Etch or stamp?

Alarion

Alarion

Joined
Nov 26, 2001
Messages
1,375
I'm in doubt between etching and stamping.
Etching is easy, cheap and clean. But my worry is that the etched mark would wear off with time and use. A stamped mark is more persistent, even if it requires a punch made and some skill to apply.
I make forged knives and I like the forging to show, so I'm not for the extra-finished super-duper-shiny "Johnson" style which would probably demand an etched mark.
What are your thoughts on the topic?
 
I stamp mine, but there are plenty of arguments in favor of etching. You can etch deeply enough that the mark will never wear off, and can design a far more elaborate stencil than you can a stamp. A stencil can include more information that collectors 100 years from now would undoubtedly value.

That being said, a touchmark (stamp) is more traditional (especially for forged knives) than an etched mark is. "They" say that a stamp can introduce a stress riser and weaken a blade. Possibly, though I've never seen a knife broken at the stamp. ;) Personally, I prefer the way a stamped mark looks. And overall I think it's less expensive. The stamp will cost around $100 and you probably already have the hammer. :D I've used the same stamp on about 100 blades with no sign of wear.
 
I recently had a small etching disaster, had to refinish and re-etch 3 blades. It took quite a bit of effort to remove the botched etching, I can tell you with certainty the etch can be rubbed off, but only with 150 grit paper and alot of persistence.....;)
 
GHEzell said:
I recently had a small etching disaster, had to refinish and re-etch 3 blades. It took quite a bit of effort to remove the botched etching, I can tell you with certainty the etch can be rubbed off, but only with 150 grit paper and alot of persistence.....;)
Click to expand...

I've been there. It really sucks!
-John
 
I'm torn too. I like my stamp but hate having to stamp pre-HT. If I have to heavy finish sand and it was a little light on one end or the other, then part of my stamp will take the hit. I've learned to get it as close to finish as possible before stamping and HT. Other than that little issue, I like the traditionalist stamp.
 
I stamp mine as well. It the right way to do the job. And it will be there for a life time. Check out my shop tour and see the press I use. :thumbup:
 
I like what I see here on this old thread.

I have been using the search to find out more about the current increase in etching.

Just for the record, I really think etching looks tacky and cheap.......but I'm an old-timer and like the old ways.

My thanks to those who take the trouble to stamp.
 
We got our stamp from CMT and its a good one. We make to many tools and regular blacksmithing items so etching isnt an option for us.
 
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