how to put a signature on the knife blade above handle?

jacobs

jacobs

Joined
May 8, 2014
Messages
36
Ok so ive seen some pictures with a signature on the knife blade and I was wondering how this is done. What tool and equipment do I need to write my signature on the blade?

Thanks,
Tyler Jacobs
 
I would LOVE to add a signature to my blades and have wondered how one goes about that. I figured one way was just to send Ernie my signature, and I suppose he could make a stencil out of my signature, correct? He has made me a stylized "S" for me that I found online, and the steel IDs for the steels I use, but I wondered if he could take my signature from a piece of paper and make a stencil from it. Stacy, the stencil paper from USA Knifemaker that you linked to in another thread,http://www.knifemaking.com/product-p/ecsr3.htm if I were to buy that, I could just use that stuff and sign my name into it, and it will be a stencil like the one's Ernie sends? I am VERY new to etching, so please forgive the ignorance.
 
Ernie can make a stencil with your signature. He can also make it with your city and state or company name under the signature. Contact him.

The stencil blank roll is used just as you surmised. make the stencil and cut it off. use it as a regular stencil. It will only be good for a couple etches, but it is an inexpensive way of making a custom "one off" mark.
 
I was kind of in the gray, I didn't know if it would work or how well it would work but i went ahead and bought it. I guess ill have to find out if it was worth $13 lol...

From what i understand the etch pen puts a black ink or chemical on the steel, as where the engraver just scratches in the writing with a diamond bit.
Either way, my name will still be on it I am sure.
 
Quote - "......From what i understand the etch pen puts a black ink or chemical on the steel, as where the engraver just scratches in the writing with a diamond bit.
Either way, my name will still be on it I am sure. "
I think you need to read up on etching and marking knife blades.

It would be wonderful if a $13, 20,000RPM ( this is a real joke) tool could effortlessly cut a mark in hardened steel...but it won't. I have professional grade rotary tools costing $1000 and more and nearly half a century experience with them,..and I can't make a decent looking mark with one. To look good, the mark has to be etched into the steel ( the most popular way) , cut by a laser, or engraved with a pantograph.
 
There are electric arc pens which are generally used for marking hand tools, etc.; One of these would work for simply hand writing your signature on a blade. Yet, one slip and you've made a permanent "oops" on your blade.

An electric etching machine with pre-made stencils allow a professional and repeatable mark.

Mike L.
 
I truly know nothing about this type of thing... That being said, I was considering chiseling out a "die", with my mark, from a small block of steel. From there "casting" my mold into the die, so once finished, I now have a type of "punch" I can simply press into my hot, near finished forged blades, hit with the hammer a couple times, and imprint my mark into the steel...
I realize I would have to learn exactly how to cast a die in the first place, figure out what type of steel to use, how to treat it, and a dozen other things... Though, is my "theory" workable in principal, if you could work out the kinks? Or is this just foolishness?
 
Gendry,
I will take a moment and try and help you get on a good knifemaking path.

First, fill out your profile...age, location, occupation, hobbies, etc. That will help people give better answers. It may also tell a nearby maker that you live near him. He may offer you help, a shop visit, and materials.

I suspect you are young and not experienced with tools and metalworking. Read some of the posts on finishing knives and handles. The biggest thing wrong with your knives so far is that they are not properly made and are almost totally unfinished.
I suggest you look into the stickies at the top of the Shop talk page and read them. There is a lot of info there. I would especially encourage you to read, and re-read, the one, "How To Instructions for Making a Knife". It covers the process from beginning to end.

Lastly,
Start simple and work up to difficult. Making a drop point hunter is a good place to start. Stay on one track at a time. Jumping off onto other side things, like making a stamp by casting it, is best left for when you have conquered basic knifemaking. Most importantly, slow down. Do every step completely before going on to the next. Let each step take as long as it takes. Don't cut corners or leave out things to get the knife done sooner. Relax and enjoy knifemaking.
 
Gendry,
I will take a moment and try and help you get on a good knifemaking path.

First, fill out your profile...age, location, occupation, hobbies, etc. That will help people give better answers. It may also tell a nearby maker that you live near him. He may offer you help, a shop visit, and materials.

I suspect you are young and not experienced with tools and metalworking. Read some of the posts on finishing knives and handles. The biggest thing wrong with your knives so far is that they are not properly made and are almost totally unfinished.
I suggest you look into the stickies at the top of the Shop talk page and read them. There is a lot of info there. I would especially encourage you to read, and re-read, the one, "How To Instructions for Making a Knife". It covers the process from beginning to end.

Lastly,
Start simple and work up to difficult. Making a drop point hunter is a good place to start. Stay on one track at a time. Jumping off onto other side things, like making a stamp by casting it, is best left for when you have conquered basic knifemaking. Most importantly, slow down. Do every step completely before going on to the next. Let each step take as long as it takes. Don't cut corners or leave out things to get the knife done sooner. Relax and enjoy knifemaking.
 
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