Each year, the TKG holds an event that we call “KITH” or Knife In The Hat. Not only is it a fun way to swap knives with other Texas makers, the KITH is also a great way to send and receive feedback from other knifemakers. To participate in the KITH you must follow these guidelines:

Participation Guidelines

    • Only paid members of the TKG are allowed to participate. No minimum years experience required; however, there will be two pools of names to swap, one for Lone Star Knifemakers and one for General Members.
    • Make, finish, and box the knife before the TKG Members’ Meeting at the Poor Old Borton Hammer-In in June.
    • The knives will be randomly swapped at the hammer-in.
    • Every KITH participant will make the knife of their choice.

    KITH Design Requirements

    • There are two categories of KITH knives: LoneStar Knifemakers and General.
      • To be in the LoneStar Knifemaker Category, you must be a Lonestar Knifemaker AND make a knife that utilizes a multi-piece handle that contains either a guard or a bolster. The material of the guard/bolster as well as handle/scales is completely up to the maker’s choosing. This category also includes folding knives made by LoneStar Knifemakers.
      • All other knives will be in the General Member category. *Note that all knives that do not contain a bolster/guard will be in the General/Other category regardless of the maker’s membership level. Also note that all non-LoneStar Knifemakers will be in the General/Other category regardless of knife construction.
    • The knifemaker is free to choose the construction type: full tang, hidden tang, folding knife, etc.
    • The knifemaker is free to chose the steel type and thickness.
    • The knifemaker is free to choose the grind style (hallow, flat, convex, etc.) as well as grind height, blade finish, and embellishments (file work, engraving, etc.)
    • The knifemaker is free to choose the method of construction – stock removal, forged, tribal, CNC, etc.
    • The knifemaker is free to chose the handle materials and design.
    • The knife must include some type of sheath, display stand, pouch, or blade protector.

    Show your progress

    Everyone is encouraged to show pictures or videos of their work-in-progress on the TKG Facebook page. Remember, no one knows whose knife they will receive, so this will wet everyone’s thirst.

    Give Honest Feedback

    Sometimes you will receive a knife better than the one you made and sometimes you will receive a knife that you feel is worse than the one you made. If you are not okay with potentially receiving a knife that you feel is less quality than yours, do not sign up to the KITH. REMEMBER this is for fun and education. Knives will not be sent back to the maker for repair or modification. If you receive a knife from a LoneStar Knifemaker that you feel is below the standards of LoneStar certification, first communicate that with the maker. If that fails, send an email with pictures to tkgkith@gmail.com to express your concerns.