mtgraver
Elite Cafe Member
It's been a while since I've posted any work on here, just lazy I suppose. :biggrin: I've noticed a lot of questions about starting, how long to become good or great engraver, etc. so thought I'd show what 30 couple years of banging your head gets you, lol.
The top folder was made by Scott Summerville in Ill. using bronze for scales on an 18th c. type pattern. I finished engraving the scales a couple of weeks ago.
The bottom folder is a Buck folding hunter that I engraved probably around 1982/3. I remember being so proud of the accomplishment of doing my own engraving. My only instruction after watching a flintlock builder friend engrave was to go home and cut straight lines, when you get bored, cut curly ques. That first graver he made for me for Christmas was made from a round file. As you can see, I got bored real quick and thought, first mistake, that I can just cut metal and it turns out to be pretty. Mastering the basics is paramount to quality work. I's too bad it so long to figure that part out but there weren't any schools that knew about in those days, besides it was always going to be a hobby. I've been making objects and engraving professionally for over 22 years. One must love hind sight when reflecting on the path we tread.
We all started somewhere and it takes time and diligence to get beyond that point.
Enjoy!
Mark
The top folder was made by Scott Summerville in Ill. using bronze for scales on an 18th c. type pattern. I finished engraving the scales a couple of weeks ago.
The bottom folder is a Buck folding hunter that I engraved probably around 1982/3. I remember being so proud of the accomplishment of doing my own engraving. My only instruction after watching a flintlock builder friend engrave was to go home and cut straight lines, when you get bored, cut curly ques. That first graver he made for me for Christmas was made from a round file. As you can see, I got bored real quick and thought, first mistake, that I can just cut metal and it turns out to be pretty. Mastering the basics is paramount to quality work. I's too bad it so long to figure that part out but there weren't any schools that knew about in those days, besides it was always going to be a hobby. I've been making objects and engraving professionally for over 22 years. One must love hind sight when reflecting on the path we tread.
We all started somewhere and it takes time and diligence to get beyond that point.
Enjoy!
Mark