Shield & Maker's Marks

[BradleySmall]

What do I need to know about shields and maker's marks?
Does one simply pick up shields as they would other materials, or is it important to design one's own?
Is it better to stamp in one's maker's mark, or electro-engrave it?
Is it better to include country or origin into the maker's mark, or have a separate one for the other side?

 

[velegski]

Well these questions ought to get a lot opinions.
Shields, commercially available and you can design your own. Questions are, is it needed on your knife for traditional design, does customer want it, and if you designed your own does it have recognition value
Stamps verses engraving. Again personal choice. Some say certain styles dictate method . While some may claim there are rules, in all truthfulness it again opinion.
Maker's mark. Again, no rules, left or right sides. Ricasso or on blade. Generally speaking it goes on Riccaso on the blade as you hold in right hand.. because traditionally most folkes are right handed. However, be advised that the only way to determine who made a knife is if your names is on it. You can make all the fancy designs you want but if someone has to ask who made it and they can't find an answer easily you've lost a sale. Just look at a few sites and see how many times you find people looking for " who made this knife" .
Just my 2 cents, just name, then add state or locale, and lastly your fancy personal design. Pick a side, location, and make it your style .
You opened a can of opinions so I'm hoping you find something you like.