The association carries the name „German Knifemakers' Guild“ and is entered into the register of societies Stuttgart under the file number II 665/1987.

§ 2 Purpose of the association

The purpose of the association is the promotion of the art of knifemaking.

To this end, the association will organize or participate in exhibitions and events.

The association's activities are selfless; it does not pursue it own economic interests.

§ 3 Full membership

All knifemakers who have applied for membership of the association by signing the statutes at the inaugural meeting are full members of the guild.

Only knifemakers are entitled to full membership who:

a) have submitted a written application to the President
b) this application has to be endorsed (sponsored) by 3 full members
c) five hand-made knives made by the applicant him/herself have to be submitted on request to the admission committee of the German Knifemakers Guild for appraisal.

The applicants will be informed about the status of their entitlement to membership.
One year after the notification on the entitlement to membership the applicants become full members, unless they have received any communication to the contrary from the President. No reason must be given for this communication.
The general meeting of the association decides on the admission and membership fees.

§ 4 Supporting members

Individuals who wish to support the association may become supporting members.
They have to be recommended by a full member.
The supporting fee is at least as high as the membership fee.

§ 5 Honorary membership

The association may appoint persons of high achievement in knifemaking as honorary members.
Honorary members may be recommended by each full member.
The general meeting decides on their appointment.
Honorary members are non-contributory.

§ 6 Admission committee

The admission committee comprises three members in addition to the members of the executive board who are elected each year by the general meeting.

§ 7 Withdrawal, exclusion

A member can withdraw from the association by submitting a written statement to the executive board.
A member can be excluded from the association if he or she grossly violates the interests of the German Knifemakers' Guild.
The general meeting shall determine the exclusion with a 2/3 majority.

§ 8 Association's badge

The general meeting determines the nature and design and the use of the official badge of the German Knifemakers' Guild.

§ 9 Executive board

The executive board consists of the President and the Vice-President.
The executive board is elected by the general meeting for a period of two years; it remains in office even after its term has expired until a new executive board is elected.
Each member of the executive boards is authorized to solely represent the association.

§ 11 General meeting

The executive board determines the place and time for the annual general meeting.
The executive board sends the members an invitation with agenda at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
The meeting always constitutes a quorum.
The meeting is conducted by the President or by the Vice-President, should the President be prevented from attending the meeting. The course of the meeting and the type of voting will be determined by the President.
The majority of the votes cast decides if a resolution is passed.
Changes in articles of the association require a majority of three quarters.
Minutes are prepared on the meeting which will be signed by the President.

Stuttgart, October 20, 2001