Amayak Stepanyan

[Lorien]

I've seen some of this guy's stuff in David Darom's 4th book, and in an article in KI about Owen Wood.

His work is really intriguing, and as I understand it, he doesn't use power tools.

With the recent thread about engraving, which is a fairly important thread in my opinion, I've been spending more attention on this form of embellishment.

It's been said that carving and engraving are different, but from what I've seen, Amayak's work bridges the gap the most seamlessly of anyone else I've seen. Julie Warenski's body of work, though more rigidly defined, also includes both carving and engraving. I don't know much, but these two artists are the ones that I perceive as top of their class.

Anyway, not to go onto a tangent so early in the thread, I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share their thoughts on Stepanyan's work.
Photos, of course, speak volumes

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

I think that I would consider Amayak's work more carving or sclupting rather than engraving.
Here are some of my favorites.

 

[Lycosa]

BEAUTIFUL!
Hi Chuck! The Friction Folder you made me is now in a knife pouch. Too nice to use! Thanks.
Rolf

 

[ddd]

Lorien,

Amayak worked for many years in hand carving detailed dies for coins
and medallions. In the USA he put his amazing talent into carving/engraving
knives, often collaborating with his friend and neighbor Owen Wood.

Here is such a collaboration folder made for me by Amayak and Owen.
You will notice that Amayak carved my initials (DDD) in the handle....

All the best,
David Darom (ddd)

From my book "The Great Collections" (2007)

 

[Lorien]

that sure is a beautiful knife, David. I've admired it many times whilst perusing the book you sent to me!

 

[SharpByCoop]

I love his work. If you have ever met the man, there is no one more gracious and humble.

Empire City....

Coop

 

[Joss]

I love his work. I like that better than nearly any other engraver's work.

 

[Bailey Bradshaw]

Amayak is a fantastic engraver. I met him at the last Mesquite Spirit of steel show, and he was nothing short of a gentleman. I looked over his portfolio and imediately saw how experienced and talented he is. Amazing work from his days as a die cutter. He has certainly developed a recognizeable style, and his work is CLEAN. You don't see technical mistakes at all.

I asked him how he gets the finish on his work....he stone polishes the top AND SIDES of the raised areas. Also, most of us use a single pointed punch to texture the background. Amayak makes a multi point punch by essentialy checkering the tip of a punch. It leaves no little spots untextured that will reflect light. He really goes the extra mile on the tinyest details, some you would never notice, but he does it anyway. He is a top shelf engraver without a doubt.

 

[Lorien]

when I said Amayak didn't use power tools, I made a mistake. I was thinking about Arpad Bojtos, whose work I haven't seen much of. What I have seen of his stuff is absolutely mind blowing, (DDD's photography skills don't hurt either!).