Etching a portrait

[Mr. Beacher]

I'm new to etching makers marks and am interested in etching a portrait. However I'm not finding much on the subject. I've found some interesting videos on YouTube that talk about 2-tone (3 shade) etching which I think would allow this to work but I'm concerned that the fine lines would be eroded by a deep etch.

Pointers, tips or thoughts about how I can tackle this?

What would give me the highest quality potential. I was thinking I might etch the facial features in the first etch and then maybe add hair using something like gauze for texture but perhaps you know a better way.

Thanks in advance! I really need the best possible chance of succeeding on this and can't do it without the knowledge in this group.

{I'm struggling to attach the photo here so I'll make it my profile picture. I plan to clean up the edges}

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You need to find a commercial engraver with a fiber laser. They can reproduce a photograph.
You won't be able to get much detail trying to etch it.

 

[Mr. Beacher]

You need to find a commercial engraver with a fiber laser. They can reproduce a photograph.
You won't be able to get much detail trying to etch it.

Are laser engravings shallow or fairly deep?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

They can be what you want. Shallower would have more detail.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Get a copy of Step-by-Step Knifemaking , by David Boye. He uses acid etching to put pictures and such on his blades, and explains the process pretty well.