Question: can this knife be engraved?

[castor0troy]

hello
ive got this knife that needs to be engraved.
its got 2 pearl inlays and im not sure if any design will fit around the inlays.
can you guys please check the image and let me know if this is doable?
anyone has a similar knife that has been engraved?

thanks
castor

 

[Ron Smith]

Castor,

Lots of metal there. Sure could be done if the metal isn't too hard. Might try and get hold of that information if you can find it. Rockwell hardness, etc.

Ron S

 

[Sam]

Find out who made the knife and ask them what material was used for the frame. If it's a custom knife that will not be difficult. Just contact the maker. If it's a production knife, then you might have your work cut out for you, especially if it's made overseas. Chances are if it's custom, it's made of 416 stainless steel which is nice for engraving, but the only way to know for sure is to talk to whoever made it.

As for design, yes, it's doable. Rather awkward in some places and it will tax your design skills, but it's definitely possible.

 

[Ron Smith]

Another bit of information about knife engraving. If this is a fine custom knife and it seems that to me, you need to know about holding it in a vise for engraving, particularly if you are going to be doing any gold inlays. Banging around on it will sometimes bind the action and make the maker very unhappy, not to mention getting it straightened out. Also squeezing it too tightly will reorient the seating of the pin. Any little shift of the pin axel that the blade swivels on will cause both the engraver and maker heart aches. Makers go to a lot of trouble to get tolerances very close to produce a smooth action.

Thermolock is a good choice depending on the inlay material that would not stand any heat to speak of. You can soften thermolock in boiling water or the microwave. Instructions comes with the kit for molding with it and with a little American inginuity, you are ready to engrave, but setting up a successful hoding technique is very important.

Good luck!!

Ron S