Inlaying with Gold

foldingknifehq

foldingknifehq

Joined
Dec 30, 2013
Messages
12
Good Morning Gentlemen,

I have a question that has been bouncing around in my head for a little while, finally plucked up courage to ask the good people of the blade forums...

I've never made a knife, so please assume that I know nothing - if indeed, as I suspect my question is a stupid one!

I like to design knifes on paper and in my head, and I wanted a way to make any makers mark really stand out.

If one were to use some kind of tiny router, or cnc milling machine to engrave a logo or name in a knife blade, would you be able to heat up gold so it melts and then carefully pour it into the milled recess for a two tone finish?

Would the gold 'stick', or would it fall out?

Many thanks in advance for any insight :-)
 
Basic answer....NO.


Longer answer;
The gold inlay is done by engraving a dovetailed side groove with burins ( metal gravers). Large open spaces have rows of little "spikes" cut into the bottom of the engraved area. 24 karat gold is then hammered into these depressions and burnished down snug. The gold is often engraved further.
It isn't nearly as simple as that all sounds, and not a novice task. However, you can have it done by a competent knife/gun engraver. It is quite expensive. Gold inlay engraving done on the guard/bolsters can cost $500 or more.
 
bladsmth said:
Basic answer....NO.


Longer answer;
The gold inlay is done by engraving a dovetailed side groove with burins ( metal gravers). Large open spaces have rows of little "spikes" cut into the bottom of the engraved area. 24 karat gold is then hammered into these depressions and burnished down snug. The gold is often engraved further.
It isn't nearly as simple as that all sounds, and not a novice task. However, you can have it done by a competent knife/gun engraver. It is quite expensive. Gold inlay engraving done on the guard/bolsters can cost $500 or more.
Click to expand...

I knew it wouldn't be as simple as I thought! Many thanks for your comprehensive answer Stacy - Much appreciated :D
 
No experience here but electricity and gold solution?
If you mask everything off would it work?
 
The three little gold crowns on my Fallkniven came off fairly soon. I wondered if they were plated on or gold leaf applied ??
 
Plating won't last long at all. Applique' isn't durable either. Only inlay will last.

Just for info, most "gold plating" is copper plate covered by nickel plate with a very thin gold plating on top of that. There is almost no quantity of gold used.
 
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