Having a family crest made. Things like values, traits, achievements, and experiences.

Having a family crest made. Nov 11, 2024 · Having coat of arms or family crest is much rarer than you might imagine. Design a beautiful, meaningful family crest or coat of arms that represents your family's values, history, and aspirations for generations to come. Unfortunately, they’re rarer than you might think. These symbols weren’t just for show; they conveyed stories, status, and family values in a way that words often couldn’t. The guide includes a heraldic code and a downloadable template for creating a family crest. Peter the Great made Boris Sheremetev a count for fighting an uprising, which is why his coat of arms featured lions, symbolizing his courage How do I create a family crest? A family crest is a symbol that represents a family’s history, values, and pedigree. What elements on the shield (if any, it can be also blank or with a heraldic pattern) 3. Aug 17, 2018 · Today we have a guest post written by the team at Coat of Arms and Family Crest Search Read on to find out the history of heraldry, and how to find out if anyone in your family has ever had a right to bear arms: If you are researching your tree for a coat of arms or family crest, then you really need to read the rest of this. Family crests date back to the Middle Ages in Europe, where they served as identifying marks for noble families. It also alludes to a variety of things that he and his wife enjoy, like Paris, aikido, and calligraphy. With the increasing interest in genealogy and heraldry, many individuals and families are curious about their own family crests. This guide will walk you through the process of designing your own family crest, focusing on key elements and providing detailed explanations to help you create a meaningful and unique emblem. Before you shell out for a family coat of arms, check our primer and learn how you can discover if you really have heraldry in your heritage. Historically, family crests were granted to families of high social standing, like royalty, aristocrats, knights, and landed gentry. Heraldic Rings Whether you're designing the tenth generation wax seal ring in your family or you're not even sure how "family crest" and "coat of arms" differ, we'll help you to design an heirloom ring that perfectly represents you and your family. Buy unique custom family shield and crests gifts in the USA at Shield and Crest online store. By having a family crest, you not only continue a tradition dating back hundreds of years, but you carry the legacy of your ancestors with you, and live as they lived. Jul 4, 2025 · Welcome to our list of 99 mottos for family crests! These mottos are all in Latin and have been translated into English for your convenience. Each family surname (last name), no matter what their lineage or stature, could have a distinctive and unique family crest somewhere down the line in history. It represents the history of a family name and displays elements unique to that family. May 7, 2020 · Over time, family crest became interchangeable with coat of arms, but the distinction is still important to understand, particularly if you’re searching for your family crest. It is typically passed down through generations and serves as a visual representation of the family’s history and values. It outlines the process of designing a crest that reflects your heritage and values. Just describe your idea to generate the image of your heraldry, and our free online AI coat of arms maker turns your words into a detailed heraldic shield. Tell your story with wedding heraldry or a custom wedding crest. Im looking to create a family crest, how would I go about designing one or having someone draw one up for me digitally? Any advice greatly appreciated I've recently gotten addicted to heraldry and family crests, only to find out that the whole family crest thing is mostly a scam. When many people with Irish heritage start studying their family history, they find their family crest. Learn about heraldic symbols, colors, and design tools to craft a crest. Here are some key facts about family crests: Originated in 12th century Europe as identifying emblems for noble families. com to see more. You can create your own Coat of Arms template based on your own family characteristics. I don't know what else Aug 25, 2022 · Why did families have crests? Centuries ago, family crests or coat of arms were used much like a company logo to identify different royal families in countries all over the world. Explore Japanese family crests (Kamon) linked to famous clans and surnames. With our free coat of arms generator you can easily draw your own personal coat of arms, family crests or emblems for fantasy worlds. If you have Japanese heritage, there is a good chance that you too have a family crest! These symbols have a long history, from their origins more than a thousand years Nov 17, 2024 · For anyone digging into family history, encountering a family crest or coat of arms can feel like uncovering buried treasure. If we have an exact match we will show you your family coat of arms below. May 8, 2024 · Discover the intriguing world of family crests and their heraldic symbols. The designs were typically granted around the 12th century by governing bodies and monarchs, mostly in Europe. Our Custom Family Coat of Arms are hand made in the USA. Craft your family legacy with our AI Family Crest Generator! Design crests that symbolize your heritage and values. Jul 10, 2025 · Design your own family crest with a step-by-step guide. Jul 1, 2022 · Family crests, how do I find my family crest and do all families have a crest? Family crests are a fascinating subject with a rich history. However, in everyday conversation, most people use “family crest” to refer to the entire heraldic design, which is more accurately called a coat of arms. Preserve your heritage with a personalised custom crest that tells your family's unique story. Mar 1, 2021 · When researching your ancestry or family lines, you may be inspired to learn how to create a family crest. The term "coat of arms" itself, describing in modern times just the heraldic design, originates from the description of the entire medieval chainmail "surcoat" garment used in combat or preparation for the latter. Just because a crest pops up next to your last name doesn’t mean it’s your crest. Mar 17, 2017 · A modern family crest doesn’t have to be just botanicals. While the tradition of using family crests has evolved over time, the concept remains popular among families looking to connect with their past. It can serve as a reminder of your family values, spark pride in your ancestry, and provide a sense of continuity by having a piece of family history with you. One innovative approach is to incorporate armor elements. Although it may be disappointing to find out that the chances of having legitimate claim to a family crest going back just one or two generations are pretty slim, the beauty of it is that these days, anyone can create his or her own family crest. A family crest is the medieval version of a family logo. Do you have any ideas how would you like your coat of arms to look like? I need to know especially: 1. Visit www. Make your coat of arms symbols with the best Family Crest and coat of arms generator. All we need is a high resolution image of your crest to begin. While traditionally the domain of nobility, creating your own unique family crest is now accessible to everyone, allowing you to forge a visual representation of your Jun 7, 2024 · Strolling through a shopping mall, you may see a kiosk that specializes in family crests. How to Find Your Family Crest Start with what you already know about your family history and surname. Making a family crest or coat of arms can be fun and beneficial for kids, as knowing about their heritage gives children a sense of belonging and their place in the world. Regular families or commoners did not have rights to a coat of arms for much of history. com for you medieval project or enenactment needs. It traditionally contains images or elements that have special meaning for that family. Starting Your Own Family Crest Make your coat of arms family crest free, Family Crest GeneratorOur exciting new program allows you to create your very own personalized family crest, coat of arms. They were a component of the heraldry emblazoned on their armour, shield and flags to identify them at jousting tournaments or on the battlefield. My mom is a sewer, Reader, and Gardener. Valeria Custom Jewelry can create Family Crest Rings with your family coat of arms on it. Create your own family crest with our AI Crest Generator. Having a coat of arms, also known as a family crest, is a symbol of lineage and heritage. Jun 28, 2025 · A family crest is a specific type of heraldic symbol that is traditionally associated with nobility and aristocracy, and it is used to symbolize a family’s identity, heritage, and values. Apr 23, 2024 · Family crests are like the cool logos of ancient family brands, carrying deep stories and values from generations ago. We ship our products all over the US, Canada, and other countries What Are Family Crests and Coats of Arms? Family crests and coats of arms are distinctive designs that represent a family, individual, or organization. Personalize your design by adding unique symbols, colors, and themes. Create and draw heraldic shields, coats of arms, sigils, and banners. Family crests are made of symbolic designs with special meanings Oct 29, 2024 · For centuries, family crests have been a symbol of prestige, heritage, and identity. A one off Family Crest seal signet ring to your design costs £990 in 9ct gold along with the wax and designs. Browsing through the crest template gallery, you will get inspired to explore your creative potential. Our advanced AI technology allows you to create a family crest. To get started, send us your crest so we can see what we are working with Feb 3, 2022 · An article describing the background of a coat of arms or family crest, and how to discover if your family has one. Explore the fascinating world of coat of arms symbols, their history, and legacy. To create a family shield for your family, pick out a monogram and symbols with your kids that could represent your family. Mar 12, 2025 · Create a meaningful family crest with this step-by-step guide. Things like values, traits, achievements, and experiences. Those arms would have the same standing and authority in Australia as arms prepared by the College of Arms in England Who is entitled to a family crest? As we’re learning, family crests are limited only by one’s imagination. Our results will show your coat of arms (Family Name Shield) and country of origin for that particular design. These intricate designs, often passed down through countless years, represent a family's values, lineage, and achievements. So if these circumstances our good, following the rules of heraldry, am I allowed to make my own Rogers family crest? TL:DR: Am I allowed to make my own family crest following the rules of heraldry? Archived post. They are separated by country of origin. Jul 4, 2025 · By following the steps in this guide and keeping the tips for a successful crest in mind, you can craft a symbol that is meaningful and unique to your family or organization. Even if you are new to graphic design, you can craft a special heraldry for your family. These coat of arms often include a crest or geometric shield area with symbols to distinguish themselves. Over time, heraldic rules were adapted to family crests among noble families. They started out on medieval battlefields, where you needed to know who was who in the chaos, and have stuck around all the way to today Create your own coat of arms with text in seconds. While our team re-creates crests from exact historical standards, some people may want to create their own design. Crests were at first made A family coat of arms represents a family line and what’s important to them. You can also include things that are family-specific! For example, the family crest below, created for my friend Rodger, features a southwestern flair to celebrate his New Mexico home. Historically, a coat of arms was a unique heraldic design displayed on a shield or escutcheon, used to identify individuals or families. Mar 16, 2025 · A family crest, far from being a relic of bygone eras, remains a powerful tool for forging a sense of identity and legacy. 7k Views Do you have a family crest? Have you ever wondered if it’s real or just something made up? Have you ever pondered the meaning behind your family crest? While family crests may be prevalent in some cultures, it doesn’t mean that all family crests are real. One of the famous noble families in Russia was the Sheremetevs. I want to create my own Coat of Arms or My own Family Crest? Any suggestions on how should I do that? I'm a Christian I'm an American aka USA. Aug 25, 2022 · As we’re learning, family crests are limited only by one’s imagination. an individual person, family, state, organization, school or corporation). Rooted in heraldry, it doesn’t tell you who your great-grandma was (unlike family trees), but it does tell you how your ancestors may have presented themselves, what they accomplished in their lives, and what values they followed. Jul 4, 2025 · If you have designed or inherited a family crest and are interested in making it official, you may be wondering how to certify your family crest. Canva Pick either a template or a What Is a Family Crest? A family crest is a symbolic design belonging to a particular family. Having a family motto on your family crest is a great way to represent your family’s unique identity and legacy. Choose symbols on your crest to tell your family's story. MyFamilyCoatofArms. Use our free random coat of arms generator. The guide encourages users to consider symbols representing their family’s history, profession, and interests. Custom making these rings ensures that they accurately represent the unique history and values of each family. Get your own unique family crest ring. While less common today, family crests can still be designed and used to celebrate a family’s unique story. The Reality of Traditional Family Crests Even if you Jun 28, 2025 · The short answer is no, not every family has a family crest. Have Your Family Crest Made Once you have a completed design for your family coat of arms, there are several options for bringing it to life: Hire a graphic designer to create a digital file you can print on various items. Sometimes, instead of the wreath, the crest will use a coronet or a chapeau (a velvet cap of maintenance lined with ermine). In this article, we will guide you through the process of designing and creating Are you interested in knowing more about your family coat of arms? First, be sure your family actually has one. Let us create a one of a kind heirloom display shield with your coat of arms. Jul 4, 2025 · A family crest, also known as a coat of arms, is a symbol that represents a family’s identity and heritage. While most of us no longer have family members who go riding around in medieval battles, it can still be fun to create a family crest or coat of arms that represents where we come from! Whether you’re designing your coat of arms to honor your Why Make A Family Crest Whether you’ve discovered an old family heirloom or are curious about the stories behind your last name, creating a family crest is a meaningful way to connect with your heritage. Why Family Crest Rings Have To Be Custom Made Family crest rings are a symbol of heritage and lineage. We craft stunning custom family crests in high-quality metal. The terms "crest" and "coat of arms" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings In ancient times, crests and mottoes may have been used by all, but with the passing of the centuries some have been omitted or forgotten, and no records of these have survived. My dad is a hunter and fisherman Myself is a Ballroom Dancer. We display worldwide graphics with names of Irish, German, Scottish, Italian, Spanish, English, Scottish, Welsh, UK, Canada, Australia and America origin. Understanding the Basics of Heraldry Before diving into the design Oct 9, 2023 · Coats of arms and family crests are akin to a special logo that was used in times of old to represent one’s family during battles. This distinctive emblem encapsulates the individual’s origin, values, and achievements, making it a powerful and personal symbol. Knights wore crests on their helmets in battle and tournaments as identification, along with a painted shield. They served as a symbol of status and identity. It is impossible to post the artwork for every name. Jul 22, 2023 · A family crest or coat of arms distinguishes an individual or a family from others and is often displayed proudly on clothing, flags, and other items. Bringing Your Family Crest Ideas to Life Before you decide how you’d like to display your family crest, make sure you have the right one to begin with! After all, it should reflect your actual heritage based on verified heraldic records. We handmake seal style Family Crest rings in Sterling Silver, 9ct gold, 18ct gold or Platinum, and our customers are given the wax of their Family Crest which can be used by future generations to make further Family Crest rings. Learn the art of heraldry, choose symbols, and create a unique emblem. At its core, a family crest, often referred to as a "coat of arms," is a collection of officially documented symbols, colors, and design elements, each possessing a historical significance and a particular meaning. The Shield Factory is a manufacturer of hand-made display shields, family coat of arms, miltary awards and custom wall display or re-enactment shields all hand-made in the USA. Learn about using coat of arms and family crest symbols at home. The Do's and Don'ts of Making Your Own Family Crest Genealogists who have artistic talent could decide to make their own family crest. Create Family Crests & Coat of Arms for Free DesignEvo's family crest maker helps you design a unique coat of arms with its customizable templates, no design experience needed. There is nothing preventing any person or organisation from commissioning a local artist, graphics studio or heraldry specialist to design and produce a coat of arms or identifying symbol. Animals I like are Fox (cunning), Buck Deer (Don't provoke), Wolf (Loyalty), Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Horse, and Bear (Family). Sep 13, 2025 · Heraldry - Crests, Symbols, Armorial Bearings: A crest is the object placed on top of the helmet and bound to it by what is known as a “wreath of the colors,” a twist of cloth (part of the mantling) of the two principal colors of the arms. . Start building a meaningful family legacy today! Jan 27, 2025 · For centuries, family crests have been a symbol of heritage and identity, reflecting the history and lineage of a particular family. It takes away the need for intensive design skills or manual work, thus enabling users to create custom Family Crest images for whatever purpose they may have in mind, be it artistic exploration, marketing Embrace your heritage with NightCafe's AI Family Crest Generator. Family Crest, Coat of Arms - Free to view your coat of arms family crest, shield also known as a symbol, design, pattern, tartan, picture, template or tattoo. Ever wondered how family crests work? We answer your most common questions and clarify what matters. Uncover the secrets to crafting a meaningful and visually appealing family emblem. swordsandarmor. Don't get disheartened, finding your true family crest can be easier than you think. Crafting one, however, demands more than just whimsical doodles; it requires thoughtful consideration, historical awareness, and a touch of artistic flair. An online heraldry designer toolkit for building your own custom coat of arms. What colour scheme Family Crest is a quest in which the player must retrieve three family crest pieces from the Fitzharmon brothers and return the crest to their father. While European crests are bound by heraldic rules, Americans have creative liberty in developing family crests that represent their values and story. How to Find Your Coat of Arms If you have European heritage, you may have a coat of arms or family crest. 100% free, fun and easy. Coats of arms were originally created to make knights more easily Hand Made Family Crests on Display Shields Here is a comparison of a family crest art file and the final shield Below is a partial list of the over 25,000 family names we can current create a coat of arms or family crest from. What animals (supporters) would you like to see on the sides (if any)? 2. It’s the greatest crest maker tool to design a custom coat of arms, a personal crest, or a full family emblem. I want this crest to actually have meaning and I will want to carry on this crest like my family before me did not. Learn the significance and meaning of family crests in genealogy research. My question now is, are there any sources which have a bit of legitimacy to claiming such a crest belongs to this family or that? Also, here's an achievement I made. Both paths are valid and deeply rewarding, but they involve very different steps. A coat of arms is traditionally unique to the armiger (e. However, while having a crest is certainly the norm in American heraldry, anyone bearing arms may forgo a crest he or she wishes. Is that acceptable to do? Jan 17, 2022 · Ever wondered if your family has a coat of arms or a family crest? The heritage behind them is exciting, but what exactly do they represent and what is the difference between a family crest vs. The short answer is no, not all families have a formal family crest. Heraldry, or the use of coats of Most people make these common mistakes when they “find” their family crest online. See crest examples and learn why professional research is key to finding yours. The guide also offers a free Feb 22, 2024 · Family crests are prevalent in heraldry, with over 233,000 to explore and discover. com hand crafts your family coat of arms on a beautiful display shield. So, can Americans have a family crest? The short answer is yes, Americans can have a family crest. However, in recent centuries, the use of family crests Design your own custom signet ring, coat of arms ring or family crest ring. The beauty of making family crests and coats of arms is that each element can be subjective or literal, and you have the creative freedom to make and interpret it in any way to celebrate your family roots. Nov 20, 2024 · Over the centuries, family crests have evolved, and they continue to hold significance today as a link to ancestry, personal achievements, and shared identity. Sep 23, 2024 · Answer Creating a family crest is a fascinating way to connect with your heritage and establish a lasting symbol for your family. Struggling to find your real family crest? Here's some simple tips to get started. Creating your own family crest is easy, the first step is shown below. Explore the significance of family crests as symbols of heritage and identity, revealing their historical roots, meanings, and how to design your own. Russian families use their crests to show values and ancestral history, much like how English heraldry evolved. Spread the loveA family crest, also known as a coat of arms, is a unique heraldic design that has been used for centuries to represent a family’s lineage, heritage, and accomplishments. Learn how to find your family's coat of arms or how to create your own! Creating a family crest or coat of arms is a journey into your heritage, and it follows one of two distinct paths: you can either research an authentic coat of arms historically granted to a direct ancestor, or you can design a new, personal one that represents your family’s story today. Conclusion Americans are free to adopt or design a family crest regardless of ancestry or nobility. I make hand painted family crests. Finally, tonight I was able to do my first laser cut! I started with the founders ruler (of course) but since everyone has seen that, I decided to cut a family crest I made for our family (The Eash Hershbergers). If you’re a parent who wants a hands-on, fun project that blends storytelling, art AI Family Crest generator is an AI-powered tool that generates visually stunning Family Crest images from text prompts provided by a user. They have to be pretty large due to the usual detail of these crests; the larger the better. Crest Finder What are family crests? Family crests date back to the days of knights in shining armour. Family Crests Finding the origins of your family and surname can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding process, and taking the time to locate your family crest can also provide a considerable amount of insight regarding the wars waged and the battles won by your family. Jan 10, 2018 · Hello all! I received my Glowforge a couple of weeks ago, but a lot of things have kept me from being able to get it up and running. May 22, 2025 · A crest is a part of heraldic history. As time went on, every family, not just royal families, began to use crests to mark their property and distinguish themselves from others. Custom crests and coat of arms designs -- family, business, ecclesiastical, religious, school, and more. Uncover your crest's story. Search your family name for your coat of arms. Jun 9, 2025 · For generations, family crests have served as powerful symbols of heritage, identity, and shared history. Here’s why: Multiple unrelated families might have the same last name but completely different crests. However, just knowing what yours looks like is only the beginning of a rich journey of discovery. Discover your authentic family crest, convert it into high-quality digital files, and get a timeless symbol of your heritage. MyBlazon - Enable the noble you! Show the world what you stand for and depict yourself with your very own coat of arms. So we are able to modify your family crests to create a design that works for you. Here is the truth behind family coats of arms. Choose a well-designed logo We can create Custom Made Family Crest Rings from almost any family seal! Are you looking to put your family’s crest or coat of arms on a ring? If you have a high resolution image, we can turn it into a relief on a signet ring. Tools To Design Your Modern Family Crest You can make your own design at the tip of your fingers using various tools like Canva and free crest generators. To make sure you can find us when you search we need to have phrases like family coat of arms, family crests and family badge or list of family coats of arms included. Learn the significance behind the colors, animals, and shapes that represent familial heritage, achievements, and values. Learn about the history of the Coat of Arms and what each part represents, from the shield, the crest, the wreath, the helmet, the mantling, and more! Oct 2, 2024 · A family crest is a symbol that represents a family's heritage, values, and history. In this article, we'll help separate fact from Wondering how to find your family crest? Maybe you’ve been struggling to find your coat of arms for a while? Read on… Every design element that you see on a coat of arms or family crest holds a specific meaning. Aug 23, 2023 · If you are interested in finding out about family crests and Irish family history, you have come to the right place. But, is it still possible to get a family crest? The answer is a resounding yes! Feb 28, 2017 · Family Crest Craft Knights used to wear coat of arms to identify themselves. Be a heraldry designer and family crest maker. Because most of us have family dating back to the Middle Ages, locating the family crest for our family surname is a fairly Family Crest is a quest in which the player must retrieve three family crest pieces from the Fitzharmon brothers and return the crest to their father. When done you can save it, print it, send it as a free postcard or even order it on one of our great custom-made family crest gifts. Every family coat-of-arms are hand painted on premium parchment paper. Jun 1, 2024 · You may have been interested to probe into your own genealogy and most likely, you have come across information about family crests. Things like loyalty, bravery, and wisdom. It is a common belief that every family has a family crest or coat Mar 2, 2023 · What Is a Family Crest or Coat of Arms? Before we get started with designing your family crest, let’s take a moment to understand what a family crest and coat of arms actually are. But can anyone have a family crest? And how do you obtain one? Jul 19, 2025 · When imagining a family crest, many tend to think of European heraldry and coats-of-arms, symbols held only by the nobility. Please use CONTACT form (ORDER) in the menu if you are looking for coat of arms similar to my previous designs. Does your family have a coat of arms? One popular misconception is that there can be a ‘coat of arms for a surname’. So don't use it in your genealogy unless you do this. Our expert design team will help you create the perfect ring. If you have been doing your genealogy research through the Internet, chances are you have tried looking up your surname in the many online databases with hopes of finding your bloodline's official family crest. We offer custom designed family crests and coat of arms on metal display shields at www. Hand Made in USA. Overtime they developed and became beautiful, symbolic artforms to represent the family name. Buy hand painted and personalized family crest coat of arms with surname history online at Shield and Crest USA. You can find yours by searching for your last name on websites like familysearch. Jul 27, 2025 · Transforming a family crest tattoo into a half-sleeve design can be a unique way to pay homage to your heritage. Dec 17, 2022 · Are Family Crests Real by Patrick Rogers December 17, 2022, 18:19 18. Likewise, if you've ever researched family history by typing your surname into a search engine or visiting a genealogy Web site, you may have felt bombarded with the plethora of ads promising to help you find the authentic symbol stamping your family tree. These symbols were originally used to identify noble families and were displayed on shields, banners, and other items during medieval times. Think of them as personalized symbols that families wore proudly, kind of like team jerseys, but with a lot more history and pride attached. Jun 4, 2025 · Learn the meaning behind symbols and colors on a coat of armsIf you're researching your European ancestry, you might have wondered if your ancestors had a family crest—or, more accurately, a coat of arms. Discover the process of designing a crest, from researching your heritage to selecting colors and motifs. coat of arms? What is the difference between coat of arms and family crest? Oct 24, 2024 · This guide provides a step-by-step guide on creating a unique family crest. Here's the good news, you have options! Read our short guide on how to get a family crest or coat of arms. Multiple unrelated families might have the same crest, like the Polish Clans! Some websites Make your coat of arms symbols with the best Family Crest and coat of arms generator. Don’t be that person. Try our Coat of Arms Maker and create your first family crest easily with drag & drop. This might be the case, for example, if the use of crests is not customary in his or her family’s country of origin. Family crests can be a powerful symbol of the shared bonds and background that define a family across generations. Latin mottos are particularly popular for their timeless elegance and grandeur. Family crests are a type of heraldic symbol that is traditionally associated with nobility. Technically speaking, a family crest is the specific, three-dimensional figure that sits atop the helmet in a full coat of arms. Different members of the same family could be distinguished by the addition of small devices or charges to the shield. Creating your own family crest can be an exciting and rewarding project that provides a tangible connection to your ancestry. org or using search tools on dedicated family crest websites. One little mess up was that I had accidentally To search for your family coat of arms just type in your family’s last name in the free search box at the top of this page. It’s a common mix-up, and honestly, a very understandable one. Commission an artist to hand-paint your crest on canvas or wood. g. In contrast, Japanese family crests, or kamon (家紋) are held by a broad swath of the population. This article delves into the history, components, and symbolism of family crests, providing a comprehensive look at their importance. zrlaz shjuyqh lpuv oczba utgo jakx dacc bnxqxx xdos ktf