Stamps...

[stickfigureforge]

So, I just got I some killer stamps from the good and awesome folks at Buckeye Engraving, and thought I'did ask a fairly noon question. Should I just strike it the old fashioned way, or press it in using an arbor press, or like mechanism? Thanks, all!

 

[Matt Rochester]

I etch mine now but when I stamped I used a hydraulic press. Its nice to have one with a gauge so you can get the same depth each time

 

[SlyOne]

I have a jig to hold the stamp and then a smooth drop from a hand sledge.

 

[blades&grace]

I use a jig and press

 

[i4Marc]

I measure out where the stamp will be placed on the ricasso and mark the dimensions. Then I use a template of built up masking tape so that the stamp fits snug inside and won't move. I hand hold the stamp against the blade on my anvil with a strip of duct tape between to keep the blade from squirming around. Then I give it a good pop with an 8lb sledge.

 

[SlyOne]

My stamps are 1/4" wide so I just epoxy glued together some 1/4" x 1/4" stock such that the stamp slides up and down okay. This is mounted on an angle which the blade is then clamped on to. Protect the surface of the blade with paper, etc. This is then given a "drop" with a hand sledge. I raise up about 18" and pretty much just let it drop.
There are probably endless ways to do it.
Historical note......if you look at very old knives one end of the stamp mark might be deeper because it was hand held and at a slight angle, we do it better today, for the most part.