Tang stamping or etching

[bertl]

Quite a few comments have been made about the quality of the tang stamp or tang etching on some knives. Here is a suggestion. Instead of stamping or etching, maybe Buck could follow the example of the "Ulfberht" Viking swords from over a thousand years ago (see the post "Viking Swords"). The lettering was carved into the steel blade and then iron wire was pounded into the carving. The blade was then heated to weld the iron to the steel and then the inserted wire was ground flat. Treatment with an acid, or just natural oxidation, made the lettering stand out. This would provide a high quality lettering and I am sure that Buck would find it cost effective.

 

[David Martin]

That is a very time consuming process. Acid etching is far quicker. But something to think about. DM

 

[sitflyer]

Lasers and gravers are even quicker...

 

[Richard Matheny]

Tang stamping is far better for the long term collectability of the knives. Etched tang stamp knives cannot be restored wihout removing the etch. Once the knife looses the original marking it casts doubt as to the origin of the knife. Once that happens the value of the knife is gone. The whole shift to Chinese production of some models, subsequent Chinese knock-off availability and the shift to etched tang stamps is undermining the Buck brand as a collectible item. I see severe consequences for Buck as a result of these trends.

 

[bertl]

The method used on the Ulfberht sword is interesting, but my suggestion that Buck use the method was a sad attempt at humor. However, I agree that tang stamping is much superior to etching, and I don't know enough about the laser process to comment.

 

[110 Dave]

i inquired of some at buck on the etching
the new super steels do not take to being tang stamped on both sides
there are docutmented cases of the blades breaking at the stamp
a lot? i dont know nor do i really care!
a knife that is used and the etch gone is not a collectable ... well i dont stink so
i do know some will disagree wit me on de blades being weak ...
dont truly mater
i would rather an etch blade den one dat might some day break when i really needed that vorpal blade!

 

[i2ookthablu1]

Amen!

 

[BG42EDGE]

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(Sigh)

I feel SO much better.

:angel: