Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Aug 20, 2004
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I will be glad to host the 2009 KITH, (unless anyone has objections). Here is the plan:
2009 Christmas KITH
This thread is for all those interested in joining the 2009 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.
SOME BASIC RULES :
The entrant must make, finish, and box the knife by or before December 1, 2009. Once finished, the maker can then post on the 2009 KITH - Im Ready thread. This thread will be posted starting October 1,2009. Photos of the completed knives can be posted on a separate KITH Photos thread.
By December 15, 2009, I will make a shipping label and an envelope for each entrant, from those who have logged on the IM Ready thread. I will have a third party randomly draw the labels and stick them in an envelope. The only examination of the names will be to assure no one is sent their own label.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this:
Post on this thread, Im In - I will make a knife by December 1,2009.
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 send out monthly reminders by email to keep us all going. 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, 2009.
About the knives:
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.
Stacy E. Apelt
2009 Christmas KITH
This thread is for all those interested in joining the 2009 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.
SOME BASIC RULES :
The entrant must make, finish, and box the knife by or before December 1, 2009. Once finished, the maker can then post on the 2009 KITH - Im Ready thread. This thread will be posted starting October 1,2009. Photos of the completed knives can be posted on a separate KITH Photos thread.
By December 15, 2009, I will make a shipping label and an envelope for each entrant, from those who have logged on the IM Ready thread. I will have a third party randomly draw the labels and stick them in an envelope. The only examination of the names will be to assure no one is sent their own label.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this:
Post on this thread, Im In - I will make a knife by December 1,2009.
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 send out monthly reminders by email to keep us all going. 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, 2009.
About the knives:
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.
Stacy E. Apelt
Hope this doesn't disqualify me. 