Hunter in Progress (pics of finished knife pg 2)

[Doug Campbell]

A very cool blade Lin, think I'd call that one the Goblin blade, lots of little critters in there looking out at me.

[Lin Rhea]

Thank you my friends.

Here is the finished knife fresh off the work bench. I took the pics with my cell so they dont flatter the knife much. But you get the idea.

 
 

[Bladepeek]

That knife doesn't need flattery. The ladder pattern really reaches out to me. The ironwood's not exactly shabby either!

Nice, well balanced design.

[D.Ellis]

Love it. Very beautifull clip point hunter. I hope the recipient gets it bloody. Some people will claim a knife to pretty to use.........I hold the opinion that knives like this are too nice to pine away in a glass case. There is much satisfaction to be derived from using beautifull tools for their intended purpose. After all, when was the last time you heard someone say "this bow is too purdy to hunt with"?
Top notch work as always Lin.
Darcy  

[Bladepeek]

Darcy, I can assure you that knife will be properly blooded - hopefully this year. Probably only once, though.

I really should be carrying one of my own knives, but Lin is one of my knife making heroes and I wanted one of his knives in my hands.

This knife will be a benchmark for me to work toward. Lin has the artistic talent to go with his technical skills. This is a knife I am going to be very proud to show off.

Ron

[2treks]

Ron, Stop by my booth sometime and show that baby off to me. Lins work sure is nice.

CTT

[manitou1]

Very, very nice.  The perfect size IMO.

[Roughcountry]

Thanks for taking the time to show us the progress Lin. I really like the size and shape of the blade for a hunter. Man it's purdy      

[srtben]

The Rhea hunter is definitely a modern classic. Another great on Lin, your ladders are about as good as it gets IMHO.

[D.Ellis]

Originally posted by Bladepeek:
Darcy, I can assure you that knife will be properly blooded - hopefully this year. Probably only once, though.

I really should be carrying one of my own knives, but Lin is one of my knife making heroes and I wanted one of his knives in my hands.

This knife will be a benchmark for me to work toward. Lin has the artistic talent to go with his technical skills. This is a knife I am going to be very proud to show off.

Ron

Good to hear it will see action. Congrats on aquiring such a fine blade.    
Darcy  

[akaboomer]

It is a very beautiful hunter. Great work Lin. Congrats Ron. I will say I am a touch jealous.

Chris

[Trapper Rob]

That is a beautiful knife.
Rob

[Bladepeek]

Chris, don't be jealous, do the same thing I did    

I'm not really a collector, in the usual sense of the word. I don't own anything I won't use - gun, bow, or knife. I own very few knives by other makers.

As an amateur knife maker, I can make a very serviceable knife and prefer to carry one of my own. I will use Lin's knife at least once to get a feel for it. Then I'll put one of my own back on my belt, clean Lin's and put it where I can see it often.

I bought Lin's knife for the same reason I own a couple from other makers. He is a master craftsman with obvious artistic talent. It gives me something to admire and a probably unreachable benchmark to work towards. I raided our savings to pay for it and will sell guns or bows as necessary to replace the money. They will be guns or bows I don't really need. The knife will be something that I will pass on to my sons and they will know where I got it and why.

We're really lucky to have a master smith, so generous with his knowledge and time on this forum. I look forward to each new post. Better than a centerfold when you're my age   :(

[akaboomer]

I agree, I hold values much like your. I also feel very fortunate to have Lin here to share his knowledge. He is very helpful and generous with his time and talents. Enjoy it and please share pics when you do use it.

Chris

[Ray Hammond]

Lin

To fully understand the zig zag creation process I'm wondering if the side grinder is vise mounted and you push the blade against it to have more control? Or do you do the opposite?

[Lin Rhea]

Thanks guys.

Ray, I just use a hand held side grinder. You can get different effects by using thicker or thinner wheels. The trick to this is to grind the right depth so you can forge it out and end up at your desired blade thickness.

[Ray Hammond]

so you use some sort of 'stop' on both side of your blade to insure you dont go too deeply?

I guess I'm showing you why I'm not the 'sharpest tool in the shed', huh???

[Lin Rhea]

Ray,
    Good question. I dont use a stop because the blade is tapered and beveled. Any set depth would only be right for part of the blade then quickly be too deep for the thinner areas. I eyeball it and just try to concentrate on getting it right and adjust as I grind. I start shallow and deepen where I need to.

[madness522]

Very elegant knife Lin!  It looks like there is a shelf all around the tang. I understand why you would do this. But I wonder if you still use a pressure fit for the guard to keep it in place?  Did you solder or epoxy it on before you attached the handle?

[Lin Rhea]

The fit is tight but not enough to deform the material around the slot. So, it has the mechanical fit along with the JB Weld or whatever sealant I want to use. The JB is to hold the progress I've made whaile installing the handle.