The Kansas Custom Knifemakers Association (KCKA) Annual Meeting and Get Together will be held on Saturday, April 18th at the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene, Kansas (412 S Campbell St). The event will begin at 10:00 AM and will include a full day of activities for members of all experience levels.
Following a brief business meeting, attendees can take part in the annual knife competition. Categories include Best Hunter, Camp Knife, EDC, Chef Knife, Folder, and Best in Show. All skill levels are encouraged to participate, and there will be a variety of great prizes awarded.
This year’s keynote speaker will be ABS Master Smith Dan Peterson who will be talking about vitreous flux enamal and wood lined sheaths. In addition to the knife competition, there will be a cutting competition with the following specifications: blades must include a lanyard, have a maximum blade length of 10 inches, overall length of 15 inches, blade height no greater than 2 inches, and a spine thickness not exceeding 1/4 inch. Participants without a blade are encouraged to attend, as loaner blades will be available.
A forging competition will also be held. Participants are encouraged bring their preferred forging tools, such as hammers and tongs. Materials provided will include 1/2" and 1" round stock, 1" square bar, and flat stock ranging from 3/16" to 1/4". Beginners are welcome to participate.
A FREE lunch will be provided for all attendees. To assist with planning, members are asked to RSVP to a board member in advance.
This event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow makers, compete, learn, and support the KCKA.
This year KCKA Board Collaboration Knifes are a chef knife by Jesse Brunner and Scott Powers, an engraved hunting knife by Joshua O'Crowley and Grant Nabity, and a Damascus hunter by Larry Hemphill and Phil Evans. Raffle tickets will be $10 each. Those unable to attend in person may still participate in the raffle by contacting a board member.
All proceeds from raffles directly fund KCKA monthly events and future meetings.
