check

The samples are all done in 16 line per inch to show better in a photo, with the last one showing the difference in appearance between 16, 18 and 20 line per inch.
All three sizes are the same price although I have been often urged to charge more for the 20 line designs because of the added time and care when getting into the finer check.
Sizes FINER than 20 LPI do run a bit more, and are mostly found on fine presentation guns and antiques being fully restored.

Checkering actually cut and finished by hand is rapidly dying out as most people don't want to spend the time required to do it well.
It is also something that is enjoyable to me instead of a task, therapy at the end of a hectic day on the job to sit and concentrate on a slow, careful task..
It can also be called art.
I say art, because even though with enough practice just about anyone can cut a basic design and have it look pretty good, it is a time consuming job and just a small stroke of the tool can destroy a pattern to the point of sanding down the entire stock and starting again.

Factory checkering which is either stamped in, (these can be identified quickly as the diamonds are often inverted rather than raised) or are cut with a a computerized cutter that can cut the entire design in one or two passes.
True cut checkering is cut the same way it was in the early days...one line at a time.
Many people consider hand cut checkering, even with the occasional off line, much better looking and more effective as it is usually a bit deeper and can have much sharper diamond points than machine cut.
Below are some examples of various types of designs that can be used to create that special gun that reflects your taste and style.

2 to 1 check is used mainly on black powder rifles.
To the left is the flat topped check some prefer as more traditional, and the section to the right having been pointed up.
(an example here.)

3 to 1
Still rugged enough for everyday field use but with a more distinct diamond like pattern.
This example shows a single cut border on the right edges.

3 ½ to 1
The hardest to cut and also the best looking according to most.
This one showing a double cut border on the right edges.
Slightly less resistant to rough constant handling than 3 to1, and will not cut cleanly on some woods.

My personal favorite, French, "rabbit track" or "skip line".
Found on many late 1800 to early 1900 guns it has largely vanished on guns I see today.
This example runs three standard lines between the wider ones, but up to six lines could work for a pleasing pattern.

If you have an old gun with very fine checkering that needs restored, or really want the high grade look, e-mail and let me know.
But be aware that the finer line counts are very time consuming and it will take a good bit of time before it is completed.