Garett J. and Brittany G. - Youth Camp Auction Knives
Every year, the youth in our church have the opportunity to attend camps designed to help them step away from the distractions of everyday life, strengthen their faith, and build lasting friendships. While families contribute toward the cost, additional fundraising helps make these experiences possible for every young person who wants to attend.
As our congregation began planning this year's fundraising efforts, we decided to try something new: a silent auction. Having lived and served in this community for many years, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute in a way that was uniquely personal. Rather than donating a single knife, I decided to build two chef's knives in tandem, hoping to create pieces that would appeal to different tastes while helping raise additional funds for the youth camps.
Both knives were crafted from 80CrV2 steel, but each was given its own distinct personality. One featured a segmented handle with a more refined, traditional appearance, while the other incorporated a bold pop of color—a design element that has gradually become part of my own signature style. Although the knives shared the same overall profile, they were intentionally designed to speak to different preferences while showcasing two different approaches to the same concept.
Building two knives simultaneously proved more challenging than I expected. In the process of learning to use some new equipment, I encountered a few setbacks that ultimately led me to build an entirely second pair before I was satisfied with the finished knives that would be offered at auction. While frustrating at the time, those experiences became valuable lessons that continue to influence my work today.
One of the most rewarding parts of the auction was watching friends and neighbors pick up the knives, admire the craftsmanship, and ask questions about how they had been made. It was especially meaningful to see the finished pieces purchased by members of the community, including a longtime friend who had quietly admired my work from afar for years. Knowing these knives helped provide meaningful experiences for the youth in our congregation made the countless hours in the shop well worth the effort.
These knives represent more than a fundraising project. They remind me that craftsmanship can be a way to serve others, strengthen a community, and contribute to something larger than ourselves. Opportunities like this are a privilege, and I'm grateful I was able to use my craft in a way that supported the next generation.
