Makers Series — Matthew Lepper
A Conversation with Matt Lepper
Matt Lepper is an engraver, woodworker, and devoted student of hand tools whose work is rooted in patience, precision, and deep respect for craft traditions. Drawn to the design and diversity of tools from another era, Matt has built a practice that favors permanence over speed.
After discovering ornamental engraving through a local master engraver, Matt committed himself to a process defined by focus and restraint—cutting permanent scrollwork into metal, one deliberate line at a time. His work reflects a belief that tools are more than functional objects; they are vessels for history, care, and human touch. In a world driven by shortcuts, Matt’s approach insists on attention, intention, and the courage to begin with what you have.
In this interview, Matt shares his journey into engraving, the tools that shape his process, and why slowing down isn’t a limitation, but the point.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming the creator you are today?
I’ve been a woodworker and hand tool enthusiast for quite some time. Like many, I always felt like I was born about 80 years past my due date and really connect with the design, craftsmanship, and diversity of old tools.
In 2014, I came across an article spotlighting a local engraver whose primary focus was pre-1900 firearms (Guns of the Old West, you might say). The scroll designs really made an impression on me. From that point forward, I felt drawn to the craft. In addition to engraving firearms full time, the gentleman also offered instruction every so often to just a few people at a time. Needless to say, I took the class, acquired the necessary tools, and began practicing. After a while I got up the nerve to share my work online and offer some pieces for sale. It took off pretty quick and I’ve been enjoying it ever since.
Is there a particular quote, piece of work, or even a specific sound/smell that ignites your creative process?
I think Arthur Ashe said it best with the phrase “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Like many, I’ve found myself temporarily frozen with an idea or design that I thought was impossible with my current tooling or skills. I eventually moved forward anyway just to discover I was wrong and regretted the delay in action.
Tell us about your favorite project to date. What made it so special?
Oh, it’s hard to pick just one. My favorite at any given time tends to be the one I’m currently working on. My journey eventually lead me to making some of my own tools on a metal lathe. Seeing those come to fruition is pretty rewarding as I haven’t had any professional training in using that equipment.
How did you discover Blackwing pencils?
I saw the Wall Street Journal video about them and enjoyed it so much that I picked up a pencil sharpener to engrave. It was well received so I tried some point guards and the large eraser too!
What other tools are essential to your process?
The workhorse of my craft is a Steve Lindsay Classic Air-graver. It’s a pneumatic miniature jackhammer that allows me to cut the scroll designs into just about any metal. Holding it securely is a ball vise that allows me to maneuver the piece in any direction.
In a world that often celebrates speed, what does "slowing down" mean to you?
Of all the different hobbies, interests, and things I do on a day to day basis, engraving is, by far, the slowest. I’m actually surprised that I’m able to tolerate how slow a process it is. I guess the end product is so important to me that I don’t mind it. The fact that I can’t put the metal back once I cut it helps me slow down too!
What message or piece of advice would you offer to fellow creators who are just starting their journeys?
What worked for me was researching a whole lot of things to find out what I was good at (aptitude) and what I truly enjoyed doing (passion). For me, my natural talents were buried pretty deep and it took forty some years of digging and cultivating to bring them to the surface. Once you think you’ve found it, put in the reps. Do what you can to develop a growth mindset and the negative experiences and self-doubt will be easier to overcome.
Where can the Blackwing community follow and support you?