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Hand Engraving, gravers, watches, tools for jewelry
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Biography
 Steve
Lindsay was born in 1958 in Holdrege, Nebraska, into a family with a rich
heritage in both art and craftsmanship. His father, Frank Lindsay,
was a skilled jeweler, gemologist, and watchmaker, known locally for his
precision and custom work. Growing up, Steve spent many hours at
his father’s workbench, gradually learning the foundational techniques of
metalworking, goldsmithing, and watch repair. The influence of art extended
even further back in his family—his grandfather was a landscape painter, and
his great-grandfather was an engraver and jeweler—giving Steve a strong
appreciation for both mechanical precision and artistic expression from an
early age.
At just twelve years old, Steve began formally learning the art of hand
engraving under his father’s instruction. A pivotal moment in his early
development came in 1975 when he met three of his father's friends: John
Rohner, the founder of GRS Tools and inventor of the first pneumatic power
graver; Lynton McKenzie, a highly respected gun engraver; and James Meek,
author of the influential book The Art of Engraving. These connections
exposed Steve to the broader world of professional engraving and toolmaking,
and they encouraged him to pursue technical training.
Following their advice, Steve attended a technical college, where he majored
in tool and die making, mold design, and mechanical engineering. This
education deepened his understanding of precision machining and
design—skills that would become essential in both his engraving and tool
innovation. After completing his studies, he worked briefly in the tool room
of a manufacturing company in Nebraska. However, his interest in engraving
remained strong, and in his spare time, he began designing and building
engraving tools and workholding vises.
By 1981, Steve had made the transition to working as a full-time engraver.
Over the years, he has completed work for a wide range of clients, including
private collectors and makers of custom knives, firearms, watches, and
jewelry. He has also provided engraving services for companies such as
Oakley Sunglasses and performed precision hand engraving and lettering for
instrument manufacturers working with gold, silver, and platinum,
particularly in New England.
One of the highlights of his early career was a collaboration with Lynton
McKenzie on a custom rifle commissioned by Safari Club International. The
piece, engraved with intricate designs and gold inlay, was auctioned in 1986
for $201,000—an indication of the high value placed on craftsmanship at this
level.
Steve’s engraving process is rooted in traditional methods but incorporates
modern innovations. Each design begins as a detailed pencil drawing, which
is then transferred and cut by hand under a Zeiss microscope. He uses a
precision AirGraver, a tool he helped develop, to execute the work with fine
control. Many of his pieces feature 24k gold inlays and demonstrate a high
degree of technical skill, artistic sensibility, and attention to detail.
In addition to his engraving work, Steve has made significant contributions
to the field through tool development. He is the inventor of the Lindsay
AirGraver—a pneumatic engraving tool known for its responsiveness and
control—and has also created a range of vises and other tools used by
engravers worldwide. His innovations have been adopted by professionals
across disciplines and have helped advance the craft by improving
ergonomics, efficiency, and precision.
Through decades of practice, teaching, and toolmaking, Steve Lindsay has
built a reputation not only as a master engraver but also as a pioneer in
engraving technology.
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 The
best part of Steve Lindsay is his wife Karla Ritter-Lindsay who is also an
Artist (music artist)
Bio:
Karla Ritter-Lindsay
Flute Instructor | Pianist | Organist | Music Educator
Kearney, Nebraska
Karla Ritter-Lindsay is a dedicated music educator specializing in flute and
piano instruction in Kearney, Nebraska.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kearney State College, she has cultivated
a passion for teaching and performance that spans several decades.
Her principal areas of study were flute and piano, and she began offering
lessons while still a student, quickly discovering her vocation and love for
music education.
Volunteering since 1980, Karla has been and is the organist of the
United Methodist church in Pleasanton
NE.
Beyond her private teaching, Karla actively contributes to the local music
community by volunteering with the bands and orchestras at Horizon and
Sunrise Middle Schools, as well as Kearney High School.
Her involvement helps foster musical talent among young students and
supports the growth of Kearney's vibrant music programs.
Karla's students have achieved notable success under her guidance.
In addition to her teaching, Karla is affiliated with Yanda's Music, a local
music store in Kearney, where she offers lessons in flute and piano.
Her comprehensive approach to music education ensures that students receive
well-rounded instruction that prepares them for both performance and
appreciation of music.
Through her extensive experience and commitment to music education, Karla
Ritter-Lindsay has become a respected figure in Kearney's musical community,
shaping the next generation of musicians with dedication and passion.
Steve hand engraved Karla's professional Brannen Brothers solid silver
and gold flute.
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