Question about blade markings

unir44 · Mar 21, 2007

Hello there, this is my first post and I was wondering if anyone can help me in these sense. I need to know which is the TECHNICAL name given to the marks on blades such as knifemaker's name, factory's name, bladesmith's name, manufacturer's name? Are they hallmarks? markings? marks? stamps?trademarks? engravings?
Do they receive different names if the marks consist in a trademark or in a handcrafter name?
Do they receive a different name if the marks consist in a lettering name or in a symbol?
Thank you in advance for your answers and comments!!
Unir44

smiling-knife · Mar 21, 2007

Hi unir44. Welcome to the site. That is a very good question. Here is my 2p worth. The tang (unsharpened base of the blade) usually has the makers name or trade mark and place of origin. This is called the tang stamp. Often the font of the stamp or the version of the symbol can be used to identify the particular time period of production. CASE uses a system of dots, Xs etc to indicate the year of manufacture. Just to confuse things a little, sometimes the tang stamp indicates the actual cutlery company and other times it is the name of a merchant or importer. Unless it is a custom made knife, it will not have the individual cutler's name on it. Hallmarks are generally reserved for precious metals, e.g., silver, gold, platinum etc. Some knives will have silver handles and/or blades with hallmarks. Some blades will have an etch with a design or name. This was done with acid in the old days but tends to be produced by laser these days. You may find an old blade that is stamped rather than etched. I hope this helps.

unir44 · Mar 28, 2007

Hello smiling-knife! Thank you very much for your precious help! Just one doubt... regarding markings on blades (etched or laser stamped) you said that can be read a "design" or "name"... what do you mean with it? Is the name of the crafter or the name of cutlery company? With design are you meaning the kind of knife... for example, skinner design, fighting knife.
Thank you in advance!
Bye. Unir44