Hunting season is back, and many hunters are once again reaching for their rifles. Yet, for Philippe Graff, a firearm is much more than a tool for the hunt.
At 32 years of age, Graff has turned his passion into his profession. Based in Niederfeulen, he creates exclusive hunting weapons that are not only functional, but crafted as true works of art.
Each rifle, made from carefully selected wood and steel and adorned with fine engravings, represents hundreds of hours of meticulous work and a blend of technical expertise, tradition, and creative vision.
Since this year, Graff has been the new owner of Armurerie Frauenberg, which is a workshop where weapons are not only sold and repaired, but fully bespoke pieces are designed and built from scratch.
How can one recognise the quality of a weapon? Graff says the character is immediately apparent, and it is easy to tell whether it was made with care and skill or produced by machine.
For him, the difference lies in the details and the love with which the craft is approached.
A broken guitar sparks a passion
‘Graff’s journey into gunsmithing began in his youth, as he grew up in a family of hunters where handling firearms with care and respect was a given.
However, his interest in craftsmanship was sparked by an unexpected accident: as a teenager, his guitar broke when it fell to the floor.
His father suggested seeking help from a gunsmith, reasoning that someone who could repair a broken gunstock might also be able to fix a guitar.
The gunsmith managed to restore the instrument, leaving a deep impression on the then 13-year-old. The experience opened Graff’s eyes to the beauty of working with one’s hands and inspired him to pursue this path professionally.
He went on to complete a four-year apprenticeship in Ferlach, Austria, followed by a master craftsman’s diploma. Since 2021, he has worked at Armurerie Frauenberg and took over the business this year.
Up to 700 hours for a single bespoke rifle
Clients seeking a fully customised rifle must be prepared for a considerable wait and a substantial investment. A handmade firearm from Philippe Graff typically costs €10,000 to €15,000 or more, which reflects the extensive hours invested in each project.
He acknowledges that many of these hours are never truly covered by the price.
On average, the workshop spends around 300 hours on each weapon, with an additional 100 to 400 hours for specialist engraving, depending on the desired details and motifs.
The process always begins with understanding the client’s wishes and needs: the intended look, use, and handling of the firearm.
Every aspect is tailored to the individual, from shaping the wood to fit the owner’s body, to finishing the metal parts and, if requested, adding unique engravings such as hunting scenes, animals, or personal symbols. The ultimate aim is to create a piece that the client is genuinely proud to own.
Each year, the Niederfeulen workshop produces several dozen personalised rifles.
Graff is currently working on an especially elaborate project that has already spanned over two years, involving a modern firearm made with traditional methods and finished with classic engraving – a true one-of-a-kind creation.
Traditional craftsmanship in a modern world
Graff’s workshop purposefully avoids computer-controlled machinery. All steps are carried out by hand in the spirit of classical craftsmanship. He estimates that only 10 to 20 people still practise this trade in Luxembourg, though no official statistics exist.
He believes that the declining recognition of skilled trades in modern society is a significant challenge, noting that young people are often encouraged to prioritise higher earnings over manual professions.
Nevertheless, the appeal of craftsmanship remains strong, particularly abroad, where interest in such apprenticeships continues.
Graff is also aware of the scepticism that often surrounds firearms in society. He points out that his profession is subject to strict regulations, as every firearm sale requires authorisation from the Ministry of Justice.
An enthusiastic hunter
Alongside his work as a businessman and craftsman, Graff is an enthusiastic hunter, drawn to hunting not just for the shooting, but for the sense of peace it provides.
He finds that time in nature allows him to focus on what truly matters and to unwind from the hectic pace of business life. He notes that after a day spent hunting, he returns home in a better mood, which his wife appreciates.
For Graff, responsible sourcing of meat is another important aspect of hunting.
He wants to know where his food comes from and prefers to take personal responsibility for it, observing that for many people today, meat has become just another packaged product on a supermarket shelf.
This year, Graff became a father and hopes to pass on his values to his son: respect for nature, animals, and the craft itself. Ultimately, his passion extends beyond the weapons to encompass craftsmanship and tradition.