Ralph Byer is an accomplished executive with over four decades of experience in the financial industry. Currently serving as a managing director and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, he remains committed to community service through volunteer work. During his leisure hours, Ralph Byer engages in activities like motorsports and wood turning.

Wood turning involves shaping and engraving wood using specialized tools for cutting and molding while the wood is rotated on a lathe. One of the various techniques of wood turning is knurling.

Knurling involves creating a textured pattern on the surface of a wooden item. Turners achieve this by applying tools for displacing or deforming wood surfaces. Knurling typically enhances grip. When wood turners apply knurling, it helps improve the friction on the surface, making it easier to hold and handle the turned object, such as a wooden bowl or hammer.

Beyond the functional aspect, knurling adds an aesthetic appeal to the finished piece. The textured patterns created by the knurling process provide a visually pleasing and decorative touch to the wooden surface. These patterns give the wood a unique character, making it stand out as a scrupulously crafted item.