[mattwalt]

For the first time ever got to meet a fellow slinger face to face. With time and a place sorted - had to look out for someone wearing a black jacket, army bag and a beard.

With my 2 kids in tow had a chat and a coffee.

Due to life changes a while ago I had some bits and pieces which I was able to pass on to him (literally save it from being tossed in the trash). He had 2 shepherd slings for me. Extremely grateful for those. I've been getting into them recently and to have such nice ones to play with is fantastic.

Q makes (though not so much anymore) some of the coolest natties made entirely by hand - They were with out a doubt some of the visual candy that got me back into making frames. To be able to discuss his approach in person was awesome.

A great experience - thanks for the time and the slings Q!

 

[hoggy]

cool

 

[Ibojoe]

Loved his frames back in the day. If you saw one you definitely new who built it. They're quite unique.
It's awesome that you got to meet him in person.

 

[Tag]

Glad you got to meet him

 

[devils son in law]

Q is one heck of a guy, did you get any pictures?

 

[mattwalt]

Q is one heck of a guy, did you get any pictures?

Wish I had - I don't have a great camera on my phone. My family lives pretty close to him actually - though he's one busy guy (typical for Portugal). I'm sure we'll meet up again at some point.

 

[31610]

Q is one heck of a guy, did you get any pictures?

Wish I had - I don't have a great camera on my phone. My family lives pretty close to him actually - though he's one busy guy (typical for Portugal). I'm sure we'll meet up again at some point.

That's pretty cool story Matt .Ha u still rocking a flip phone mate ?

 

[Hulla Baloo]

To be able to discuss his approach in person was awesome.

I see. So, to be clear, you have coffee with a Master who most likely shares with you the secret of turning wood into glass and somehow you think it appropriate to share only this anemic description of that discussion? Matthew, Matthew, Matthew...

We want detail and we want it now. Did he smell okay? :bouncy:

 

[mattwalt]

LOL - no its a smarter than me phone. Just seen better days (the joys of young kids)

Hulla Baloo - Thats a kiss and tell type deal ;-) Secrets can only be divulged in person... Needs a special handshake, uniform and everything. Let alone a quiet secluded meeting in a dodgy gang-ridden suburb.

 

[mattwalt]

Though to be fair. I always assumed he had access to some power tools - and used a spindle sander to shape his forks as they are super-clean, accurate and crisp. Was surprised he does all the work with only a knife, files and sandpaper... Actually Mark Seljan's approach to nattie's seems very similar. Apparently his 'big trick' is super simple - simply choosing sandpaper grades (go figure).

 

[Hulla Baloo]

. Let alone a quiet secluded meeting in a dodgy gang-ridden suburb.

Oh dang, don't let me run with this...

You do get around Matt. 'Q' is a rare breed- color me jealous. :yeahright:

 

[mattwalt]

Lets just say - Q's knife was bigger (and cooler) then the ones I had on me ;-P

 

[Winnie]

That's great. Like you I have never met another slinger face to face.

Q is, in my opinion, the maker of the most aesthetic (esthetic here in the US) naturals I have ever seen. Very cool that you got to meet him.

 

[Btoon84]

Have not been back here in quite some time, and I see this post and have the biggest smile for you!
It is my dream to one day meet up with my dear friend Q! One day
Congrats on meeting a slingshot hero and master carver. I'm sure Portugal was beautiful
Give Q all the hugs, and if you're reading this good buddy, I miss ya!

 

[treefork]

Q is a great guy on the forum so I imagine that is who he is !

 

[Beanflip]

Fantastic! I envy you!
CORK OAK! I love his work but especially the cork oak from that area.

 

[mattwalt]

The wild olive trees are weeds here as well. Cork oak is awesome though.