Hardly a mark on the shipping box. Had to check it out of course. I had asked for something special as far as the quality of wood grain and current stock blanks allowed. This is above grade. Really nice flame grain on the buttstock. The curl width varys, with some clusters, some wide, some narrow. Lock and barrel fit really well. By the time I can really get into assembly and finishing I would expect to have to do some fine scraping to perfect the fitting. Moisture can make a big difference.
My intent is to really improve my ability to burnish scrapers. Scrape and then bone the stock with a small spike buck antler. Then one or more coats of Iron Nitrate. Perhaps tannic acid and rubbing it back. Laurel Mountain Forge Lancaster Maple stain. Then finish with multiple coats of Sutherland Welles medium luster Tung Oil.
I'm two months away from the carving class at WKU. So there may be some simple carving. The graceful wrist area is appealing in this design.
This is a 54cal. Ordered mid-October I think. No bright sunshine here today, but the light looks to show the grain well. More pics when I get into building.
My intent is to really improve my ability to burnish scrapers. Scrape and then bone the stock with a small spike buck antler. Then one or more coats of Iron Nitrate. Perhaps tannic acid and rubbing it back. Laurel Mountain Forge Lancaster Maple stain. Then finish with multiple coats of Sutherland Welles medium luster Tung Oil.
I'm two months away from the carving class at WKU. So there may be some simple carving. The graceful wrist area is appealing in this design.
This is a 54cal. Ordered mid-October I think. No bright sunshine here today, but the light looks to show the grain well. More pics when I get into building.