Congratulations to Lin Rhea!

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks guys. I'm still excited about it. I forged my first MS blade this morning for a good friend in Alabam. He's a very traditional kind of guy too.

Jon, Before this thing's over, Doug's going to be sorry he met me.    We missed you at Blade. Lin

[Phoenix 1967]

Congrats Lin... Mastersmith is a great designation, but the help and advice you give to the new folk truly shows the man beneath the Title. Thank you and congratulations

[Jon Christensen]

Just visited your site Lin.
Not a mention of your MS rating.
Guess it takes time though.

Jon

[Lin Rhea]

Yea Jon. I have to get the photos and then get them to my web guy. I gave him a heads up, so it wont be long. I have a group shot of my test knives now, just got it today. Most are hunting or Camp type knives, but one might not qualify. If this is not permitted, I understand. Lin

 

[tippit]

Lin, To have you bless this site is the qualification.  To see your MS qualifying blades is an honor.  Congratulations again...simply amazing    tippit

[4runr]

Congrats Lin!

Outstanding blades all.

[Jon Christensen]

Lin,
Thats a beautiful set of blades. I know how much blood (literally), sweat and tears goes into them. Looks like you nailed each one perfectly.

From the photo I can't see the damascus pattern. Do you have a closeup of it?

Again, you did a great job. Very nice work!!!

Jon

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks Jon,
             It's true, I played it safe and only used damascus on the pig sticker. It has all twist pattern. I think they call the higher layer count maiden's hair, in this case 425 layers in the blade. This knife had to pretty well carry the rest when it comes to "fancy" stuff.

The rest of the knives are Carbon Steel. I was just trying to keep it clean. I was stressing the types of knives that I use and make on a regular basis. Of course, I was presuming a little on the judges good nature, not really knowing how far out on a limb to go. So, I guess I stayed close to the tree, compared to some.

 

Some might wonder why a person would go to all the trouble to make these test knives and do all of the worrying and sweating. I have to say that I learned more on this set of knives than any others. I was pretty isolated too, not being able to show four of them to any other Mastersmiths before the show. So this means I had to get it right the first time, keeping that thought in mind. That does make you try very hard and set a very extreme, in some case, standard. Thanks, Lin

[Doug Campbell]

I can tell you Jon that "pig sticker" was very impressive. Everything was imaculate from the damascus to fit and finish, incredible fluting and wire work. And it didn't have to carry anything Lin, those other blades were plenty impressive too.

[tomh]

Congratulations Lin, I have always enjoyed seeing your work. Hopefully someday I will get to see it in person!!

[2Knives]

Very fine work...of course everybody already knows that!
Congrats again Lin!
Someday I'm gonna have to break my piggy bank and get a L.R. knife!!!!

[Bill Moore]

congrats from Wild Bill in Wyoming good job Linn

[Sharpster]

Congratulations Lin,

Your knifes are all truly works of art. The title "Mastersmith" may have been made offical only recently but, the ABS judges knives by technical standards alone. To those of us that measure not only the knives themselves but also the man behind them, you earned this title long ago. Well done my friend.    

           

Ron

[SoNevada Archer]

Congrats Lin! Wish I could have been there too!