Graver sharpening Part 2

[Acer Saccharum]

Is John Shippers too good?

Shippers' style is heavily English influenced, and is not appropriate for more folk-art PA style rifles.

[Mike Brooks]

McKinzie's system requires a 1/2"  and a 1/4" hardened rod and a stone. Doesn't get any easier than that. Always consistent results and you can repop most styles of engraving found on American guns and most all of English as well.

[jerrywh]

 If you become very good you can be as bad as you wish. If your not good all you can be is not good.

[oldtravler61]

Why would anyone in this , not want to improve. My first scratch built rifle. I took apart four times. Still can improve on it. Study, learn an improve is the way I look at it.

[thimble rig]

I always try to improve on each build.And I'm getting better slowly,It amazes me when I se some of the first builds that some of these people do.Even the engraving that they say is there first time.Wow.Everyone has there own learing curve.And some just have a natural talent born in them.

[tiswell]

Not to steal this thread, but- There was a guy at Dixon's last year who really looked like he was having fun demonstrating his engraving to the crowd. He was right outside the entrance to the store. People were walking in and out of the store and he was just engraving away without a care. He was explaining what he was doing and why. I wanted to get close and watch but I was pressed for time and there were already a dozen or more people surrounding him. Anybody know who he was?

Nordecker,
       The guy outside Dixon's was Keith Casteel. Along with being one of the most talented people on this earth, he is also one of the nicest fellows you will ever meet!
                                                                                                  Blessings, Bill Nash

[jerrywh]

  In my opinion Keith Casteel is one of the best old German style engravers in the world if not the very best. His style of animation seems crude and cartoon looking but that is how it is supposed to be on the style of rifles he does. He is the master of the hammer and chisel bar none. I only met him once but have seen several of his works and have nothing to say but good about it. Like myself his long rifles are not very traditional because his engraving is European or German in style.

[Nordnecker]

OK, Now I'm getting confused. This fellow looked to be only about 40 something, maybe younger.

[tiswell]

 Keith is 80 or so. He was set up just outside the store on the uphill side of the tent, in the corner closest to the store, IIRC. I don't know who the younger fellow was. I just tried accessing Dixon's 2015 Gunmaker's Fair website to jog my memory but it looks like most of it has been wiped. When you mentioned "engraving away without a care" that reminded me of Keith's style. Sorry for the misinformation.

                                                                                                                                    Blessings, Tiswell

                                                                                                   

[RAT]

I see the Lindsay tools online, but I don't see a phone number to call. Does anyone have that info?

[tallbear]

I see the Lindsay tools online, but I don't see a phone number to call. Does anyone have that info?

They don't take phone orders only online.If you have questions shoot them an email.

http://www.airgraver.com/mail.htm

Mitch

[Bill Ebner]

 Thank you all for your input. I appreciate the information from those who have been down this road and whose work I admire.  Through the generosity of a Forum member, I have acquired the McKenzie DVD, as well as those from Turpin and Casteel. I'll watch those and see if the sharpening methods will work for me.

 Bill