Learn to cut and polish opal with Saxon

[@PyroClit]

You should continue this as a series. We would love to be a part of his journey to be like his father.

[@benkirkland5354]

Nice work to you both!! As a teacher, it can be so difficult to allow someone the space to explore and experience without interfering too much, so bravo Justin! And to Saxon, bruh!! You’re killing it! When you asked your father what you could have done better… I got chills, mate. Being open to criticism in order to improve is powerful. Keep. It. Up.

[@blackopaldirect]

Hes a good boy

[@hannable3871]

I watch you teach your son how to cut an opal or potch. I took my son driving for the first time today. My heart is still beating pretty fast. But life is full of first times, but today's first time I'm going to be cherish for a long time to come.

[@blackopaldirect]

That's amazing cherish it

[@nancywhite2014]

I remember my aunt teaching me how to shape agate like Saxon is learning to cut opal. I was in my teens, now I’m in my 60’s. Thanks for sharing.

[@blackopaldirect]

You never forget those times

[@colleenthompson8707]

Oh my goodness, Justin…you must be SO proud of Saxon. He’s so much like you. It truly was a pleasure to watch you, Saxon. You did a fantastic job! I hope to watch more of this mentorship in the future. 🎉🎉cheers to a great teacher and a great student 🎉🎉

[@jenniferlehman326]

Well done Saxon!! You've made your grandda proud, I can tell you that right now, not to mention your own father. You did an amazing job!! Be proud of yourself Mate!!! From a friend, a Retired Paramedic, and a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer and Horse Trainer in Ontario,Canada, Jenn. 💖 🇨🇦

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you a Retired Paramedic, and a S&R Dog and Handler Team Trainer and Horse Trainer in Ontario,Canada, Jenn. 💖 🇨🇦

[@Lee-t9g2l]

Pretty sure Saxon is his son.

[@jenniferlehman326]

@Lee Hrbis. That's why I said that he made his grandfather and father proud.

[@ScottishGoldHunter]

Amazing to have moments like this with Saxon❤️⛏️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Slavador2393]

Most impressive Saxon! Your father taught you well mate! Justin, you should be proud, he's a natural at cutting opal and your instruction is top notch! Thanks and cheers mate!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you very much! Dion

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Well done Saxton! I think cutting stones is in your genes. Wonderful shot of the three generations of stone cutters with the painting of your Dad in the background. It is so wonderful to see a craft being passed to the next generation.😮😊😊❤

[@Feral_Phoenix]

I loved the generational stack shots! It actually brought a big nostalgic smile to my face. What a beautiful thing to see -- father watching over father watching over son. 🥰❤️ Heart warmed ✅

[@elishadoyle8191]

That's what I was thinking too. Nice to see 😊❤

[@susannesamuelsson2930]

Oh this is wonderful to be a part of this father and son moment! What a privilege to be a part of Saxons journey to be a opal cutter just like his dad!

[@shippamfamily6673]

Looking forward to seeing Saxon continue his learning. This was really lovely to watch!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottcaley6555]

What an honor and privilege to have a front row seat to this touching father-son opal cutting session! ❤ It’s easy to see that Saxon is clearly a natural. I look forward to joining you guys in his future lessons!

[@blackopaldirect]

Our pleasure! We have just done another and he has cut some color so you will see it in the coming months

[@GrammaJo360]

I loved watching your son learning from you as you learned from your father. I hope he will be here often . He’s a great young man.

[@tommycatfish5515]

You have your fathers touch ,we will be seeing high quality cut and polish in the future ❗️great job Saxon 🔥

[@blackopaldirect]

He does it seems

[@stephaniecruvant9130]

OMG..Saxon's hands look like yours, Justin! Thank you Saxon for helping your Dad help all of us to learn. Yes, Saxon really is a natural.

[@costrio]

At 4:17, I think the video shot is priceless as it shows a nice family grouping. Grandson, father, grandfathe well played..

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@FatKidBrody]

I'm glad to sere your son to start cutting. Thank you for answering a question that I have had in my mind for a long time. I wondered what cut and polished potch would look like and I like it.

[@blackopaldirect]

You are so welcome!

[@Phoenix_Enterprises]

When my grandkids and kids come by I always give them a chance to cut a piece of agate or turquoise sometimes obsidian if I think they are ready to move up. They were naturals and it was a true joy to see how fast they picked it up. Someday if they want I'll let them cut their first opal when they show up again. Loved this one Justin. Thanks for sharing. Great stuff.

[@blackopaldirect]

Great bonding experience

[@Phoenix_Enterprises]

@@blackopaldirect yes it is, I'd love to teach them someday how to silver/goldsmith as well.

[@robertbanks8076]

It’s always a pleasure to see a Father passing on a trade. Well done Saxon and you have a really nice Dad

[@wenditaylor9708]

I love this. Saxon you're a brave guy to learn anything on a video. That must make it even more intimidating! I also love that you asked what you could improve at the end! 😊

[@blackopaldirect]

He smashed it. He's not afraid of a camera

[@wenditaylor9708]

@@blackopaldirect I see this!!!

[@steveclark4291]

Justin please continue this series I really enjoy watching Saxon learn how to cut and polish Opals !

[@blackopaldirect]

He will cut another one soon with color :-)

[@melissaandjosh6210]

I’d love to see this continue as it’s own series on BOD. It’s great for people learning to cut and the bonus is every parent will get that motivation to pass on whatever knowledge they have to their kids.

[@guillermolopez8277]

Excelente lección del padre y buena disposición del hijo. Continuará la dinastía. Felicitaciones a ambos.

[@MamaKatSF]

This video literally made my heart melt. What a beautiful gift. What a great dad. And who knew Saxon has such nimble fingers! A perfect Father’s Day joyful moment! ❤😊

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed

[@davidedgar2818]

well done, I remember when I went from guides to free hand shaping. This took some time and confidence but there are still times that I use the guide plate to better envision my final piece. I had a lapidary set up but gave it to my sister's family when I moved to Hawaii. The last few years I've done my work by hand with a final polish with a Dremel tool. I still have lots of fun. Two of my nephews are still working stone. One is gold mining, the other is into cabochons and silver work. We have to pass our knowledge on. You have very great knowledge from your dad and very deserved, yourself. I'm glad that both your and dad's will live in the internet for a long time.

[@corylane3637]

You're son is lucky to have a teacher like you.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Corey

[@rattlerant]

I'm watching this on Fathers day. Seeing your Son, You, and the picture of your Father in the bakground watching over made my heart swell. i wish i could share something this special with my Dad and Son. Love what you do. Thanks for inspiring others ❤

[@kimetherington2252]

Making memories with Saxon is a wonderful thing! I hope he follows in his Daddy's footsteps, seeing how He will be the next aire to the throne! Til next time, take care, and we'll see you on the next...

[@pudermcgavin4462]

Watching a moment like this is amazing to me! I don't have kids but I'd do the same with them as a mechanic! It's a process and i do do this with the coworkers they have placed under my wing!

[@didisinclair3605]

I so loved the shots that had the three generations included... grandpa, pa, and grandson. So wonderful.

[@samanthafairweather9186]

Justin, you are a great teacher! You didn't try to take over, you just explained to Saxon what he needed to do. And, boy, did he do an awesome job! You better watch out, mate. He's gonna be coming for you soon!! Saxon, great job!! You've got it a real, natural talent. Must be in the genes. Keep up the great work!! 💜🌈

[@lesterroberts4787]

Justin, what a great way to spend time with your Son, teach him a trade and give him a good life. Well done Sir, well done.

[@jakartajamie4880]

Great job Dad, your Dad and Grandpa was smiling down on you both! GBY

[@ronmartin3755]

This is so cool. Teaching your son to take over the business someday. I have three sons and all of them became pilots as I was. Good luck with your wonderful son.

[@michaelprue9024]

Loved this ! A LOT. Getting to see your son learn from an expert as you did from yours is truly a blessing to anyone aspiring to learn how this is done. Lessons like these are truly priceless. And am so glad to see Saxon really take an interest in the family’s legacy and do it. You are one lucky dad. Can’t wait for the next step.

[@christiroseify]

WOW... He's a natural... He had a gorgeous oval going there. The way he floats the stone across the grinder as he follows the curve of his shape. He's got a great eye for level and straight... Nice job Saxon, Happy Father's Day Justin... God bless you and yours in the days ahead...

[@jamiemorgan4146]

Good on ya Saxon! 🤙🏻🤙🏻 Sometimes, you just can’t help what you end up doing in life, mate. As you say, Osmosis. It’s true. You watch Dad so long and Mom in the biz, it becomes part of you. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Saxon, you’re fortunate to be able to go into a family biz. I’ve been in one most of my life and it’s really nice to have your family around you. It’s a great secure feeling. Funny thought: My Dad’s gone now, but my sis was in the biz too and my Dad would fire her twice a day! LOL 😆. She’d leave, take the day off and drive somewhere and have fun. Then my Dad would say to her, “ I’ll see you tomorrow in the office” ... 😁😁😁😁

[@markrouse4514]

It's amazing what kids pick up. Also it's not bad having a master cutter to watch and teach you. Awesome job Saxon.

[@Joyof...]

Your son is doing an excellent job! Keep it up lad, you have a gift ❤.

[@topcat8839]

Saxon Well Done!. My gosh Saxon is a natural born opal cutter for sure. Justin I am in awe even more of your expertise cutting and polishing, you make it look so easy. Great video Justin and Saxon, thank you both and to Black Opal Direct. What a wonderful son you have Justin and Ruth. Until next week......

[@domesticterror7970]

I love the milkiness of potch, especially when it has different shades in the same stone. It has such a peaceful look to it. And a soft "feel".

[@cheriginn8697]

Love this episode. As a retired photographer I really liked the panning shots showing your son, you, & your Dads portrait in the background. A loving tribute to three generations

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks so much!

[@tomrockholm-timeless_morph6691]

I’ve gotta say I looked away for a bit to tend to my 1 1/2 year old son and when I looked back at the video the way Saxon was working the stone on the wheel I thought it was you. He definitely looks comfortable on the wheel, has a great eye for making an equal pleasing shape and just all around natural talent. Plus he’s got a fantastic teacher! Great work Saxon!!!

[@evillyn7895]

I think I had more fun than Saxon, thank you both for posting this.

[@blackopaldirect]

Haha good lol

[@queenmab1999]

He is a natural!!!! And an amazing learner!!! You guys made one excellent kid Mr Opal!!! Very impressed!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@scottday8454]

Great clip Justin & Saxon. Skills that can only be passed on by men of knowledge and experience. I'm in my mid 50's now but, brings memories for me working with my late father learning some of my knowledge. For mine, these skills can not be developed by academia qualification developed behind a textbook without hands on... Great you are prepared to provide the knowledge from experience. As they say "You can take a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.." Same for people "You can provide a human knowledge? But, you can't make them think!" Take it and run with it Saxon, all credit to you both 👍

[@user-me3vr9yd8k]

However…in appreciation of your work, I’ve been watching many of your podcasts and since I am a retired jeweller and jewelry designer who has worked with stone cutters, not opals though, I am so happy to see how it’s done. And you are very entertaining on many levels. Hope you’re doing well. I’m so fond of opals.

[@chrisberry9017]

I just love the relationship that you have. Although I learnt a great deal of practical skills by watching my Father, our relationship wasn’t wonderful. It something I do so wish had been different. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

[@dannywileyinthemountains]

Really enjoyed watching this one. I remember the video when Saxon was little and laughing through the video. He is definitely learning from the best teacher. Thanks for sharing.

[@pakabe8774]

Very enjoyable to watch you both! Pretty beautiful young man, your son.

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nathaniachaney-aiello4832]

Saxon, thanks for being willing to step up to the wheel and show us how to practice!

[@Tomeccho]

I bit the bullet. I was heading from Vic to NSW and a place an hour north of Sydney and got as far as Dubbo, and where I should have turned right, I went left. I didn't know I was headed to LR until I was. I've been hand cutting opal for 18 months and love the process. Finding opal myself would be cool, but my desire is to cut, not mine. I love cutting opal and can easily lose an entire day shaping, sanding, and polishing. Not healthy, but the time flies, and I forget to move! Watching Sacon use the wheel after watching Justin for 3+yrs, it really has me itching to get in front of one so badly. I'm either going to scratch out a living here or leave with my tail between my legs. And I don't have a tail 🤣 P.S. the people in Lightning Ridge are bloody awesome! We're all ratbags and misfits, but the best part is the scoundrels don't last, so it's the salt of the earth who settle. The 'old timers' are a mix of all backgrounds, and i just want to gather them all up and make them immortal. The world would be a much better place with more like them. Love it here. "Lightning Ridge: population ???. Biggest unfenced mental asylum in the world!"

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

Justin, I took the advice you gave me more than a year ago and I'm setting up my grandfathers equipment. Its been 20 years since Ive cut anything and I've only cut a couple opals, nothing with color but I have cut many stones with the same harness.

[@domesticterror7970]

Technical information and stern yet affirming guidance from father to son are so important! I think shaping a male is so much harder than shaping a female. Good on ya.

[@doctorlyon]

Love the pan upwards at 4:30 showing Saxon, Justin and Dad in the picture above - so cool! ❤

[@CrazyJohnLe]

This was heart warming to watch, Father and Son is something special

[@nancycurtis7315]

Congratulations on your entry into opal cutting, Saxon. Greetings from Dimboola, in Victoria, Australia.

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@janetsigler1905]

Your Dad we would be proud. Thanks for sharing.

[@rohantherockwiththerocketh7871]

Good to see you passing the skills to your son and keeping the family tradition going! Hopefully you have a good run so he can cut a beautiful stone. Have fun you guys!

[@gregteske3136]

Ty Justin, Saxon is a natural! Although we r not hands on, I have learnt as well 😊 👍🪃🇦🇺🖖

[@janchau4950]

Hi Justin. This Father's Day programme is so wonderful. You have a lovely son, and you are a lovely father. I am sure yourbson will carry on the f

[@janchau4950]

family traditionm

[@janetsmith5279]

Oh, wow, cant wait, hope Saxton does well.x Wow, he did fantastic, well done sax. Your your fathers son.❤

[@ebonfae9936]

Saxon, thank you for sharing the beginning of your quest into the land of opal! Great job!

[@blackopaldirect]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MirjanaBozhinovska]

You can tell he’s been watching you cut, I hope that your legacy will continue with your son 👨‍👦

[@ravinghomo]

Thanks for sharing such a personal moment with your son, good to see young Saxon learning from the best and becoming the third generation. Best of luck Saxon, hope to buy a stone from you someday.

[@jimconnors2500]

Saxon has an excellent teacher, looks like he will be a natural

[@davidstoner7448]

Third generation opal cutter....has a nice ring to it. Keeping the legacy alive. Right on Saxon🤙

[@blackopaldirect]

I love it!

[@dutelatte2154]

Imagine inheriting all this knowledge and beauty, what a joy! Well, back to my regular life :)

[@blackopaldirect]

Awwww

[@raspybob9905]

Lucky kid! Gonna get the best opal collection from a good man when he goes. Wish i had a dad that cared when i was a kid. Eviction after eviction and heartbreak is all i remember.

[@elizabethwitt2621]

What a feeling that must be for you, Justin. Passing down to Saxon what your dad your dad passed on to you. I know rhese proud parent teacing moments. Nothing like them. Beautiful to watch. He is a natural and seems to really enjoybthe process. 🤧😭👏🫶

[@thenodiggardener]

Absolute natural at it. Well done Saxon! Totally enjoyed watching this, and I'm so glad there's another one coming.

[@IamBATMAN2024]

Wow! He is a natural! Well done Saxon you need to carry on!

[@rosemaryabbott1020]

Justin, you are a great Dad! I almost cried!

[@blackopaldirect]

wwwww stop it ❤️

[@steveclark4291]

Saxon , Sir , you did an awesome job for doing this for the first time of doing it !

[@gavreynolds2689]

Great timing for this video as I or my work mate will be travelling to Lightning Ridge soon and I am planning to get my hands on some rough opal and give it a go. Your son is a natural but what I liked the best was when he asked "What would you change, what can be improved?" You and your wife have raised a good young man.

[@lovecara1]

Wow that was so amazing to watch, Saxon you did a great job. Learning from the best. Justin you must be so proud.

[@billford1556]

Your doing an amazing thing and it's great to see a son follow in his father's and grandfathers foot steps you guys just became even more special and what you have been sharing as your videos teach and share the skills you learned ❤ thank you for showing family is beautiful ❤ black opal direct 😍

[@LucillenRory]

Well done Saxon! and a very proud dad moment.

[@fasvi1285]

Wow, I am reminded of my own father and how much I love him.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

This will be so cool to look back at this when you’re older like the videos you have of your dad you’ve posted. I remember watching his laughing video several years ago. Potch can be beautiful on its own as Saxon showed.

[@janicecooper875]

He's gonna be good! Just like his Daddy. Same shaped fingers as his Daddy too. You are both fantastic! Grandad would be so, so pleased.

[@Doxymeister]

Yo, Saxon, dude--you're killing it, mate! Very nice cutting session, and Dad you taught him well. Would love to see more of these lessons. Love from south-central US!❣

[@heathercanales5679]

Wow Saxon you did absolutely phenomenal!!

[@margiebrown7436]

Thank you for sharing this very special moment with us. 🥰

[@glenjones5416]

Go Saxon Go!! With your father as a guide, POC!!!

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

Saxon makes opal cutting look easy! Nicely done!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@obieobrien5883]

Saxon has learned well! He’ll be a natural like his dad!

[@sandmaker]

It's a process and he has done a really good job. Well done to both of you.

[@jimmurphy6095]

Saxon has his own way of running the wheels. I'm sure we can tell the difference just from the handwork style. Very well done indeed. That potch is almost ring-worthy!

[@Feral_Phoenix]

Happy Father's Day, Justin! Thanks so much for this vid. I absolutely LOVED this! Saxon takes direction incredibly well which is sometimes hard when working with family -- I'm so impressed! You can tell Opal runs in your family's bones. Great job, guys! 🎉😊❤

[@domesticterror7970]

I soooooo love this! Happy one day after Father's Day!!!!!!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Drusille]

wow Saxon has opal genes! it seemed so easy looking at him, we'd love to follow Saxon journey cutting opal

[@kellyfullilove]

Excellent job Da, he will be a top stone cutter and in short order. He has the touch!

[@nancymoody910]

So good to see good fathers and sons!

[@jayjames7502]

Well done Saxon I knew you'd be a natural!

[@nivshporer996]

good job saxon!!! and justin you must be so proud of him starting to learn the basics just how your dad thought you

[@lorenrobertson8039]

Awe what a precious memory you and your son made. Got a little tear in my eye watching this. I want to congratulate you Saxon on a job well done! I hope you continue to hone your skills and that you enjoy your journey with opal.

[@thejmz]

Awesome vid - what a lucky kid!

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah I am also lucky

[@bobross5580]

Both very lucky!

[@tattoedmat]

Very nicely done Saxon. I think it's something we all should be doing now and then, go back to basics especially if changing machine or wheels

[@opalusmaximus7713]

Proud dad moment!! That was cool to watch