I recall unpacking my brand new HW80 in 1984 and gazing in wonder at this hand crafted piece of German shooting iron. Sure, I wasn't aware then that the spring guide had been carefully made by Eric Bloodaxe with a blunt instrument and swarf would be going walkabout inside the action but anyhow down to checkering of the hand cut variety.
Seems this is a rare commodity these days. Is any manufacturer hand cutting checkering these days? Is it seemed 'old hat'. Is it deemed desirable in some quarters? Would anyone want a stock hand crafted anymore? Would anyone pay a premium for this? What would you think any such premium would be if so?
I know some of the laser cut checkering that can be achieved these days is pretty impressive. But does anyone out there still appreciate the skill and crafted end product of hand cut checkering or is this process dead and buried? Is laser cut checkering the new king? Have we come to expect more?
Dave