Michael Orticelli
Member
Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums and my experience with engraving is very limited, mostly simple jewelry tasks. I appreciate all the help, advice and encouragement I have read so far.
I have a few custom knife blanks that I made a year ago and had to put down due to other pressing work. Now that I have picked up some engraving tools I would like to use them as practice blanks. Right now I am working on the design to suit the blade shape, but I am curious if anyone can recommend whether I heat treat them before or after the engraving. I'm sure it will be far easier to engrave the dead soft steel, however I have no experience with how the heat treating might effect the engraving, or visa versa. I am planning to engrave a good portion of the blade itself on either side. Also, these are full tang blanks, if that makes any difference.
Would it matter if the engraving was deeper relief carving rather than lighter line and shading?
If anyone has an experience/advice with this, I really would appreciate it.
Thanks!
Michael
I have a few custom knife blanks that I made a year ago and had to put down due to other pressing work. Now that I have picked up some engraving tools I would like to use them as practice blanks. Right now I am working on the design to suit the blade shape, but I am curious if anyone can recommend whether I heat treat them before or after the engraving. I'm sure it will be far easier to engrave the dead soft steel, however I have no experience with how the heat treating might effect the engraving, or visa versa. I am planning to engrave a good portion of the blade itself on either side. Also, these are full tang blanks, if that makes any difference.
Would it matter if the engraving was deeper relief carving rather than lighter line and shading?
If anyone has an experience/advice with this, I really would appreciate it.
Thanks!
Michael