The more I looked at it, the more I thought it was impossible for a human being to carve it by hand - that’s why I assumed it had to be done with a laser or something. I mean, the forehead - it really looks like metal, like old, pitted cast iron. Mindblowing!
Congratulations sir - it's a true masterpiece!
Also thank you for your detailed answer, I really appreciate that. Love the trick with coarse sandpaper - I would never have thought of that - thanks for sharing!