I have been so busy that I never put up a Christmas KITH. I think a Groundhog day KITH would be a good idea ( Feb2). I won't be able to run it, but it isn't too hard if you keep all the info in a file. I will be glad to help the person running it with advice.
What works best is this set of rules ( Change all the dates and KITH name):
A KITH is a Knife In The Hat...and old knife exchange tradition from the depression days.
In our version, you make a knife and it will get sent by you to a recipient. No one knows who gets their knife will go to until all are done and a random assignment program is run. People can post "I'm In" now, but there is no problem if you don't post that, or if you don't get the knife done......You are not obligated until the Dec. 1,2014 deadline when all will have to post:
" My knife is ready and in a box ready to ship."
The KITH is open to all who wish to make a knife or similar tool ( sword, hawk, etc.) that they feel represents the best of their abilities and efforts. Brand new makers and those with only a few knives under their belt should sit this out until they develop their skills a bit more. All others should just try and do a good job. We have knives from fairly new makers to master smiths. All are given with the spirit of the KITH, and received just as gladly.
There will be no exceptions to the Dec.1,2014 cutoff. If the knife isn't finished by then, you won't get a shipping label....no exceptions. ( If you need the label early ,that won't be such a problem, but no extensions.)
So, if everyone wants to, lets get started. Here is the KITH:
2014 CHRISTMAS KITH
This thread is for all those interested in joining the 2014 KITH.
While it is usually called the Christmas KITH, it can be a Hanukkah KITH, or a Winter Solstice KITH, etc. The purpose is to make a knife and give it away to another knifemaker. In return you will get a knife from someone. No one will know who they are making the knife for until after the knife is finished, and no one will know who they will receive a knife from until it arrives in the mail.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this:
Post on this thread,
Im In - I will make a knife by December 1,2014.
Also, sent me an email to, sapelt@cox.net . Give me you real name, your forum name, shipping address, contact phone, and email.
At this point, that is all you need to do. I will keep track of those who are interested in participating. I will post a reminder in November. If you dont finish the knife, or if there is a conflict of schedule, there is no problem this way - the recipients are only drawn from those who have completed their entry by Dec. 1, 2014.
About the knives:
SOME BASIC RULES :
The entrant must make, finish, and box the knife by or before December 1, 2014. Once finished, the maker can then post on the 2014 KITH - Im Ready thread. This thread will be posted starting November 1, 2014. Photos of the completed knives can be posted on a separate KITH Photos thread.
By December 5, 2014, I will make a shipping label for each entrant, from those who have logged on the IM Ready thread. I will have a number generator randomly assign the recipients. The only examination of the names will be to assure no one is sent their own label. I will then email the name and address to each person in the KITH.
The entry can be any knife or bladesmith related item. Fixed blade, folder, axe, hawk, sword, etc. The only requirement is that it be made by the submitter ( For simplicity, I will refer to it as the knife). The workmanship should be of the best quality that you are able to do. Levels will vary depending on ability and experience, but if you feel your knife will be a suitable gift, then by all means enter. If you are just starting, and still learning the basics, perhaps sitting this year out would be best. The knife should be fully completed, and a sheath or case is advisable. You should provide all the pertinent information on the knife in a note to the recipient ( put this in the box). Outside services, such as Water Jet, Stabilization, and Heat Treatment are fine, but the workmanship on the knife should be yours.
The value level of the knife is up to you . It should be something that will be happily received by the new owner, but levels of value will vary, depending on the maker and their circumstances. It is a fun gift exchange, not a swap meet. It is not about what you get back for what you put in. Some knives will be worth $100, and others will be worth $400. I would suggest that you keep the knives in the general range of $200 in value, but it is totally up to you. No one is obligated to go beyond their means to enter this KITH.
Lets all have some fun and make some truly worthy knives.
