10 REASONS TO APPLY FOR GRAND MASTERS

2. YOU WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR AMBITIONS AND KNOW GRAND MASTERS WILL GET YOU THERE.

You do NOT have to be a master to apply. Both instructors are looking for passionate engravers they can take to the next level during the two-week program.

You should understand sharpening techniques, the basics of scroll design, background removal, have some experience with gold inlay, and be able to cut outlines and shade.

Both courses are looking to help you achieve advanced techniques, so being proficient at the basics will be a must.

3. MIKE DUBBER IS A COLT MASTER ENGRAVER, FEGA MASTER ENGRAVER, AND MUCH MORE. 

Mike’s resume is filled with outstanding achievements and a portfolio of some of the greatest firearms engraving in existence. He walks among prestigious company as a FEGA Master Engraver, Colt Master Engraver, and FEGA founding member. Mike has spent years teaching at multiple programs, contributing to the growth of many engravers. Those that know Dubber would describe his ability to articulately explain techniques, history, and more as thorough and well thought out. He looks forward to sharing the techniques most sought after by Colt Collectors and a great deal of history in the process. Apply today to spend two great weeks with Mike Dubber hand engraving a Colt firearm. 

5. YOU DREAM ABOUT SCROLLS AND OBSESS ABOUT THE ART OF ENGRAVING — TWO WEEKS OF LEARNING IS YOUR IDEAL VACATION.

Think about spending two uninterrupted weeks at the bench, learning from a world-renowned master! Does this sound like an amazing getaway? Many people that have been through the GRS Training Center will tell you that it is where they spend their vacation. A lot of work gets done, but it is also time away from everything to focus on the craft that you love so much. Each day is committed to getting better without the interruptions of daily life. Time will fly by and you will leave with new skills that immediately translate to your work. Emporia, KS may not initially come to mind when thinking about your next vacation, but the GRSTC has become the premier destination for advancing skills in hand engraving. Let us show you what Emporia has to offer while learning some of the most sought-after techniques in the industry.

6. LEARN EXCLUSIVE CONTENT FROM MASTER ENGRAVERS MIKE DUBBER AND SAM ALFANO. 

Once you get past the amazing portfolios and accomplishments of Sam and Mike, many will tell you they are both phenomenal teachers. They do not just engrave at the highest level, they can break down the techniques in a palatable way. Both artists have been engraving since the 1970s and have mastered a multitude of techniques along the way. Spending two-weeks with either artist is something no video or book could every replace. Let their years of learning from their mentors and by trial and error save you time in your learning process.

7. BOLSTER YOUR INTEREST IN FIREARMS OR ORNAMENTAL DESIGN STYLE WITH EXPERT KNOWLEDGE.

A lot of engravers were drawn to the art from seeing firearms engraving and/or fine ornamental design. Each class focuses on these in different ways. The skills learned in either class can be utilized on firearms, knives, jewelry, belt buckles, and so much more. The Master Level Colt Engraving course will focus the two weeks on a multitude of techniques applied directly on a Colt pistol. During this time Mike will also focus on historical information surrounding firearms engraving, especially Colt history. The Comprehensive Master Level Engraving course will focus on using the finest ornamental design elements to accomplish a complex symmetrical design. Sam will spend time in the course covering design theory and in-depth information around ornamental design. Both classes cover gold inlay, overlay, scrollwork, borders, and more!

8. DIG DEEPER THAN THE BASIC INLAY TECHNIQUES YOU ALREADY KNOW.

Adding gold into a project really draws a lot of attention and is often the first element noticed on the engraving. This is true for both precise clean inlays and sloppy ones. Mike and Sam have spent years mastering inlay and overlays with accuracy and class. Both courses plan to utilize gold as design elements and borders. Sam’s project will incorporate the inlay for clean symmetrical borders, as well as a 24k gold overlay scroll design in the center. Mike’s class will use gold for borders, lettering, and more. Just another reason to apply for the 2019 Grand Masters Program with Mike Dubber or Sam Alfano.