- Joined
- Jan 15, 2006
- Messages
- 758
I just read a posting in another thread where someone stated he "was told" that the Guild was "all but dead, hanging on by a thread with few members".
I would like to point out that the Guild is, in fact, alive and well and even growing. If you look at the Guild's website http://www.knifemakersguild.com you will find their current membership list of 243 voting members and 21 probationary members. You can also find the bylaws, other information and contacts for the Guild.
It is true that the Guild is not as large as it once was but there is a new excitement within the Guild and we are growing again. We had a very successful Guild Show in our new venue in Louisville, KY last Spetember and are looking forward to an even bigger and better show in 2010.
Another myth that has been heard lately is the the Guild is only for stock removers. Not true. The Guild welcomes anyone who makes quality handmade knives and the by-laws simply state (in Article 1, Section 4) "The Guild recognizes that the term “Handmade Knives” is difficult to define and subject to varying interpretations, but hold that, at a minimum, it requires that a maker personally grind, forge, or knap the blade, and honestly disclose how each component is produced." That's pretty wide open for virtually anyone who makes knives. We do in fact have members who forge their blades as well as stock removers.
I will not get into another heated debate about the Guild. That was recently done to death in another thread. There are a few who have a chip on their shoulder regarding the Guild and spread a lot of rumors and bad information. Others repeat what "they heard". I only ask that people simply go to the Guild website, or ask a current Guild member, and get the facts rather than spread rumors.
I suggest that anyone with questions about the Knifemaker's Guild go to the Guild's website http://www.knifemakersguild.com , the Guild forums on the website, or contact a director or member of the Guild and get the facts.
Thank you.
Mike
I would like to point out that the Guild is, in fact, alive and well and even growing. If you look at the Guild's website http://www.knifemakersguild.com you will find their current membership list of 243 voting members and 21 probationary members. You can also find the bylaws, other information and contacts for the Guild.
It is true that the Guild is not as large as it once was but there is a new excitement within the Guild and we are growing again. We had a very successful Guild Show in our new venue in Louisville, KY last Spetember and are looking forward to an even bigger and better show in 2010.
Another myth that has been heard lately is the the Guild is only for stock removers. Not true. The Guild welcomes anyone who makes quality handmade knives and the by-laws simply state (in Article 1, Section 4) "The Guild recognizes that the term “Handmade Knives” is difficult to define and subject to varying interpretations, but hold that, at a minimum, it requires that a maker personally grind, forge, or knap the blade, and honestly disclose how each component is produced." That's pretty wide open for virtually anyone who makes knives. We do in fact have members who forge their blades as well as stock removers.
I will not get into another heated debate about the Guild. That was recently done to death in another thread. There are a few who have a chip on their shoulder regarding the Guild and spread a lot of rumors and bad information. Others repeat what "they heard". I only ask that people simply go to the Guild website, or ask a current Guild member, and get the facts rather than spread rumors.
I suggest that anyone with questions about the Knifemaker's Guild go to the Guild's website http://www.knifemakersguild.com , the Guild forums on the website, or contact a director or member of the Guild and get the facts.
Thank you.
Mike
