FL-Flinter
Elite Cafe Member
I'm no engraver either but I can fully appreciate the skill and effort that went into building that rifle however I share Leonardo's feelings exactly - I like the individual sections but I don't like the way they are presented on this gun. On the flip-side, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and as long as the customer is happy with it, that's all that matters. If we all liked the same things, this would be a very dull and boring world.
Charlie,
Please don't hesitate to post pictures of your work on this site. I posted my first attempt at engraving and compared to what you see the professional engravers here, it was nothing less than downright laughable from an engraving standpoint but it was intended to have an aftermarket folk-art look ... and it did! Thing is, I didn't get a single negative comment - quite the contrary in that many people went out of their way to offer very helpful advice which is not something you find in most fields of craftsmanship. Most masters of a trade will keep their hard-learned secrets to themselves as it's a matter of job security, on this site you will find the grand masters of their trade freely and willingly going out of their way to share their tips & tricks with anyone who is willing to listen/read. I think the one thing missing is attributed to the folks like me, those of us who read more than post - I know I should be diligent in posting the two most important words, "THANK YOU".
I keep trying, I still suck at engraving but the only way I can find out all the things I'm doing wrong is to post pictures here and ask the masters. I may never be able to engrave worth a hoot and it doesn't matter because if my attempts at least offer some "comic relief" on the forum then all is right with the world! Main thing is, if you don't ask, you don't know and if you don't keep trying and learning from your mistakes, you'll never know.
Charlie,
Please don't hesitate to post pictures of your work on this site. I posted my first attempt at engraving and compared to what you see the professional engravers here, it was nothing less than downright laughable from an engraving standpoint but it was intended to have an aftermarket folk-art look ... and it did! Thing is, I didn't get a single negative comment - quite the contrary in that many people went out of their way to offer very helpful advice which is not something you find in most fields of craftsmanship. Most masters of a trade will keep their hard-learned secrets to themselves as it's a matter of job security, on this site you will find the grand masters of their trade freely and willingly going out of their way to share their tips & tricks with anyone who is willing to listen/read. I think the one thing missing is attributed to the folks like me, those of us who read more than post - I know I should be diligent in posting the two most important words, "THANK YOU".
I keep trying, I still suck at engraving but the only way I can find out all the things I'm doing wrong is to post pictures here and ask the masters. I may never be able to engrave worth a hoot and it doesn't matter because if my attempts at least offer some "comic relief" on the forum then all is right with the world! Main thing is, if you don't ask, you don't know and if you don't keep trying and learning from your mistakes, you'll never know.