Mike,
The walnut has been donated and I have already accepted it. It is cured, pre-cut, then stabilized and will be a great handle. We "save" all of the above-mentioned costs. If folks "really" want to keep total costs down, quite requesting nickel silver double hilts, collars, etc... just sayin'..."BUT"...I'll make whatever the crew decides on.
As far as the RKCA charity $$$, it will happen...one way or the other.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris