A Day with Mr. Lin Rhea

[Tyler2045]

Today I got to spend the day with Mr. Rhea. I have to say that it was one of the most informative days I have had in a long time. I got to watch him forge two blades from stock to ready to grind, he also did a running commentary for me so that I would know what he was doing the whole time. We also got to eat lunch together and get to know each other a little better. I have to say he is one grade A+ guy. Then after lunch he let me try my hand at forging a blade. And he did not just let me beat on the steel he was right there the whole time coaching and correcting me as I went. All and all it was an excellent day for me as I got to learn a lot more about bladesmithing in one day than I would have learned in a lot of trial and error. I am excited to try and get my forge set up and put into the skills that I learned today. Thank you Mr. Rhea for the day and being willing to teach.

[Lin Rhea]

I enjoyed your company Tyler. Now that you dont live too far, you can drop in again. Next time one of us needs to take some pictures. Lin

[Scott Roush]

good for you... i 'd give my left hand to have such a quality smith nearby to learn from. you get into a lot of bad habits learning completely on your own.  but the internet sure helps...

[Doug Campbell]

Yep, one heck of a great guy and not too bad a knife builder either.      

[prarieboy]

Don't know about the left hand deal But I would like to have a mentor close! Lin has been a great mentor from cyber space i can imagine it one heck of a lot better in person.C-Yall

[tippit]

Nothing better than actually spending forging time with a Great Bladesmith like Lin!

[Tyler2045]

It was quite amazing to have such a wonderful example and teacher to show me the beginning of the ways of making the knife.

[chris amos]

Lin is a good egg, pick his brain as much as you can, there's lots of good stuff in there!