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Membership Application

Application and payment will be completed via the TKG website.  The website includes membership levels, criteria for each level, and fees for each level.  Payment of dues via credit or debit will be completed via the website.   Members will set up a membership profile as a part of the application process.

Acceptance of Members

Persons who complete the online membership application form, meet the membership criteria for the level of membership at which they apply, and pay the yearly dues will be granted membership for a full calendar year from  the date dues were paid.  Persons who apply incorrectly will have their dues refunded.

Membership Levels and Dues

**New members will receive a Welcome Packet that includes a welcome letter, membership badge, certificate of membership, TKG patch, sticker(s), and special discounts from Associate Sponsors**

The General Membership category is open to anyone including knife collectors, knifemakers from other states, beginning knife makers, knifemakers who do not wish to submit knives for inspection, and those makers whose primary interest is assembling kit knives.  As a collector, you’ll have insider access to some of the finest handmade knives in the state. As a member, you’ll connect directly with talented craftsmen, get exclusive access to TKG member’s only events, early access to TKG hosted shows and exclusive pieces, and become part of a community that values quality, tradition, and the art of the blade. Annual Dues for General Membership are $40 per 12-month period.

The TKG Certified Knifemaker Membership category is open to all knifemakers who submit and pass knife inspection. In order to become a TKG certified knifemaker, first sign up as a General Member and submit knives for inspection at a TKG sponsored event. All knives must be 100% sole authorship, meaning that only the applicant can “touch” (profile, grind, sand, drill, polish, or modify) the knife and cannot be made from a kit or premade blank. In addition, test knives cannot be made in a class or with the direct oversight of an instructor.  If called upon, the applicant must demonstrate a proficient level of understanding and/or skill.  There are two levels of certification:  LoneStar Knifemaker and Texas Ranger Knifemaker.  Additional information, including judging criteria, is available on the TKG Certified Knifemaker info page.  Annual Dues for TKG Certified Knifemaker are $40 per 12-month period.

The Associate Sponsor Membership is required of all businesses whose primary customer base consists of knifemakers, including knife dealers and those who provide supplies, tools, and goods to knifemakers. This membership includes all primary owners, partners, managers, and their spouses. Members in this category are expected to conduct business with knifemakers in Texas and may be called upon to support and participate in TKG events or offer discounts to TKG members. Associate Sponsor members may hold LoneStar and/or Ranger Knifemaker certifications but must pay dues as an Associate Sponsor and may not serve on the Board of Directors. In-state/out of state voting rules apply to Associate Sponsors. There are three tier levels for the Associate Sponsor membership: Silver, Gold, and Preferred. Annual dues are determined according to the sponsorship tier type and run from January to December. Additional information, including tier benefits, is available on the Associate Sponsor info page.

Membership Criteria

Each level of membership falls under the following expectations. 
As a member of the Texas Knifemakers’ Guild,
      – I will strive toward higher levels of quality, fit, and finish in the knives I make or collect.
      – I will deal with integrity as I buy and sell knives and knife related items.
      – I will try to learn and teach at every opportunity, and will be an advocate for knifemaking in the state of Texas.

Removal of Membership

Evidence of lack of integrity in business practices will be grounds for the withdrawal of membership status.  Examples include, but are not limited to, presenting assembled or “kit” knives as the maker’s own work, a pattern of significant delays in delivering knife or product orders, and taking payment for knives or product without delivering the product in a timely manner.  Membership withdrawal will be by majority vote of the board of directors.  The board may choose to speak with the applicant and/or seek more information prior to voting on membership.  If the board votes to withdraw membership, the grounds for must be specified in writing.  Any membership decision decided by majority vote of the board of directors is final.  Members whose membership is withdrawn by the board will be entitled to a pro-rated refund of their membership dues.

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