2012 Christmas KITH - have you started yet?

**chad2** · 09-29-2012, 09:48 AM

Replace stacys name with whom ever wants to take this on. Also we need to remember that christmas is about the gift of give not getting gifts. This is one thing that a lot of my age group did not get taught.

**Gody** · 09-29-2012, 10:13 AM

Stacy,

I´m all in.

Brian

**tryppyr** · 09-29-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by bladsmth

So, what do you folks think?

Frankly, I still think you've got your work cut out for you. You've seen what I've seen in this thread. You know you're walking into a mine field. Forewarned is forearmed.

I'm still out this year, because (as I said before), I'm crazy busy now (having just changed jobs) and have no confidence I could complete one in time.

**thegeek574** · 09-29-2012, 11:32 AM

I'm down. As soon as I can start forging, I will get started, and my school schedule lets me have a free day every friday, and so I can use that.

To tryppyr's point, I think it also needs to be understood that Stacy runs this, and complaining won't get much done. If you can't stand something, maybe it isn't your year to participate.

**Mudbug007** · 09-29-2012, 11:49 AM

That sounds fair Stacy. The fewer rules the better. Like the old saying goes, "Too many rules ruin the KITH".

Count me in this year!

**quint** · 09-29-2012, 12:33 PM

I think its very fair Stacy, I like the idea even if just for myself being able to submit a few pictures to you to get a honest evaluation before entering. Simple, fair and overall sounds like just the right outline for this whole thing.

I have not done it in a while but we had a similar thing on the leatherworking forum, much simpler but same idea. Everyone posted that wanted to do it, then you found out who you were making the project for ahead of time to kind of tailor the project toward that person. That was about it, it was a good time.

Thanks for taking the time to do this Stacy.

**rwn2000** · 09-29-2012, 01:47 PM

Sounds good to me Stacy. I;m in.

randy

**zaph1** · 09-29-2012, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Gody

I´d be interested in participating i a KITH provided no other participants have a problem with the overseas shipping involved. Since I dont do my own heat treat, I would have to start off with one of my blades that are already HT´ed though. I really dont have an oppinion to offer as to whether there should be one or more categories of the KITH. Brian

I'll state that I was a little shocked when the first year I entered the KITH, I had to ship a knife to Mostho in Italy(I think it was Italy). The issue with shipping overseas was that it didn't arrive until late January. Even though it cost $50 to ship, I was still happy because he was extremely happy to receive it and uses it(santoku and cutting board) in his kitchen regularly. I'd have no problem shipping one overseas again, as long long as you realize it won't get there before Christmas.

I love working on a deadline, have my press working, and will hopefully get a nice damascus blade made in time.

**Hengelo_77** · 09-29-2012, 03:11 PM

Wooohhhoooo 2012 KITH.
Enjoyed the 2009 one and had to let the next two pass. I was looking forewards to enter again and actualy had many thoughts on what kind of knife to make.
I have a few in progress pre HT and start an extra one next week.
If I finish it before december 1st then I´m in.

I recieved my 2009KITH knife in Germany before Christmass, but wouldn´t be upset if I´d get the knife later because of the postal system.

I realy like the december 1st rule. Simple, clear, you´re in or you´re out.

Should I make a hunting knife or a puukko?

**mgysgthath** · 09-29-2012, 03:33 PM

Sounds very sensible to me Stacy. I will sit this one out, I feel I need more experience, still a lot to learn. But always look forward to seeing the results!

**Gody** · 09-29-2012, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by zaph1

I'll state that I was a little shocked when the first year I entered the KITH, I had to ship a knife to Mostho in Italy(I think it was Italy). The issue with shipping overseas was that it didn't arrive until late January. Even though it cost $50 to ship, I was still happy because he was extremely happy to receive it and uses it(santoku and cutting board) in his kitchen regularly. I'd have no problem shipping one overseas again, as long long as you realize it won't get there before Christmas.

I love working on a deadline, have my press working, and will hopefully get a nice damascus blade made in time.

Thanks zaph1. I could live with the delayed recieval date. However, 50 $ just to ship seems a little much to carry for the poor fella that were to ship me his knife, so I would not mind paying for that myself. I´m really exited about this.

Brian

**bladsmth** · 09-29-2012, 04:29 PM

I'll watch the posts here for the next day, and if it is still positive, I'll put up the KITH thread Monday morning.

A few more comments before entering:
1) I am not the only guy who can look at your work. In fact, it may be better if someone else looks at it if you are on the fence about your skills level. Send clear and sharp photos of several pieces to a maker who you respect and who won't say, "That's nice" to keep from hurting your feelings. If you ask me, I will tell you what I think, and offer suggestions on where you can improve. If there is a maker near you who you can take some examples to in person, that is even better.

2) Some folks don't live in the USA ( yes, research has proven that this is true). If you get matched with an overseas recipient, you may be in for filling out customs forms and $30 to $50 in postage. If this is a problem, don't enter. The normal postage with insurance and tracking for a KITH box is $15-$20.

3) If you are out of work, short of funds, overextended, or just normally broke teenager .....making and shipping a knife may be a cost you don't need to incur.
The materials and shipping will vary from person to person, but figuring around $50 as the total cost of making normal knife is about an average, plus shipping.

4) If you aren't ready to give it your best work and full attention because your life is hectic or you are working 60+ hours a week.....making a KITH knife may be more than you should take on right now.

5) There is no shame in enjoying the KITH as an observer and not an entrant. That is why there are more seats in the stands than on the field.

6) If you aren't sure, make a knife and see how it comes out. All entries have the same deadline - Dec1. If the knife gets done and you like how it came out, enter it in the KITH. If not, don't enter it. In the past about half of those who started as being interested in participating dropped out. You don't have to pre-register. You can just post "I'm Ready" when the time comes. The KITH list and those posting "I'm In" are just part of the excitement and a way some people commit to taking on the project.

**el0147** · 09-29-2012, 04:36 PM

Haven't been a member long enough, that's alright. I'm in for next year

**Dan Pierson** · 09-29-2012, 05:04 PM

I'm happy you've decided to do this again Stacy, your time and patience are much appreciated.

I hope to get something in this year.

**Grayzer86** · 09-29-2012, 06:04 PM

Looks like I will have to be out now, thought i was around long enough but just checked and did not join until Jan 15. Damn, two weeks too late to get in. Guess I will just have that much more experience for next year. Was hoping to be involved but at least when i participate next year i will be able to submit something even better.

**crimsonfalcon07** · 09-29-2012, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by bladsmth

6) If you aren't sure, make a knife and see how it comes out. All entries have the same deadline - Dec1. If the knife gets done and you like how it came out, enter it in the KITH. If not, don't enter it. In the past about half of those who started as being interested in participating dropped out. You don't have to pre-register. You can just post "I'm Ready" when the time comes. The KITH list and those posting "I'm In" are just part of the excitement and a way some people commit to taking on the project.

This is a great idea. That way, if life interferes, you don't cause problems by backing out.

**bladsmth** · 09-29-2012, 09:42 PM

Grayjer,
You are fine. The rule says that you have to be a member since January 2012 ( not January 1). That is what your profile shows.
You are welcome to join in.

**Grayzer86** · 09-29-2012, 10:21 PM

Oh ok, i was not sure, thought i read Jan 1 for some reason. Guess i better start getting some plans together here. I am thinking some damascus with copper, and some buckeye. but i guess i will make a few up and see how they turn out and go from there. Thanks for the clarification.