Rhea Knives are hand forged in the manner of
old world craftsmanship. I use several steels in the blade
construction. I make hunting knives primarily, but also enjoy making
Bowie knives.
Credit for these photos goes to my friend, Wayne Conrad.
ABS rules for bending are below slide show.
The bending of the blade is the final test. Safety gear should be worn. At the
discretion of
the applicant or the Master Smith, the edge may be dulled prior to bending.
The Master Smith will mark a line across the width of the blade approximately
1/3
distance from the tip of the blade. The blade will then be inserted into a vise,
tip first,
such that the blade is placed into the vise up to the mark on the blade. If the
vise jaws are
rough, smooth metal inserts shall be located on each side of the clamped portion
of the
blade to protect the test knife.
The blade shall be bent by force applied to the handle. A leverage device such
as a pipe
may be used as long as it does not pose a safety risk. The use of such a device
is at the
sole risk of the applicant and at the discretion of the supervising Master
Smith.
The applicant will then bend the blade ninety (90)degrees. The supervising
Master Smith
will signal the applicant when the ninety (90) degree angle has been reached.
The blade is allowed to crack at the edge on bending but not beyond
approximately two
thirds the width of the blade. However, if any part of the blade chips or any
part
of the blade or tang breaks off, the applicant fails. Because of the many
variables in the
size, Geometry, and temper line of the blade, the Master Smith using his/her
judgment, shall
determine if the extent or location of the fracture line is acceptable. The
decision of the
Master Smith is final.
