This thread is for all those interested in joining the 2023 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, 2023. Once finished, the maker can then post on the "2023 KITH - I'm Ready" thread. This thread will be posted starting October 1. Photos of the completed knives can be posted on a separate "KITH Photos " thread.
I will make a shipping label for each of the folks who have logged on the "I'M Ready" thread. I will have a computer randomly draw the shipping labels and will email them to each participant.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this:
Post on this thread, "I'm In"
Also, send me an email to, sapelt@cox.net . Give me your 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 don't 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, 2023.
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 in a sheath, case, or display box. 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 $100-$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
The format and rules will be the same as before. The KITH is open starting now, and it will close on December 1st.
That should allow all the knives to get to their recipients by Christmas. All the knifes completed by the deadline will get a recipient chosen by a computer lottery. No one will know who they are making the knife for until then. You won't know who's knife you will get until it arrives in the mail.
If you reasonably expect you can make the knife in 4 months and can ship it in the first week of December, go ahead and join the KITH. If you don't get it done or life gets in the way, that is OK. It isn't until December 1st when we have all the knives that have posted "Finished and Ready to Mail" that the list is finalized. Those folks will get a recipient name and address.
Some things to consider:
If you are new to knifemaking and/or not sure of the quality of your blades, maybe watch this year and join next time.
If you make a decent knife and are happy with your workmanship, by all means join.
Materials and workmanship should be of good quality. No need to use a specialty high price steel or gold and silver fittings (unless that's your thing) but at least use known quality steel and proper HT methods. The knife should be made by YOU. No kits knives or purchased blades, etc. The sheath/pouch/box can be purchased, and the HT can be farmed out, ... but the construction of the knife must be your work. Other than that, use your judgement.
Knife type and style are the makers choice. I would suggest a knife that you think would sell for around $100 as a minimum value.
It doesn't have to be a knife if you are proficient at forging hawks or making swords. Any usable knife or edged tool should be acceptable as long as it is made by you and your best effort. There will be a range of qualities and values, but the idea is having fun making a nice knife for someone unknown and getting a nice knife from someone else.
Be aware that besides the cost of making a knife and sheath/pouch/box/case you will have to ship the knife to your recipient. Some of those folks will be overseas. Shipping and insurance can be pretty expensive for some countries. If the cost of good quality materials and shipping will be a problem, maybe wait this year out.
In the same line of thought, if you live in a country where a knife can't be shipped in or is likely to disappear in customs or the mail, maybe it is best not to join the KITH. In the past we have had some issues with certain places.
What is a KITH?????
A KITH is a "Knife in the Hat".
The name comes from the days of the depression, when out of work men would sit around and whittle to pass the time. No one had money for a new knife, so every now and then, they would set a hat on the ground, and anyone who wanted to would toss their pocket knife in the hat. The hat would be covered up with a bandana, and they would then take turns drawing a knife out - whatever knife you drew was your "new" knife.
List of those who want to participate: (Blue means you have sent me your contact info)
Stacy Apelt
The Edge01
Josh Fisher
Stan Buzek
Forest Taylor
Andy McPherson
Dan F
M. McAlevy
Hubert S.
Travis Talboys
Gene Kimmi
Tony Mont
Fredy Crow
pafka
Sando
dwaterfield
A. Matthews
Nick-D
Kevin KF Knives
Daado
CD Humiston
Way-Barney
Adam Vigil
Tortuga Bladeworks
Ken Holland
If you are unsure about some part of this KITH, rules, methods, or materials, feel free to ask here or later in the Official KITH thread or email me with any questions for a more private answer.
Something important was brought to my attention:
There may well be folks in Europe who participate. Some countries have specific laws and rules on knives and things like ivory. Best to make a knife that will avoid any issues.
If you participate in the KITH and are from a country where there are strict laws on importing or owning certain knives, please post the details along with your "I'm in" and note the same when you send me your contact info. After the computer selects recipients, I will double check your match to make sure the knife selected will conform to your laws.
Another change I have made is I added a parameter to the computer selection process that will try to match people in Europe with others living there if possible. This will save trans-Atlantic shipping and will ease postal restrictions and inspections somewhat.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
, I see that you haven't set my name to blue yet, I emailed you my data on July 11. Please let me know, I can resend if necessary. Looks like a full house this year!