Carving

[monro1066]

Ok is a deep v Chisel or stabbing in the best to relief carve .
Youtube has both ....I suppose the real question is what did the master smiths use ?
Don

[Mike Brooks]

Ok is a deep v Chisel or stabbing in the best to relief carve .
Youtube has both ....I suppose the real question is what did the master smiths use ?
Don

The answer is yes, both are best.

[Ron Scott]

If you indicate what type of carving you wish to create, a more definite answer is likely. Simple c scrolls vs inticate Rococo for instance.

[rich pierce]

Some originals show use of multiple techniques. Contemporary builders often prefer one method or the other. I guess all designs could be executed by stabbing but using a v chisel would not easily execute all parts of all designs as noted above.

[monro1066]

Makers F.Sell,F.Zorger,G.Eister,Shroyer,A Ernst.J.Grove,J.Armstrong,JP,Beck,etc
The above all seem to be artisan makers
Also I seek good reference work books as I dont have access to handle guns .
Am looking for books on Lancaster /Bethleham Easton Young family
and York school guns .

[J. Talbert]

Without debating which method was used by which builders, I can say that I use the stab in method more than the v gouge for several reasons.
1. Sharpening a v gouge optimally can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it.
2.  I find it easier to follow my pattern when stabbing in as opposed to chasing the v gouge around the curves.  This problem is exacerbated if your v gouge is not sharpened just so.
3. The stabbed in method yields a sharper more vertical shoulder on the edges of the carving.
4.  My carving results improved dramatically when I began using the stabbed in method.

I know that many people use the v gouge with good results.  I’m just saying that stabbing in works best for me, and it is used by a lot of top notch builders.
Good luck,
Jeff

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I use both sets of tools for relief carving.  After using a parting tool to outline the design, I use stabbing tools to accentuate the design.  This allows for very shallow carving that looks like mountains.  This Jaeger rifle I made for my favourite hunting guide has raised carving done in this manner.