Author Topic: Some Carving  (Read 6460 times)

Offline Jim Kibler

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Some Carving
« on: December 13, 2017, 08:34:55 PM »
I recently had three "mountain rifles" to completely finish and the customer wanted some carving.  No, not historically correct, but oh well!  I don't have a great deal of time anymore so I try to work quickly on such things.  I've always been a "stabber" but have begun trying a V-tool.  Not completely sold, but I'll keep trying.  Anyways, I took a picture of the very rough sketch I began with and the final carving .  Maybe I'll try to include pictures of the finished rifles as well.






Offline RickH

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2017, 09:01:03 PM »
Looks great!
Please do include pictures of the final product, we all enjoy seeing them!!

Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #2 on: December 13, 2017, 09:24:42 PM »
You'll probably be a pretty fair relief carver if you keep at it.
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Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Offline SingleMalt

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2017, 09:28:03 PM »
Your "quick work" is better than me taking days.
Never drink whisky that isn't old enough to vote.

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Offline Kingsburyarms

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2017, 09:43:31 PM »
I need a Kibler "V" tool - all I have is two left Thumbs  ;D

n stephenson

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2017, 10:04:28 PM »
Jim, Your squiggles are so squiggly that they make me dizzy!! Nice Job!!     Nate

greybeard

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2017, 10:14:47 PM »
WOW!!      Bob

Offline Tim Crosby

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2017, 10:29:51 PM »
  Maybe not HC but As always Great work, Love the layout and design.

  Tim
« Last Edit: December 13, 2017, 10:31:08 PM by Tim Crosby »

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2017, 10:36:50 PM »
Real nice carving, would look better on a Lancaster but the customer is always right, I suppose.

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #9 on: December 14, 2017, 01:16:18 AM »
To my eye, who cares if that gorgeous carving is historically correct on that NC rifle?  I'd be happy to see that every time I picked up my rifle.  Your customer is going to be mighty happy.  God bless,   Marc

Offline smart dog

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #10 on: December 14, 2017, 02:40:02 AM »
Hi Jim,
There are some fools who classify you as a "Bivins" style maker.  I have no idea what they think is "Bivens" about your work. You have your own recognizable style that is very distinctive and enjoyable and has little in common with John Bivens.  While I admire him, I like your work much more, which includes the stock architecture.  While again I love Bivens' work, you have him in the rear mirror.

dave
« Last Edit: December 14, 2017, 02:42:48 AM by smart dog »
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Offline Mike Brooks

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #11 on: December 14, 2017, 03:29:11 AM »
Hi Jim,
There are some fools who classify you as a "Bivins" style maker.  I have no idea what they think is "Bivens" about your work. You have your own recognizable style that is very distinctive and enjoyable and has little in common with John Bivens.  While I admire him, I like your work much more, which includes the stock architecture.  While again I love Bivens' work, you have him in the rear mirror.

dave
I have never heard that association. I'd say Kibler has a style of his own, which I actually like more than Bivens, nothing against John at all, I like some of Bivens work as well. In fact I never knew how good Kibler was until I stumbled on his website a month or two or go, pretty spectacular work. Go there and look at his custom work if you aren't familiar with it.
NEW WEBSITE! www.mikebrooksflintlocks.com
Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Offline Acer Saccharum

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #12 on: December 14, 2017, 04:45:45 AM »
I've heard of Kibler. I think.
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draton2681

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #13 on: December 14, 2017, 05:24:19 AM »
Me too, He's the little guy that makes cookies.

Offline louieparker

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #14 on: December 14, 2017, 05:57:06 AM »
I never have heard that association either. There are a number great craftsmen on this site and in the CLA.  Some of their work is unbelievable. But  there are two makers that I put in a league of their own and one of them is Jim Kibler.  LP

Offline Curtis

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #15 on: December 14, 2017, 07:26:13 AM »
Mighty fine for just quickly rippin' it out, Jim!  Maybe I need to learn how to carve from scribbles instead of line drawings, seems to work pretty well for you!

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Offline Cory Joe Stewart

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #16 on: December 14, 2017, 02:59:24 PM »
That is amazing work.  I also agree the Kibler has a style all his own.  I too carve from scribbles, but that is just because I can't draw. 

Cory Joe Stewart

Offline snapper

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #17 on: December 14, 2017, 03:06:10 PM »
Your carving certainly looks great to me, and your style is very recognizable.

Question:  Would you consider the style as more contemporary? 

Don't take this wrong, as I really like your carving.  I think it is bold and for me very attractive.

thanks

fleener
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Offline Dennis Glazener

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #18 on: December 14, 2017, 03:41:35 PM »
That is amazing work.  I also agree the Kibler has a style all his own.  I too carve from scribbles, but that is just because I can't draw. 

Cory Joe Stewart
My scribbles are so bad I just forego the carving!
Dennis

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Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #19 on: December 14, 2017, 06:29:40 PM »
Thank you guys.  As to style, I don't really know for sure.  I guess it is sort of my own, but certainly has basis in historical examples.  One thing I'm looking forward to with the new kit is to push myself to work in different ways and directions.  Should be fun.

One trap custom gunmakers often get into (myself included) is to belabor details too much.  To mull over and critique carving for days etc.  As I said, time is a premium for me now and I can see the value in a "workmanlike manner" more.  Value in results to some degree and also return.  I think the "starving artist" idea of gunmaking is over romanticisized by promoters, collectors and gunmakers by nature are quick to follow the path; always searching for a better result.  After skills have developed, It's not always the best path to take.  I guess my perspective has changed a bit... 

Here are some shots of the finished rifles (three different rifles with similar carving)

Thanks again,
Jim












Offline smart dog

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #20 on: December 14, 2017, 06:45:32 PM »
Hi Jim,
How did you like using the "V" chisel?

dave
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Offline Bob Roller

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #21 on: December 14, 2017, 06:50:56 PM »
Hi Jim,
How did you like using the "V" chisel?

dave

On a SMR this elegant it needs carving like a pig needs a saddle.
I would think any originals carved at all would have been done with
the point of a hunting knife.

Bob Roller

Offline t.caster

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #22 on: December 14, 2017, 07:02:52 PM »
A SMR may not ever need carving....but D*m it looks great on there. I love your style. I use a 1mm V tool. I should try my 2mm one sometime too.
Tom C.

Offline Jim Kibler

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #23 on: December 14, 2017, 07:45:59 PM »
Hi Jim,
How did you like using the "V" chisel?

dave

I have a lot to learn with the V-chisel.  I had trouble sharpening it well and it seemed to take a fair amount of force to make the cut.  I also have a small veiner and it is much more free cutting. 

Jim

Offline BOB HILL

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Re: Some Carving
« Reply #24 on: December 14, 2017, 08:03:07 PM »
Thanks for sharing these, Jim. It's always a pleasure to see your work.
Bob
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