Need a new stencil maker for my mark

Bob Ohlemann

Bob Ohlemann

Joined
Dec 5, 2013
Messages
1,180
I am trying to get things sorted out as far as branding goes before I get too far down this knifemaking road. I've decided to change my makers mark. Ernie does not want to make my mark the way I've provided it to him. He seems to feel a need to change it, and not for the better. When I asked him if there was any reason he could not make it exactly the way I designed it, he invited me to find a different stencil maker. I know he's old and had some health issues so I don't want to drag the guy down. I just need a good stencil maker to make my mark. I've tried contacting International Marking Group but, have had no response to multiple emails. Is there anyone else out there that makes quality stencils?

Bob

This is what I need made

ranger_made_mark by Ranger_Bob, on Flickr
 
Bob, I am admittedly not experienced yet with marking, but it seems like you have 'camera ready' art from what you have posted here, would it work for you to use something like this: http://usaknifemaker.com/etching-supplies-c-53/stencil-material-undeveloped-8-5-x11.html
I'd often thought that once I got my logo/mark developed I would want to use someone who could take an image, produce into a computer drawing and then turn that into my etch. Just a thought.
 
Bob,

The thin lines in your mark may be his issue. Etch marking is best done with bold areas rather than thin lines . . . your results will be much more repeatable, reliable, and aesthetic if you simply make the font and line widths greater while keeping the mark within the same area.

I recommend that you contact Dave Badt at LectroEtch (sales@lectroetch.com). He will make your stencil or tell you why he suggests that it not be made in with your current design. Edited to add: Get the "Green" stencils.

There are lots of other suppliers out there too.

Mike L.
 
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If someone is not great with curves, I could see whil they would not want to deal with this. I like it. How big will that one end up on the blade?
 
I also recommend tustech . They make a great stencil and they are very reasonable. And they get back to you quick. I have dealt with Ernie and seems like a good guy. But I liked Tus stencils better.
 
I'm another happy customer of Tustech. Jan is very helpful, stencils are great and pricing is better than Ernie's.
 
If you're in the Rangers, don't they have some sort of prohibition of the title against commercial uses ?
 
If you're in the Rangers, don't they have some sort of prohibition of the title against commercial uses ?
 
Bob, I started with TUS located in Massachusetts . they were really easy to deal with. Later I read a bunch of guys on the forum liked the Green stencils from marking methods in Alhambra, California so I got set up with them. Both companies make great stencils so search their phone numbers on the net and call them. I would recommend TUS for what you want. I hope this helps. Larry

eYfjgZpl.jpg
 
12345678910 said:
If you're in the Rangers, don't they have some sort of prohibition of the title against commercial uses ?
Click to expand...

I have been retired for about six years. There is no copyright or trademark so, no not now that I am retired. Those who are active duty are prohibited from using their military status to actively promote business or commercial enterprises.There are actually a slew of businesses around military installations that use the "Ranger" moniker. I'm sure there will be a few that don't like me using the name but, those who know me have no doubt I've earned the right to use it.

Bob
 
I've been pretty happy with Ernie but I've also had a couple made with IMG-Electromark. Patricia is very helpful.
 
Just my opinion, but the mark shown is too busy and large. At 4X3" on the screen it is OK ( but the lines are too thin).... at 12X6mm it would be hard to read. Try reducing it to actual size and see if you understand why Ernie had a problem.
 
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bladsmth said:
Just my opinion, but the mark shown is too busy and large, at 4X3" on the screen it is OK ( but the lines are too thin).... at 12X6mm it would be hard to read. Try reducing it to actual size and see if you understand why Ernie had a problem.
Click to expand...

I know you weren't asking for opinions about the design Bob, but I agree with Stacy... and I think it's something you will want to consider.

Shrunk down to a stencil size like this, it's difficult to read. And it's very unlikely that you would get a clean, bold etch.

ranger bob 1.jpg
 
I sent a message to TUSTech Saturday evening via their online form. When I got up this morning there was an email in my inbox outlining options, cost and what they needed from me. I reworked the mark a little just to make it a bit easier to read and sent them a .jpg. They sent me a .pdf proof a few hours later. I can tell they reworked my artwork because the font is ever so slightly different but, they stayed true to my design. The cost is $13 for the stencil with five images on it and a $22 artwork setup fee. If I order the same stencil sheet at a later date, I don't pay the setup fee. I had the mark shrunk down to 3/8" in height and it seems pretty readable printed out at actual size. I figure, for the cost, it's worth trying out and if something doesn't work, I can tweak it and order another stencil. Stacy, Nick and the rest of you who offered up an opinion on the mark itself, I do value your opinions but, knifemaking is a form of artistic expression and I gotta do my own thing. Don't give up on me though, I promise I'm listening.

Bob
 
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