Trad Gang

Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Jeremy on January 24, 2010, 02:19:00 PM

Title: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on January 24, 2010, 02:19:00 PM: It's that time of year again (you know, to start a knife for the swap).

For those of you who don't really know who I am, I've organized a knife swap around here for the past 3 years. At it's largest there were over 80 knives swapped between TradGangers! WOW!

With my shop time constraints I doubt I'll be able to participate in the swap this year (though I'll try) but I can still organize it!

It'll be set up the same as in years past. You can enter as many knives as you like in the swap. They can be pretty much anything, as long as you made it (forging, stock reduction, "cheatr" knives, stone knives, etc) - sheath recommended, but not required (leatherworking is a whole 'nother skill to learn). You'll receive as many knives as you enter.

The deadline for this year will be April 30th

We shouldn't interfere with the St Jude auction with the earlier deadline. After the entry deadline, names will be drawn at random (ok, the computer randomly does it now) and I'll email everyone telling them who to send their swap knives to. It'll be a surprise to the recipients.

Here's the point I need to stress: when you finish your knives, email me with the number of knives you're swapping and your mailing address. Posting "I'm in" on this thread doesn't count :) Doing it this way - limiting it to knives that are completed at the deadline - we avoid many of the problems the now-defunct annual arrow swap ran into: guys who received, but didn't contribute and waiting for 6 months after the deadline to receive a knife.

You have a a little over 3 months to complete a knife. It seems like a lot of time, but believe me it's not! :) When you've finished your knives, please email me at

[email protected]

So, who's in ;)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on January 24, 2010, 08:14:00 PM: Thanks Jeremy I'll be lettin You know.Had a ball last year!C-Ya Bob
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on January 24, 2010, 09:47:00 PM: I will definately be letting you know when I get a couple of extra's done. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: B M A on January 24, 2010, 10:00:00 PM: I am definately in again. Appreciate you taking the time in doing this Jeremy.
Brock
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: imskippy on January 25, 2010, 08:04:00 AM: Gotta get my act together this year. I missed last year and was very disappointed in myself for not making the time. :knothead: Skippy
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: dave hiltz on January 25, 2010, 12:06:00 PM: I will try again this year to and will let you know, I hope that whoever gets me will send the knives, unlike last year.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on January 25, 2010, 02:21:00 PM: Dave, that's been the one dark stain on this whole swap! Lawren hasn't been seen on TradGang since June '09.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: KHALVERSON on January 25, 2010, 04:52:00 PM: i will be in for 1 and maybe a hawk if thats ok and anybody wants one
kevin
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Izzy on January 25, 2010, 05:48:00 PM: Im in again.I really enjoyed the last 2.I got 2 awesome knives last year, one from Owlbait and one from Dave Ricke.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on January 25, 2010, 08:40:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by KHALVERSON:
and maybe a hawk if thats ok
I can clean and quarter a deer just as quick with a hawk as with a knife... I don't see a problem with it :)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on January 26, 2010, 10:46:00 AM: Yeah I wondered where that dude Lawren went to. It's too bad he didn't come through on his end.
I think I'll get in on this one more time too.
I'll see what I can come up with. :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: David Ricke on January 26, 2010, 09:09:00 PM: Count me in for a knife this year. Knifemaker
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on January 26, 2010, 10:44:00 PM: I'm in this sounds like a great idea! I'll shoot you an email when I'm done reading all the new stuff!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on January 27, 2010, 01:26:00 AM: Hey gang, lets keep this post to knives if you don't mind. I will post up a hawk swap in this section here in a minute. I will manage the hawk swap with the same rules as the knife swap. That way our generous initiator won't have to track two things at once.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: kuch on January 30, 2010, 02:33:00 PM: had to bring this back up...this will be my first swap...and i'm very excited..looked at previous years..this is pretty awesome...finished 3 brut de forge today.will cont and pic the best by the deadline.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: sticshooter on January 31, 2010, 12:37:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by MYSTIKBOW:
Yeah I wondered where that dude Lawren went to. It's too bad he didn't come through on his end.
I think I'll get in on this one more time too.
I'll see what I can come up with. :bigsmyl:
Hi guys., I know lawren very well. I was surprised to see this. I know he ran into some$$ trouble and was working crazy to get caught up. I contacted him when I seen this. Here is his reply back.

Yeah, I sent one that never made it (at least that's what I was told), and started a second one to make sure the guy didn't get stiffed... I ended up moving before I could get it completed. I have finally got my shop sorta set up again, and will finish it up soon ( I have about a dozen others that are far behind on delivery as well... I'll be back around more frequently here soon, had to take care of basic necessities first. Right at the moment, I'm so broke I couldn't scrounge up the 5 bucks to send it if I had it finished. I don't mind making an extra to make sure the guy gets one, I've just been in a hard labor (BAD) place the last several months. Please let everyone over there know I'll be back around soon, and I'll make it right.

He also gave me the OK to give the email to who ever wants its. ZI don;t know whom had a knife coming but he will make it right. But if they want I will give them a knife that I will make...may not be as good as one lawren makes? But I will do my best. Just let me know. thanks<><
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on February 02, 2010, 08:35:00 PM: Well Just in case nobody can tell I'm excited like a kid in a candy store about this years swap! So My Meager offering is already dunn.
Here is all anyone is gonna get to see till they hold it their hand!!!!
(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/prarieboy/knives/002-24.jpg)
C-Yall Bob
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jon Shade on February 05, 2010, 05:52:00 PM: I'm definatly going to put a knife in this year! Can't wait!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on February 08, 2010, 12:01:00 PM: Will try o get something in for this too. Hope I can get it done.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on February 19, 2010, 04:02:00 PM: ttt

Is everyone finding shop time?? :D
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: LONGBOWKID on February 21, 2010, 01:57:00 PM: I'll be participating again this year. Had fun last time. :)

Not really sure when Ill get the shop time though. I can only work on weekends and I am accident prone, or so Ive been told. Dropped the tongue of a 500lb trailor on my foot and fractured the second metatarsal pretty good, as well as bruising everything else severely. :knothead: Had to pick it up with one arm to untangle my foot from under it, and in doing so, I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder. Joy.

Thanks for organizing this Jeremy, its definetely an event I'll be in as long as its held!

Kid
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on February 24, 2010, 11:18:00 AM: I've got one ready for a new home, can't wait for my new addition!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on February 24, 2010, 10:14:00 PM: I think I will give this a go again. Last year just didnt work out for me, but I have a blade blank asking to get finished.

Thanks for hosting it Jeremy.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on March 11, 2010, 03:04:00 PM: just finshed my frist one hope i can do one more
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on March 13, 2010, 10:12:00 PM: Here is my first to swap. I hope to get at least one more done and maybe a metal blade one as well. I hope whoever gets it will like it!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/JOHN4Mystikbow/DSCF1060.jpg)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on March 14, 2010, 09:21:00 PM: Thats nice!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on March 20, 2010, 09:53:00 PM: Sweet!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: pearsoncougar on March 21, 2010, 08:25:00 PM: can you enter the swap if you bought the blade and didnt make it??
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on March 27, 2010, 12:29:00 PM: Im slowly gathering the materials I need...should be able to get working on it soon.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Neutron on March 29, 2010, 10:01:00 PM: What is a "cheatr" knife?
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on April 07, 2010, 12:38:00 PM: (http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z70/olguin_03/knife/IMG_0021.jpg)
sorry it came out so big
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on April 17, 2010, 09:47:00 PM: It doesn't look like too many are in this year eh?
Jeremy, do you have a tally yet?
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on April 19, 2010, 07:44:00 AM: Quote
Originally posted by Neutron:
What is a "cheatr" knife?
It's a term coined by sticshooter and generally refers to a knife that was cut out from another knife blade (carefully so as not to overheat) and then made into a new knife.

I received a cheatr knife in the first swap. The blade profile was cut from an old butcher knife, a new edge was put on and the handle was attached. Holds an edge well, has lots of character and peels the critters out of their skin :)

I don't have a tally yet, but the numbers are definitely down from previous years. Two weeks left guys!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on April 20, 2010, 09:19:00 AM: The "official" tally right now is at 6, though GabeO and chris amos have posted they have theirs done, but haven't emailed me their info. That makes 8 with just 10 days to go. I normally get about 15 emails or so the last week before the deadline.

Here are the past year totals:
'07 - 39 knives
'08 - 80 knives
'09 - 48 knives

I know one of the main reasons numbers are down this year is that all the knives are in one hat to draw from. Some of the more experienced guys have expressed concerns about sending out a forged knife they put a lot of hours into and getting something that's not at the level they prefer.

I started the swap to get guys doing something hunting related in the off season and drum up interest in an art/skill I love. I think it's been successful in that. Quite a few of you made your first knife (or two) for the swaps! :clapper:

I guess a decision will have to be made for next year to either keep the format the way it's been or divide it up into categories (forged/knapped, stock reduction, cheatr; beginner, intermediate, pro, etc... you get the idea) in an effort to get more people involved.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on April 21, 2010, 02:09:00 AM: Let me know what info you need, i'll pass it along asap! thanks chris
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on April 21, 2010, 01:41:00 PM: Chris, just the number of knives you're entering and your mailing address to [email protected]
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on April 23, 2010, 12:25:00 AM: i'll send it out to you here in a bit thanks gabe
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on April 27, 2010, 06:18:00 AM: Just a few days left! :scared:
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on April 29, 2010, 07:28:00 AM: T minus one and counting... :)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: imskippy on April 29, 2010, 02:07:00 PM: Sorry guys I just can't get any shop time. I will start 2 asap for next year to get ahead of the game. LOL Skippy
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Emmons on April 29, 2010, 09:10:00 PM: Here is my swap knife.

3" EDC
3" Hollow ground blade
O1 heat treated to RC59-60
Polished finish
6-1/2" overall
Stablized Black Ash Burl handle with white and black liners.
416 SST pins

I will build the winner a right or left handed tool black drum dyed leather sheath.

James

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/JPStangs/SwapKnife2.jpg)

(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a222/JPStangs/SwapKnife1.jpg)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on April 30, 2010, 01:04:00 PM: thats a good looking knife
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on April 30, 2010, 08:44:00 PM: How many we got out there Jeremy. I will post pics of my knife soon, and will do the sheath for the winner according to prefered hand and if they want an armgaurd with sheath or a neck sheath.
I can understand the pro's being concerned about investing time and not getting an equitable return. I'm a novice and don't have any where near the quality tool that they would produce, but will still mightily pleased with what ever I get and hope the recipient of mine feels the same.
Tony
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on April 30, 2010, 08:45:00 PM: James,
Thats a sweet little knife!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on May 01, 2010, 03:13:00 PM: I have about 5 minutes on the computer right now... will do the tally and draw tomorrow AM and start sending out emails. Right now the total # of knives is 12...
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on May 04, 2010, 08:09:00 AM: I haven't forgotten about you guys; there were a few last minute changes Sunday. All the emails should be out tonight though.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on May 04, 2010, 04:12:00 PM: Thanks Jeremy,
We appreciate the hard work you are putting in.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on May 04, 2010, 09:18:00 PM: All the emails should be out.

It wasn't too hard this year with only 12 knives. I'm looking forward to seeing some more pics!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ArcticArcher on May 05, 2010, 01:18:00 AM: Got my name, knife will be in the mail tomorrow. It will be heading Southeast. But with me living in AK that leaves it pretty much open to anywhere in the lower 48.

Nick
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on May 05, 2010, 10:03:00 AM: Got my name and address as well. Knife will be going out somewhere south of me tomorrow morning. :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on May 05, 2010, 01:06:00 PM: got my name to going to go up north some where from here everything is up north
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on May 05, 2010, 01:14:00 PM: One is goin south now!Hope Ya like it!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: canders on May 05, 2010, 02:32:00 PM: Mine will be headed north on Thursday. It's a pretty cool thought that there will be a knife I made being used clear across the country.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on May 05, 2010, 07:13:00 PM: Mine will be heading west in a couple of days, just got to finish the sheath this weekend. Can't wait to get mine.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on May 05, 2010, 09:47:00 PM: Mine heads South tomorrow after a few finishing touches. This knife making stuff isn't as easy as you all make it look....and I used a blank!! :rolleyes:
Is it normal to want to keep it when you are done making it? :D
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on May 05, 2010, 10:26:00 PM: Jamie,
Are you kidding?!!? I've wanted to keep every damn one that I've made! :biglaugh:
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on May 06, 2010, 01:56:00 AM: Mine heads north tomorrow morning, had to give it a few days for the sheath to dry, seems like you always forget something!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on May 06, 2010, 01:31:00 PM: Ok it on the way! Here's a hint, its going to NY. Can't wait, its better than christmas!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on May 07, 2010, 06:15:00 AM: OOOOH I'm in NY.
:clapper: :clapper: :pray:
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on May 07, 2010, 12:37:00 PM: got mine in just now
All i can say its great my new go to knife. will post pic later its from a mr. Dillon from Satanta ,KS. I dought that pics will do it but fills really good in hand very well made.the sheath is a work of art to THANK you very much love it
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on May 07, 2010, 12:46:00 PM: I'll try to put up a pic of mine tonight, I have a hard time with this system.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on May 08, 2010, 06:59:00 AM: Got mine yesterday, beautiful little knife, will wear it with pride and hopefully get it real bloody.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: kuch on May 08, 2010, 01:25:00 PM: received mine today and it is great...i'll try to post pics tonight.
chad
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: kuch on May 08, 2010, 05:00:00 PM: i have always wanted a knapped knife...i lucked out! (http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy259/elizipper/DSCF1618.jpg)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on May 08, 2010, 05:31:00 PM: man thats nice are they very sharp?
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: kuch on May 08, 2010, 06:26:00 PM: i think it would do a deer...but a different feel than steel.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on May 08, 2010, 09:26:00 PM: Sweet.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: MYSTIKBOW on May 09, 2010, 01:10:00 PM: Here is the beauty that I received from Chris Amos. Thanks Again Chris!!
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y215/JOHN4Mystikbow/DSCF1141.jpg)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on May 09, 2010, 05:58:00 PM: Man you guys did some amazing work. Im starting to think I should have sat this one out... :rolleyes:

Either that or I shoulda stuck with stone... :D
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on May 10, 2010, 09:22:00 AM: Thanks Gabe I hope You use a lot and then still like it.
These others are lookin good.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on May 10, 2010, 11:55:00 AM: Gabe....all I can say is wow. Amazing knife, and I look forward to carrying it for many years! Thanks!!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: canders on May 10, 2010, 03:20:00 PM: I got mine just a few minutes ago from mr. Kirwan. It's a great little knife with a nice sheath. He also threw in a bonus leatherman. Thanks again it will make a great little user. Pics coming this evening.

Chad
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: prarieboy on May 10, 2010, 07:52:00 PM: This Guy got exactly what He wanted!It blends in so well you would think it was camoflaged!!
Thanks to Jon in Pa.My kit got better.
One bone handled patch knife found a home for life!
(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/prarieboy/knives/030-1.jpg)
(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/prarieboy/knives/028.jpg)
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on May 10, 2010, 11:22:00 PM: Thanks Mystic, your pic looks better than mine did anyway!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jon Shade on May 11, 2010, 06:02:00 AM: Glad you liked it Prarieboy. May it always serve you well! Love your possibles bag! Jon
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ishiwannabe on May 14, 2010, 09:40:00 PM: Did everyone get their knife already? Any more pics coming??
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jon Shade on May 15, 2010, 02:10:00 PM: I am still waiting for my Emmons custom knife. But, if you bounce back to page 3 in this thread and look at the picture, I think you will agree, it is going to be well worth the waite. Jon
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Emmons on May 15, 2010, 07:26:00 PM: Jon,

I made a mistake on the first sheath, so it went in the garbage. The finish on the second one is drying right now and will be in the mail on Monday. Sorry for the delay.

James
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jon Shade on May 16, 2010, 08:25:00 AM: No problem James! As I said before, well worth the wait.

Jon
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: GabeO on May 16, 2010, 06:01:00 PM: Jeremy just like to tell you thanks for getting all this together for us thanks Gabe
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: canders on May 16, 2010, 06:02:00 PM: I haven't heard if my knife made it to its new home yet. I believe it should have made it there already. If I haven't heard in a couple more days I'll pm the recipient to see if it made it.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on May 17, 2010, 04:38:00 PM: I got my knife and will post pics tonight. Have had some time cnstraints lately and getting the sheath finished has taken me a while. Will have the finish on it and send it out in a couple of days. Apologies to my recipient.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: ArcticArcher on May 17, 2010, 05:55:00 PM: Chad, I did get the knife. You did an outstanding job on it. Looking forward to using it, bear season is open and I'm hoping to get the opportunity to use the knife. Playing Mr Mom for my girlfriend this week will try to get pics posted soon.

Nick
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: canders on May 17, 2010, 09:24:00 PM: Nick
I'm glad you got it I was getting worried it got lost between Texas and Alaska. I hope it serves you well and good luck with bear season.

Chad
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jon Shade on May 21, 2010, 12:54:00 PM: My Emmons custom knife arrived today! Sha-zam! It is even better look'in than in the picture. I sure lucked out! I must of stepped in something! It will ride on my hip the rest of my life. Outstanding work James!
Jon
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: chris amos on May 27, 2010, 04:02:00 PM: Been away from the computer for a awhile, had a knifemaking seminar out in Wyo. to teach. Just wanted to thank Nick for the great little knife he sent my way. Nice work, it will see plenty of adventures in the coming years i'm sure!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Jeremy on June 11, 2010, 11:28:00 AM: I know we haven't seen all the pictures, but did everyone receive a knife from the swap now?
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: K.Morgan on September 26, 2010, 06:14:00 PM: I missed out on this swap but I want in on the next one. I have a few done and ready to go. I have two more cooking. Let me know when it will kick off.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: mullet on November 17, 2010, 08:15:00 PM: Man! I totally missed this one. There were some beautifull knives, this go around.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: RM81 on December 20, 2010, 01:54:00 PM: If there will be a beginner category, I'll be in for the next swap. Just finished my second knife this weekend and it doesn't even come close to some of the quality others have done.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: razorback on January 05, 2011, 07:29:00 AM: Got a great knife from Dave Ricke last year and am looking forward to doing this again.
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: STOBBER on February 16, 2013, 10:50:00 PM: Im in for 2 knives ...................its been a long time since ive participated but i would love to get involved agaian.
This is a great site with a fantastic group of people .
Count me in!
Title: Re: 4th Annual Knife Swap
Post by: Bladepeek on February 22, 2013, 10:55:00 AM: I'd like to get into this if I can get something done in time. I noticed we jumped from many pages of 2010 posts to 2011 and then 2013.

What about starting a new post for a 2013 swap with relevant dates, rules, etc for those of us who haven't participated before?

Ron