Maker's mark question

H

Hunterarrow

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Feb 19, 2013
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Hi. I started trading my knives and some people suggested I should put my name or company name on the blades (I don't have a company so I'd have to make up a name if I go that rout).
My questions are:
What are the different ways to put maker's mark on knives? Pro's and cons of each method?
Should I put my name? logo? or company name?
Any other tips or suggestions?
I will most likely be selling my knifes in the future so I like it to look professional and simple. Thanks!
 
If your name is Hunter Smith, mark your blades "Hunter Smith". If you want more info, mark them "Hunter Smith - Hawaii".

Names like Malibu Blades sound great, but are only worthwhile if you are in a large marketing program. Otherwise no one will know that Hunter Smith makes Malibu Blades.

If you really think you will be a big name later on, try something like (Ignore dots) -
Malibu Blades
.......by
Hunter Smith
 
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Thanks. I'll probably get an etcher. I like the simplicity of a stamp but I don't think it'll work on full height grind convex knives with a small ricasso.
Let me know if there are other options.
 
Stamps can be hard to control. They can be used and are by many makers. If you get a marking press or a fixture to hold your stamp square it is much easier. Etchers are another good method. They can be finicky if you get a cheap one and cheap stencils. The secret to an etcher is go easy on the electrolyte. I did not like the etcher because it was very hard to get a good clean consistent mark on damascus. You can hand engrave your name but unless you are really good or only make mountain man knives it does not look professional. I have tried all three of the above. I liked the stamp the best but was still not satisfied.

I ended up with a Jewelers Engraver/pantograph. It uses a diamond drag stylus, not the power head type. I was having a jeweler do it for me but he started charging $35/blade. It came with 2 fonts so i could get started immediately. I then had a plate made with my sig and JS. I can make it just about any size I need on a blade. It can be scribed on the ricasso or blade at any angle. It also looks very professional. I paid $350 for mine delivered. Bought an additional 5 styli though I have not changed it if 5 years. Just looked on the bay and they have a few but are much more than I paid. I also looked on riogrande and they have a closeout of the one I purchased for $545. Looks like they might be on the way out with the new cnc and laser systems. But I love mine and will use it till I cannot for some reason or another. Basically if you mark 40 blades it will pay for itself. That is if you can find someone to do it for $15.
 
Your maker's mark looks great! I think I'll be ok with an etcher since I don't use damascus.
Any etcher recommendations?
 
Hi Hunterarrow,
I mark my knives with David Loukides.
I mark my sheaths with my Prayer knives Logo.
Earlier knives I made were marked with my initials, DEL
Dave
 
The only one I used was the very first run of the personalizer, not even the plus. I am not a good one to give advice on models.
 
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