Jim Kibler's fantastic carving

[Justin Urbantas]

I was hoping to grab Jims's attention here, and maybe see if he would be willing to share some of his tools, techniques and tips for carving. I have seen a lot of carving on guns, but I don't think I have seen any as clean, sharp and smooth as Jim's. As a newer builder I would love to work my way towards Jim's skill level. What do you say, Jim?  I know myself and other folks on here would be so grateful.
Thanks, Justin.

Here are more examples of his work. https://www.jimkibler.net/sample-of-work.html

I guess making top notch kits doesn't take up all of his time...

[Daryl]

That is rather "Special", isn't it.

[JVavrek]

Wow!!! only in my dreams. That is beautiful.

[Dave B]

Jim has a kit that he put together for the budding carver. Its a great Idea because it gives you a mold of the carving of cheek piece and a chunk of wood to do the project. Not sure if he still has some for sale. Having the 3 D model in front of you lets you find the tool shape. If you search the archive you will find his posting for this. Good luck.  I know that watching some one carve is helpful.  I watched Wallace carve a rifle in The American Pioneer video VHS tape.  It helped a bunch. But for me the biggest help was taking a carving class with some one coaching me. Reading grain and properly sharpened tools are very important.

[Justin Urbantas]

Jim has a kit that he put together for the budding carver. Its a great Idea because it gives you a mold of the carving of cheek piece and a chunk of wood to do the project. Not sure if he still has some for sale. Having the 3 D model in front of you lets you find the tool shape. If you search the archive you will find his posting for this. Good luck.  I know that watching some one carve is helpful.  I watched Wallace carve a rifle in The American Pioneer video VHS tape.  It helped a bunch. But for me the biggest help was taking a carving class with some one coaching me. Reading grain and properly sharpened tools are very important.

Oh that could be helpful. Thanks

[Dave Patterson]

Here's a direct link to said carving-practice kit: https://kiblerslongrifles.com/products/carving-kit

[hanshi]

Kinda breaks your heart seeing carving of that caliber.

[Mike Brooks]

I've been studying his s tuff a lot lately. He's quite an artist. I like his approach. He does very traditional work but ads  a bit of Kibler to it and yet keeps the whole design traditional. Always very crisp, designed well and flows from end to end. Very impressive work.

[Marcruger]

Yes Mike, I agree totally with the word you used....."crisp".  Longrifle carving could be called a whole lot worse!   Jim is pretty amazing.  God Bless,  Marc

[Pukka Bundook]

Kinda breaks your heart seeing carving of that caliber.

C'mon Hanshi, it's not That bad!

Just kidding of course.
Jim's carving is staggeringly beautiful.
I've been sat looking at that shell design, and know it has to be cut into end grain to some degree, yet it looks so perfectly smooth, almost moulded.
I don't know how he does it, but my hat is off to him.   Incredible work. 

[Curtis]

Yup, that Kibler fellow is quite talented!!!

Curtis

[sleddman]

Sure looks sweet.  I think he may have it,  nice.

[Jim Kibler]

Thank you.  I've always enjoyed carving.  I took a class with Wallace early on and that sure helped a lot.  I haven't done much carving lately, but hope to more in the future, especially with our new Colonial rifle. 

As we've worked to speed production of a basic rifle, It's become more obvious how much time is spent in the decoration and finishing.  I hope to in time get systems in place to help this out and offer more finished rifles as well.  Lots to look forward to!

Thanks once again.

Jim