introduction: Hi, I'm Caleb

[calebkraft]

Hey folks. Been lurking here for a few months.

I'm one of those people who bounces from skill to skill learning the basics, then moving on. Been doing it for decades now, and actually built a career on it (I'm senior editor for a magazine about making things).
A little over a year ago I wrote a short piece on Shaun Hughes and really started getting interested in engraving. Sooo, I started scratching on some pennies.


I picked up a super cheap graver (andu graver, the basic non-palm control one.) and a ball vise. I figured I'd lose interest after a little bit.
I started practicing on brass blanks.


I really enjoyed engraving and started to feel like this is something I should stick with, past the usual plateau of figuring out the basics.

I picked up a set of Lindsay sharpening templates.

I started scratching some cheapo knives.


Then I fumbled my way through some fancier knives



I decided to stick this out and actually get beyond just a basic understanding. I'm really enjoying it. Picked up an ipad to design with, and just this week got a microscope (wow, game changer).

Been a bit nervous to post here due to the incredible skill I see in these forums, but the time has come! Here I am, I'm learning. I'll see you around.

Current project: Long horn design on CRKT Pilar, requested by someone. Got my outlines done, currently removing background before moving to stippling, then shading. (looking forward to Sam's new video)

 

[monk]

welcome to the forum. no need to refrain from posting, no matter what skill level. lots to learn here. go for it !

 

[calebkraft]

thanks Monk! Looking forward to it.

 

[Sam]

Welcome to the Cafe, Caleb!

 

[papart1]

Welcome sir

 

[Matthew Evans]

Keep em coming, great start my friend

 

[calebkraft]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

 

[monk]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

i failed to say that your work is looking pretty nice. no need to go on to other passtimes. with engraving, one can earn money!

 

[Si si]

I seen your video recently on youtube before you got your stereo microscope. I really like your CRKT Pilar. It’s enjoyable to see ones progress.

 

[calebkraft]

thanks! Yeah, I've done video for years, typically for my day job but I do have a little fun on my own youtube channel every now and then. There's a big difference between putting a video in front of a million plus subscribers vs goofing around on my own little channel!

 

[Si si]

I’ve been subscribed to you for a couple years now. The kids ad I tried the fidget spinner a little over a year ago on my brothers 3D printer. Glad to see you on here cheers

 

[speeedy6]

Looks like pretty nice work for just scratchin. I've got reasonable , amateur control of my tools but about 15% artistic ability. I set for days staring at a project before I can start cutting. You and most others are miles ahead of me when it comes to design.
What's your YouTube channel and magazine ? , Mark

 

[calebkraft]

The magazine is Make Magazine . It has a youtube channel that is kind of all over the place thematically. I used to post videos there that got hundreds of thousands of views (things like building flame throwing swords and stuff). Not so much anymore. My personal channel is small and lately it has just been engraving stuff.

 

[Chujybear]

I like that little knife with the ballet shoes!

 

[calebkraft]

thanks! It was a gift for a ballerina. They have to modify their shoes a bunch, and she's going off to an intensive summer program, so her mom bought her a custom knife.

 

[Chujybear]

Something she can treasure and get much use from