My name is Jose Valencia and I live in Phoenix, Arizona.

I first learned about Dr. Lew when I saw him at a gun show in July 2003.

When I came up to his table, there were so many people there that I could barely see some of the samples he had on his table, what caught my attention was a shotgun forearm that was carved with scrolls and a fishscale pattern.

That's when I decided that I needed to sell some of my rifles and guns to buy me this little toy and carve me some scrolls on my own rifles.

So far, I have carved one of my shotguns with scrolls and pheasants that won me First Place at the 2005 Arizona State Fair, a set of pistol grips decorated with scrolls and oak leaves, my son's Mini-14 with the Airborne wings, and various other rifles that I have carved for several of my friends and clients.

At the February 2006 Winter Range, I was visited by Mr. Andy “Chucky” Fink, which is the Editor-In-Chief of SHOOT! Magazine, and told me that he was interested in doing an article on me and would like to display several of my rifles.

The two rifles carved in scrolls are presently featured on the Nov/Dec 2006 issue of SHOOT! Magazine.

I primarily carve stocks, but I do get a lot of requests to engrave wine bottles as well.

I have also done metal engravings on several knives, large silver bowls and motorcycle parts.

As far as training, I have taken a Gunstock Carving Course & a Cast Ivory Inlay class with Mr. Keith Hone in Utah, as well as a Knife Engraving Class with Dr. Lew Jensen.

I recently completed a Scroll Design Class given by Mr. Ron Smith, which is regarded as one of the top American Engravers today.

I have truly enjoyed working with the high speed engraver, but more than that, I had met a great friend that has encouraged me and has presented me with the opportunity of doing something enjoyable with the rest of my life.

Thank you Dr. Lew.  I'm truly indebted to you.

Your friend,

Jose Valencia

PO Box 8234

Phoenix, AZ  85066

Phone:  480-415-4245

Website:  www.josevalenciastudio.com

Email:  jose@josevalenciastudio.com

Jose's Latest Accomplishment

Jose was recently chosen to carve the lid of the presentation box for the Colt Collectors Association's Show Gun

The CCA is a very prestigious organization. To learn more and see the CCA show gun. Visit their website by the link below. 

http://www.coltcollectorsassoc.com/ 

1.  from the home page, scroll down to the picture with "CCA Auction Firearm,  Reno, NV"

2.  Click on "CCA 2007 Show Gun Description" to load a five page pdf file.

Jose is listed twice under Artisans, once under Les Yoder Exhibition Display Case, and then again on the third page.

You will see the handcarved case lid on the second page.

Congratulations Jose - Excellent Work!

Jose has also helped Dr. Lew at some shows in Phoenix, AZ throughout the last few years. We would like to say Thanks once more to Jose and his family for their hospitality and all the help.