and sent to the recipient. In order to take part in this Knife in the Hat trade, you need to register with me by October 3 . That's exactly one week from today. To register, please do the following:
1) Send me an email at: agocs_s@hotmail.com
2) In the subject line, please type Knife Trade
3) Include the following information: real name, Bladeforums user name, home or mailing address, current email address, and maybe a little blurb about the knife you are planning for the trade (nothing to ruin the surprise, but just a little something, if you want).
All emails I receive by midnight on October 3 will be entered in the trade. If you want to post here, too, just to double-cover yourself, that's fine, too. Probably not a bad idea. Please do not JUST post here and make me chase you around to get your info. Email is the official registration. Once the registration is closed, I will email all the registrants the list of the the rest of the people, so we all know who is taking part. I'll post it, too. Then, I'll draw names and email each person who they will be making their knife for and sending it to.
Another deadline should be for when the knife should be completed and sent to the person on the other end. I know I can crank a knife out in a weekend, but let's give it a month, maybe, unless that sounds wrong? So, tentatively, let's say November 3 should be the deadline. That gives a little over a month to make the knife and mail it. If you finish early, go ahead and send it. If it's going to be a little late, let me and the person you are sending to know, I guess.
PLEASE do not register unless you are 100% certain that you can follow through with a decent knife. Some criteria for what makes a "decent" knife will follow!
Rules
Here are some rules, and they are subject to change with input from participants:
1) If you register, follow through by sending a knife. Unless there's a really good excuse, you'll pretty much get trashed publicly if you fall through on your end of things. I'm assuming everyone involved is psyched about creating something for someone else, so I'll try to stay positive!
2) Knife needs to be of your creation. Certainly, if you are a pro and you have blanks around, etc, we won't get into "custom vs. production" etc, but basically that means no production knives (i.e. name brand), no kits, no other maker's work passed off as your own. This should be something you are making specifically for this trade.
3) Style is up to you, unless participants want a theme. I'm for leaving it completely open-ended, so any size, folder or fixed blade, tactical, kitchen, whatever. If you have a theme idea that others like, let's use it.
4) Knife should be heat treated, finished, and full functional. Let's say that if it is a fixed blade, it needs to include a sheath (unless that's totally out of your abilities or means, in which case discuss it here) or cover some type (i.e. for a kitchen knife).
5) Try to "stretch" and do your best work. That doesn't mean you have to create a masterpiece with jewels set into the hilt, but make something you would be proud to give to another maker. For us who are beginners, that means putting a lot of work and heart into it. For pros, that means spend at least ten minutes on the project! Maybe if you're a pro with a full shop, that means turning off the power and trying the forge, or using all hand tools like files or something. Whatever. Challenge yourself!
6) Be focused on what you are making, not what you will be getting.
7) Try to snap a few photos of your project and maybe someone can volunteer to post all the knives so everyone can see what turned out.
8) Post a blurb about the knife you receive here and share your CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts/criticisms.
9) Most importantly.... have FUN!
So, there it is. Rules and dates and I'm sorry this is SOOOO long. If I'm missing something or need to make changes, I am totally open to suggestion. This is my first time doing something like this, so please give input if you have an idea to improve it. Keep in touch!
Knife in the Hat is something that has been done in many forms on different forums and by different people. The way it works is that everyone interested gets in touch with me, and I'll put names in a hat and draw. Everyone gets a name, and everyone makes a knife. You send your knife to the name I drew for you, and you get a knife from someone else. So, you get to see another maker's work and share your own with someone else. Like Tim (ToolHead) said in another post, it is important to realize that the fun of this is in the challenge of making something for another maker, as well as enjoying someone else's work for it's own sake. Don't get fixed on the idea of "getting something for nothing" or worry too much about what you're getting out of it. Focus on what you're putting into it!
So, below you'll find some ground rules, deadlines, etc and we can get rolling with this!
To make things fair, let's talk about time lines first:
Time Line for Knife in the Hat
There need to be two dates to keep in mind. First is a registration date, second is a date we decide on for when the knife should be completed and sent to the recipient. In order to take part in this Knife in the Hat trade, you need to register with me by October 3 . That's exactly one week from today. To register, please do the following:
1) Send me an email at: agocs_s@hotmail.com
2) In the subject line, please type Knife Trade
3) Include the following information: real name, Bladeforums user name, home or mailing address, current email address, and maybe a little blurb about the knife you are planning for the trade (nothing to ruin the surprise, but just a little something, if you want).
All emails I receive by midnight on October 3 will be entered in the trade. If you want to post here, too, just to double-cover yourself, that's fine, too. Probably not a bad idea. Please do not JUST post here and make me chase you around to get your info. Email is the official registration. Once the registration is closed, I will email all the registrants the list of the the rest of the people, so we all know who is taking part. I'll post it, too. Then, I'll draw names and email each person who they will be making their knife for and sending it to.
Another deadline should be for when the knife should be completed and sent to the person on the other end. I know I can crank a knife out in a weekend, but let's give it a month, maybe, unless that sounds wrong? So, tentatively, let's say November 3 should be the deadline. That gives a little over a month to make the knife and mail it. If you finish early, go ahead and send it. If it's going to be a little late, let me and the person you are sending to know, I guess.
PLEASE do not register unless you are 100% certain that you can follow through with a decent knife. Some criteria for what makes a "decent" knife will follow!
Rules
Here are some rules, and they are subject to change with input from participants:
1) If you register, follow through by sending a knife. Unless there's a really good excuse, you'll pretty much get trashed publicly if you fall through on your end of things. I'm assuming everyone involved is psyched about creating something for someone else, so I'll try to stay positive!
2) Knife needs to be of your creation. Certainly, if you are a pro and you have blanks around, etc, we won't get into "custom vs. production" etc, but basically that means no production knives (i.e. name brand), no kits, no other maker's work passed off as your own. This should be something you are making specifically for this trade.
3) Style is up to you, unless participants want a theme. I'm for leaving it completely open-ended, so any size, folder or fixed blade, tactical, kitchen, whatever. If you have a theme idea that others like, let's use it.
4) Knife should be heat treated, finished, and full functional. Let's say that if it is a fixed blade, it needs to include a sheath (unless that's totally out of your abilities or means, in which case discuss it here) or cover some type (i.e. for a kitchen knife).
5) Try to "stretch" and do your best work. That doesn't mean you have to create a masterpiece with jewels set into the hilt, but make something you would be proud to give to another maker. For us who are beginners, that means putting a lot of work and heart into it. For pros, that means spend at least ten minutes on the project!
Maybe if you're a pro with a full shop, that means turning off the power and trying the forge, or using all hand tools like files or something. Whatever. Challenge yourself!6) Be focused on what you are making, not what you will be getting.
7) Try to snap a few photos of your project and maybe someone can volunteer to post all the knives so everyone can see what turned out.
8) Post a blurb about the knife you receive here and share your CONSTRUCTIVE thoughts/criticisms.
9) Most importantly.... have FUN!
So, there it is. Rules and dates and I'm sorry this is SOOOO long. If I'm missing something or need to make changes, I am totally open to suggestion. This is my first time doing something like this, so please give input if you have an idea to improve it. Keep in touch!
