Engraving

[JTknives]

I can't believe I am to the point in my life where I'm asking about engraving. I remember way back I would think to my self, engraving yeah right I would never have the skills to even think about that. Well I am thinking about it and would like to learn more. I have been doing some reading on the subject and still feel like I would like to start practising. I'm thinking I would like and work on hand engraving my logo on my blades to start. Nothing fancy just a place to start and so thing useful to learn. So any advice or any engraves out there that don't mind taking someone under there wing. I will round up the required basic tools to get started I just wonder if this is something I can learn going at it my self or do I need an instructor to guide me. Thanks guys.

 

[DEllis]

If you have the opportunity to take a class it will cut the learning curve a lot.
I am not a great engraver, but I have fun with it. One thing an engraver said to me stands out in my mind. He asked me if I had any drawing talent. That will make a huge difference IMHO. If you can't draw it or design it, you will not be able to cut it. A good design, cut poorly, will look better than a poor design, cut perfectly.
My <.02

Here's an example of my chisel and hammer engraving.

Darcy

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Lettering and logos, etc. are the hardest things to engrave with precision. I suggest continuing etching/stamping for that. I hand engrave, but use a pantograph machine for lettering.
The cheapest way to learn is the hammer/chisel method, or bulino-style. Powered engraving requires a substantial investment.
There is a book, likely out of print, called "The Art of Engraving," by James B. Meek. It is a good synopsis and teaching tool. There are also videos available.
Search for GRS engraving tools for supplies. You will need to learn about graver sharpening techniques and angles before you start engraving anything.
I'll be happy to help you, either here; by email; or telephone.

 

[HSC ///]

I think some ABS MS might teach this
Steve Dunn

and - GRS Tools in Emporia Kansas.

 

[WValtakis]

When I was a kid I took engraving courses at Lassen Community College in Susanville, CA (taught by John Baraclough). They have an NRA gunsmithing school on campus there. You might look into the availability of those courses, there might even be some closer to you.

~Chip

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I will tell you it isn't fast or cheap to learn. While you can do a lot with a few burins and a brass hammer, most is done with power tools and multiple graver points. There are great schools and classes to teach it, but the main thing is lots of practice ... and patience. You start with simple scrolls and swirls and progress to more complicated structures. You learn lettering and figural engraving last ... if ever at all. Engraving on steel adds one more degree of difficulty..

JT, I have known you a good while (here on ST) and would worry that you like to jump right in feet first on new things. Engraving is slow and steady, taking years in many cases to master.

 

[JTknives]

I was not thinking about artistic engraving but more of a simple logo like my reverse pie or a simple JT.
It's something I think I would enjoy learning, I have acquired the recommended book and have been reading it. I will start slow and practis practis practis. I don't expect to be amazing at it, just another feather in my cap so to speak.