Baptiste, Roland.: Engraving, for Roland Baptiste, is a passion passed on to him by his father. As a young child Roland was intrigued by the sound of hammer and chisel from his father's engraving workshop. It was thus quite natural that he would be directed towards studying engraving at the School of Arms manufacture at Liege. He graduated in 1993 after having refined his talent during years at an occupation which enabled him to unceasingly improve the control of his tools of engraving. He decided finally to devote his time entirely to the art of engraving. He was determined to preserve his freedom of expression and creativity which led him to refuse to yield to the constraint of manufacturing in series, even for famous makers. He preferred to turn to certain arms manufacturers and private individuals with whom he was privileged to be creative when working on projects. He has worked mainly with contacts from France, Germany and Belgium creating fine weapons to achieve the highest quality which a Master can reach. The signature of his work is found in the details of his work. He has been present at various shows such as Rambouillet, Country Show, Knives in festival with Nontron, Eghezée and Amay. He has always been pleased to explain the techniques and subtleties of his work. When you meet, it take a student only a few moments to share his vision of the most beautiful weapons of hunting.  More info

Barraclough, John K.: engraver, teacher, designer, avocado grower and jockey. Born in England 1931. Lived there during WW2. Emigrated to Canada in 1949 and the US in 1951. Taught engraving for 22 years for two or three months each year at Lassen college, California and Trinidad college, Colorado. The classes followed the general plan of the original engraving classes taught by Neil Hartliep and designed and initiated by Wayne H. Sheets, Director of Education for NRA. This instruction was based upon the hammer and chisel and push methods of engraving. It was designed to offer very affordable, simple tools to the beginning student.

Blair, Jim: Born Lander Wyo. 1950. Attended schools in Pinedale, Cokeville, and Cheyenne Wyo. Attended one year at University of Wyo., Two years at Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, Wyo. Served in the Wyo. Air National Guard as an illustrator. Previous work experience includes ranch hand, U.S. Forest Service, autobody painter and repairman, teacher, welder in a coal mine. 1978, started to learn engraving. I have learned by the reinvent the wheel theory. I also have had the good fortune to be able to attend short courses with some very talented engravers and be involved with the Firearms Engravers Guild of America. 1993. I started engraving full time. I still like to use the hammer and chisel. I also use the graver max. Mostly depends upon what I am working on. For all my fine work I use the burin. I am a certified professional member of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America and currently hold the office of vice president. I have taught several advanced and beginning engraving courses at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colorado. I also engrave steel plates and print them. I have my own press.

Carroll, Joyce: I began teaching myself ventriloquism at the age of ten, which quickly led me to a variety of festivals and musical functions. It was then I discovered a new passion for old time and traditional acoustic music. It was the music which led me directly to a chance meeting with banjo player and instrument maker/repairman, James Grainger. After seeing some art work of mine, Mr. Grainger responded positively when I expressed an interest in pearl and abalone inlay work. I have worked with him at Custom Fretted Instruments for the past eighteen years. It was only natural that the inlay work would lead me to pearl engraving. Mr. Grainger tried to pique my interrest in metal engraving by introducing me to Scott Pilkington, who had done some engraving on banjo parts for the shop. Due to Scott's generous help and encouragment I have been engraving banjo parts now for custom orders as well as some outside work for other builders, including Huber banjos.

Joseph Joseph: (born 1938, New Hampshire) - Joseph began his engraving career at the mature age of forty one. Prior to that time he was involved in the gun industry as a gunsmith. During that time he learned all aspects of that trade. His last employment as a gunsmith was at the Paul Jaeger Gun Company where he worked on fine quality rifles and shotguns. It was there that he discovered the beauty of gun engraving. It ignited a passion in him that led him to Temple University in Philadelphia where he took art classes at which he excelled. This was not enough to satisfy the fires that burned within. He enrolled at the Abington School of fine arts where he studied drawing of the human figure. It was while working at Jaegers that he discovered the book L' ARTE DELL' INCISIONE authored by Mario Abbiatico. This book charged him with more desire not only to learn the art but motivated him to leave the gunsmiths trade and pursue his engraving passion. After finishing the art school he left Jaegers to take an unpaid engraving apprenticeship in Lynchburg Virginia, under engraver Ken Hurst. The day he left the Hurst Engraving Co started an odyssey that took him half way around the world to Italy. When he arrived in Gardone Val Trompia the first week of January of 1982 he immediately found the author of that beautiful book. Senior Abbiatico was not at all impressed with the practice examples of work the Joseph had brought with him. However, the determination that he showed convinced the talented author to take Joseph to the engraving School of Cesare Giovanelli and introduce him to the director. Joseph spoke not a word of Italian. The director arranged for an interpreter and he was interviewed. After discovering that he had hitchhiked from France to the school, it became clear that Joseph was determined to learn the art of engraving, at any cost. Giovanelli accepted Joseph into the School even though he was forty two years old at the time and had no funds to pay for his training. He was the first American to study there. At this school Joseph's passion to learn and his art school training help him to progress quickly. At the end of nine months of intense and at times painful training he had completed the entire three year course. While Joseph was in Italy not only he excelled at the craft. He also won the heart of a beautiful and intelligent woman who would become his wife. She provided Joseph with the guidance to make the rest of his life successful. On finishing his schooling he returned to America and applied for employment with the Winchester Gun Company in New Haven. Conn. Once again Joseph's skills impressed the management of that Company. He was hired as Master Engraver for the Winchester 21 custom shop. This in itself was quite remarkable as he had never engraved a gun during his entire training. The position paid an excellent salary, but a short year after, the artist within prevailed. Joseph realized that he would never reach his desire to be free to create the beautiful works that he could envision. He resigned from his position and returned again to Italy. There he worked under the Master Renato Sanzogni where he continued his studies of gold inlay and the sculpting in steel. When the training was completed he returned once again to America. Eventually settling in Cody Wyoming, where he maintained his studio for the following twenty years. He retired from engraving in 2001 and moved to the Mexican Riviera along the Pacific coast of the state of Guerrero. His work has been displayed in Guns magazine, The Double Gun Journal, National newspapers, Christie's auction house, Butterfield and Butterfields, Cherry fine gun catalogues, The Winchester Repeater magazine and others. He also received three awards from the Firearms Engravers Guild of America for his works. He has written many articles about engraving. Joseph's tools and examples of his work are now part of a permanent display in the Highly Finished Arms Room housed in the Cody Firearm Museum located in Cody, Wyoming. He has recently published a book of his memoirs titled A Gifted Man. At present, Joseph spends his time painting, sculpting, engraving coins and writing short articles for engraving forums on the internet. His hobbies are big game fishing, poker, and playing Scrabble and chess with his wife Franca Facchetti. He has no last name and considers himself to be a citizen of the world.

Lindsay, Steve: Steve Lindsay was born in 1958 in Holdrege Nebraska. His father, Frank, is an accomplished jeweler, gemologist and watchmaker who worked with pride on precision watches and created custom jewelry, with Steve often at his side, learning skills of gold and metalworking. Steve's grandfather was a landscape painter, and his great-grandfather was also an engraver and jeweler. Steve, began learning the art of engraving at the age of twelve under his father's instruction. In 1975, he meet two friends of his father, Lynton McKenzie and James Meek (author of "The Art of Engraving"). On the recommendation of James Meek he attended a tech college majoring in tool and die, mold making and mechanical engineering. After college Steve worked a short time in a tool room of a Nebraska manufacturing company. During off hours he made various engraving tools and vises and in 1981 began engraving full time. He has engraved for collectors and makers of knives, guns, watches and jewelry but for companies such as Oakley Sunglasses as well as production hand engraving and lettering for gold, silver and platinum instrument companies in New England. He also engraved in collaboration engraver Lynton McKenzie on a Safari international rifle that auctioned by S.C.I. in 1986 selling for $201,000. Steve's engravings are cut by hand under a Zeiss microscope. The layout and designs of the engravings are first drawn with pencil and the design is then cut under the microscope with an AirGraver. 24k gold is used for inlays.

Lister, Weldon E., Sr.: Engraver, famous musician - was introduced to and studied engraving with his uncle, Austin Lee Lister in the 1940's. From there he developed his trade until he met Frank Hendricks in San Antonio in the mid 1960's where he worked until the mid 70's. During this time he did much of the work for Frank which allow Hendricks to concentrate on the very finest of details. Dad left Hendrick's & worked freelance until his retirement due to health concerns several years ago. He was a full-time firearms engraver for these decades with no additional source of income. His work was at what we would consider the "Master" level meaning he was accomplished and proficient in all styles of engraving including gold inlay sculpted steel and gold, etc.etc... Unfortunately he had a somewhat low profile nationally however, his clientele included Hank Williams Jr. (don't know how many times I came home from school as a kid to find dad & Bocephus visiting in the shop or the living room), Charles Schreiner III, Lew Zale (Zales Jewelers, Cullom & Boren Sporting Goods, etc) S.P. Stevens, Joe Beeler (sculptor, artist) Elmer Keith, Wallace Benfield, Robert "Bob" Berrymann (Colt Collector), the Phillips family (Phillips 66 petroleum), Leo Bradshaw (Colt Collector), Rust Cox (artist, sculptor, etc..) Dave Kirby (songwriter, Anybody goin to San Antone, etc.etc...), and Porter Wagner. Among the (numerous) Texas Rangers he did engraving for are Capt A.Y. Alee, Clint Peoples, Capt. Frank Probst, Ron Stewart, Robert "Bob" Favor, Henry Ligon & Joe Davis (Joe is now head of the Former Texas Rangers Assoc). This is a short list, there are a multitude of others! Among those he has helped to learn engraving over the years are Albert Bean (Corpus Christi Tx.), Buford Harris (San Antonio), Edward Machu (San Antonio) Oscar Flores (San Antonio), the late Don Henderson (Cherokee, Tx), Terry Theis (Harper Tx), Jim Riggs (Boerne Tx,) and myself. He also has the distinction of being the only engraver to have been a recording artist for Capitol Records, appeared on the Grand Ole Opry as a regular guest artist and toured with Hank Williams Sr. as his opening act and also traveled with Little Jimmy Dickens, String Bean and many other Grand Ole Opry artists. In addition to being an excellent engraver he is an accomplished songwriter, oil painter, scrimshander, knifemaker and wood carver. Stock making and carving were also a forte.

Pedersen, Rex: Born in 1955, engraver, teacher, gunsmith. A third generation gunsmith. Began engraving 1978. In 1938, C.R. Pedersen started a business in Chicago with his son manufacturing twirling and directing batons and musical instruments. Upon his discharge from the armed services, his son Rich started a gun shop in Ludington, Michigan. He offered many custom services to many customers as well as other dealers. Many gunsmiths and manufacturers used the famous REX brand engine tuning fixtures, drill jigs and front sights. Growing up in the gun business Rich's son, Rex performed many gunsmithing operations. In 1978, he decided to try his hand at firearms engraving. Since then he has received" Professional" status from the Firearms Engravers Guild of America. In 1996 he received the Smith & Wesson "Masterpiece Award" for the finest engraved Smith & Wesson handgun. In 1999, he received the Beretta "Award of Distinction". This award, recognizes a FEGA engraver who has exhibited both excellence and uniqueness of design. Has served as President of the FEGA and teaches engraving courses for GRS Corporation. His work has appeared in Guns magazine, Shooters Bible, Modern Custom Guns, Custom Firearms Engraving as well as other publications. He recently engraved the #16 ACGG Guild rifle, "The Whitetail, a tribute".

Pilkington, Scott: Engraver, teacher, author, b.1964, began engraving 1981, started with Meek’s book, began full time engraving in 1984, his work has been featured in many US and foreign publications, 1985 to present. Used hammer and chisel from 1982 until 1991, then switched to power. taught week-long courses and seminars at the Appalachian Center for Crafts, Blade Show, FEGA show, Trindad State Junior College and has been an instructor for the GRS Training Center since 1996. Has authored several articles about engraving. Has visited with engravers and engraving schools on six continents. Hosts an annual Engrave-In at his home in Tennessee. In 1997 he started an import and retail business for competition airguns used in the Olympics. Also see Artist in Steel.

Rembrandt: engraver, etcher, painter, 1606-1669, The world famous painter was originally a famous engraver and etcher and was considered better at these endeavors than painting by his contemporary peers. His ability to use fine lines, dots, and crosshatching created an incredible array of tones in the printed form unseen before in the world. He left engraving completely in 1661 to focus more fully on the broader spectrum that color paintings offered his creative genius.

Sampson, Roger K.: Born 1947. Engraver some teaching and wrote a few articles for the EFGA Journal. Initial training was from Emma Achleithner Pine Technical Institute Evening classes. Advanced training from NRA summer schools in Trinadad Co. Susanville CA and GRS grand Masters Program Emporia KS. Work from home studio in Mora, MN Currently engrave Firearms, Miniature Forearms, knives, and custom jewlery. Have taught Beginner and Intermediate hammer and chisle engraving at the now Pine City Teacnical College for NRA summer programs and the customized training one week programs. Work published in Modern Custom Gun ans Custom Firearms Engraving by Tom Turpin, The Arts of Miniature Firearms by the Miniature Arms Society and the 2002 Edition Engravers Profiles by FEGA. License for commercial work in 1984 to do Gun engraving. Joined FEGA in 1984 and became a professonal member of the Firearms Engravers Guild of America in January 1989.

Strolz, Martin: Engraver, 29.3.1958 Born in Innsbruck, Tyrol. My father Prof. Norbert Strolz was an artist, a painter and a well respected head of the local rural museum club. 1964 –1972 School years in Landeck 1972 –1976 Education as engraver at the Fachschule für Gestaltendes Metallhandwerk in Steyr At the age of fourteen I left home for starting my education as an engraver. Initially I went to Steyr, where a traditional school for engravers is located. After four years of basic training at that school, I passed my graduation with distinction. 1976 –1978 Guest student to specialize in gun engraving at the Fachschule für Gestaltendes Metallhandwerk in Ferlach I studied under the supervision of the head engraving teacher Mr. Hans Singer. Hans Singer was without doubt the finest engraver at that time in Austria. I soon could make use of the basics learned in Steyr and my engraving skills developed rapidly. 1979 –1984 Working as a guest in the studio of Johann Singer for the companies Lechner & Jungl, Graz and Franz Sodia, Ferlach Hans Singer owned a very tiny workshop outside the city of Ferlach. During the years, several former pupils had been invited to work there. I also was given that great chance. The work came from the Ferlach gun maker Franz Sodia, as well as from Lechner & Jungl, Graz. 1980 Masters degree as an engraver I passed the state regulated test with distinction- even before I had my driving licence! 1982 – 1983 Engraving instructor at the Fachschule in Ferlach. Subjects: engraving workshop, clay modeling Then, for one year I had the opportunity to teach engraving in the Ferlach school and found that also to be very stimulating, the interaction between teacher and student. Also, it was a unique chance to pass on my knowledge of technique and design style. 1984 - 1986 Working in my own workshop in Ferlach. After four years in Mr. Singer shop I had gathered all the experience I needed to start my own business and founded a workshop. In my Ferlach studio, I carried out work of all styles and kinds, and I was always open for something new. Since 1986 Teacher in the “Fachschule für Kunsthandwerk” department Metalldesign. Subjects: engraving workshop, technology for engravers. In 1986 the school in Steyr was looking for a hand engraver. I decided to move back and bring Ferlach gun engraving techniques to Steyr. 1998 -1990 Teacher training at the “Berufspädagogische Akademie des Bundes”. Passed with distinction, “Dipl. Päd." Achievements as a teacher: I could combine the traditions of both Austrian engraving schools, renew the curriculum in Steyr and now offer a broader variety of engraving techniques to the pupils. An excellent education needs modern technology. I replaced most of the old pantograph engraving machines with state-of-the-art CNC- technology. Since 2002 I have invited several host students from abroad, mainly from the USA, Canada or Italy. They have studied hand engraving under my guidance for a few months up to even one year. Working as freelance engraver: In addition to teaching, I am continuously pursuing, and working on interesting engraving commissions. Having attained a wide experience I am enabled to execute all forms of engraving on hunting guns. Publications: My work was published in the following books and magazines: “ L`incisione delle armi sportive” “ Kunst in Stahl geschnitten” “ Jagdschmuck“ “ Der Anblick“ “ Guns Magazine” “ The Double Gun Journal” “ The Engravers Journal” “ The Countryman`s Weekly” “ Kulturbericht des Landes Oberösterreich” “ Tiroler Tageszeitung” Hobbies: As nature is very important to me, I like outdoor sports. My camera always is part of the equipment during these activities, because I love photography. Membership: “Berufsvereinigung Bildender Künstler Oberösterreichs” 2007 “Engraving Arts Award of Educational Distinction” from Glendo Corporation and Emporia State University