Master Smith Testing 2016...

Stump Buster

Stump Buster

Joined
Nov 15, 2007
Messages
5,267
I just saw Scott McGhee (Guinea Hog Forge) passed his MS testing today! Way to go Scott!!!

There was a great group testing this year... Anyone have any updates who else made it?

CONGRAT's to everyone who passed their JS and MS this year!!!:thumbup:
 
Great news for Scott!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bad news is that Sam Lurquin didn't get his MS...... :(

Very hard for me to believe!

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Saw on FB that Jim Coffee and Neels VanDenBerg passed JS.
 
I don't follow this very closely but I'm totally shocked that Sam didn't pass! Congratulations to those that did!!
 
I wonder if they dinged him for not having a "proper" fluted handle with twisted wire on the dagger? A couple of folks have strayed from the "standard" pattern in the last few years, but most still go with the twisted flutes with wire between the flutes.
 
Scott McGhee and Steve Randall past their MS Ranking! Congrats to them.

It is true Sam Lurquin unforunately did not pass this year. Although his blades and design are incredible their was just a minut issue with fit & finish that had the judges agree to not pass him this year. Very disappointing it was for sure. Let's all give Sam some time to decompress from the MS Testing Stress, the Why's, to regroup at the show and when he returns back to Belgium.

This will not defeat him, he will rise again! Frustrating it is and having many constantly ask why or put forth their thoughts let us give him his space as to no constantly rekindle the anger and stress this has been handed him.
 
Mary.H said:
Scott McGhee and Steve Randall past their MS Ranking! Congrats to them.

It is true Sam Lurquin unforunately did not pass this year. Although his blades and design are incredible their was just a minut issue with fit & finish that had the judges agree to not pass him this year. Very disappointing it was for sure. Let's all give Sam some time to decompress from the MS Testing Stress, the Why's, to regroup at the show and when he returns back to Belgium.

This will not defeat him, he will rise again! Frustrating it is and having many constantly ask why or put forth their thoughts let us give him his space as to no constantly rekindle the anger and stress this has been handed him.
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Could you define the fit and finish issue(s), as it sounds like you might know more of the specifics? Fit and finish are typically not "minute" issues and it would help to know, considering he is what many of us consider a premier maker. To have not passed the MS test because of fit and finish issues needs a bit more explanation, in my mind.
 
Hi!

CONGRATS to Scott, Steve, Erik (Markman who passed his JS test) and all others who passed their tests! Keep up the great work!

Best,
Alex

PS: does anyone know who else was testing for MS?
 
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Congratulations to all who graduated. Unquestionably disappointing for Sam. I'm sure that when he returns he will leave no room for doubt.
 
betzner said:
Could you define the fit and finish issue(s), as it sounds like you might know more of the specifics? Fit and finish are typically not "minute" issues and it would help to know, considering he is what many of us consider a premier maker. To have not passed the MS test because of fit and finish issues needs a bit more explanation, in my mind.
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I'd love to know more too.
 
betzner said:
Could you define the fit and finish issue(s), as it sounds like you might know more of the specifics? Fit and finish are typically not "minute" issues and it would help to know, considering he is what many of us consider a premier maker. To have not passed the MS test because of fit and finish issues needs a bit more explanation, in my mind.
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Bob,

It is not our place to provide in depth details. If Sam would like to comment and give those then that is HIS choice to do so. Sam is moving forward from this situation, frustrating as it has been for him, but it is a learning experience and what he needs to focus on. He is human, and humans will fail periodically but it is the character of that human that drives him and pushes him forward. In short, Sam is one driven individual.
 
There were 16 makers testing for JS and I believe 3 did not pass unfortunately. 4 makers from Brazil passed as well.
 
Mary.H said:
Bob,

It is not our place to provide in depth details. If Sam would like to comment and give those then that is HIS choice to do so. Sam is moving forward from this situation, frustrating as it has been for him, but it is a learning experience and what he needs to focus on. He is human, and humans will fail periodically but it is the character of that human that drives him and pushes him forward. In short, Sam is one driven individual.
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Mary, I would not have begun this inquiry in the forum if you had use of the private messaging feature - which, incidentally, was thereafter used to advance the inquiry to conclusion. You might want to look into the feature, as it's often a better means of exchanging such info.

Best regards,

Bob Betzner
 
I'm pretty gutted that Sam did not pass.

Especially because he prepared last year and had his dagger? stolen.

I also wonder if he got too pressed for time, while trying to make a bunch of knives to raise money for others.
 
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