The value of good hand engraving

[V.Vetro]

I have a very beginner-level question, as I am one myself, but it's something that sometimes undermines my willpower during my training process:

What is the value of good hand engraving compared to what could be produced by machine (CNC/laser)?

I'm not just referring to the awareness that hand engraving takes time and effort, nor simply to the "human touch" that a hand engraver brings. I mean: beyond that, is there a higher quality that people actually perceive?

Because I’m falling more and more in love with the shimmering light that vibrates in my practice cuts.
That’s what’s motivating me right now.

But I wonder — is it something only I (us) can see, or is it something a potential buyer would notice too?

I’m asking because I feel very alone in this passion of mine — I hardly ever see anything engraved around me, and it’s not easy to find many separate sources talking about it online either.

Just some thoughts...

 

[T.G.III]

My take on this is somewhat basic, when I'm showing hand engraving to anyone I explain how to see the glitter and sparkles to the observer, letting them find the moment that it "pops" when the angle is correct, I generally try and have a piece of trophy shop engraving to illustrate the difference, that said, the vast majority of those looking for engraving are not willing to pay for the value of a true hand engraved piece, they want fast and cheap, as a hand engraver it's just not possible to accommodate that, in my opinion.

 

[Webb]

I think it is the same with any artisan category. Engraving, knifemaking, glass blowing, wood working etc. If a consumer gets deeply involved with a craft they educate themselves on why, what, how that goes into the skill. So they are ok with having to pay to get it. The average consumer just won’t truly understand the intricate details. For them paying $100 for a factory slip joint pocket knife is normal, $1500 for a Ruple custom is inconceivable. There inevitably will be consumers who “want the best” and can shell out the money without the slightest grasp of what went into it, they'll just have bragging rights of owning x made by y. But that gets into a much deeper sidetrack.

 

[dhall]

I point out the advantages of each approach. The precision of a laser-marked item (never use the word engraving with lasers - lasers ablate a surface - its high energy vaporizes the material in question, engraving incises into surface), and with that precision, it is soulless and dead. If you need a large number of items marked, laser marking is a good choice. If you want a bit of the life and soul of human touch, hand engraving is unparalleled. You can see the mark and creativity of the artist, and the delicacy of that human touch. If a controlled scratch will suffice, a pantograph-styled machine/technology will do the trick, but again, no life, no soul. Even simply hand cutting over a pantograph mark changes the nature and turns it into hand engraving. The key is the use of the hand by the engraver. That is where the transference of the impact of a human is made. To acquire a bit of that human touch should not be on a par with the cost to press a button or machine trace a line.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness to pose these types of questions. It becomes an opportunity to raise the awareness level, and it sticks to some and not to others.

Best regards,
Doug

 

[Bob A]

Two different markets. Hand engraving appeals to those who want a "one of", are generally educated to the craft, appreciate/value the nuances, see the work as art, and aren't waved off by a higher price point. Laser engraving will appeal to a great number of folks; it's cheaper, quick, and unless one is educated to the craft, looks just fine as decoration. I see this as a good thing. This gives the opportunity to actually put a laser engraved piece and a hand engraved piece into the customers hands at the same time for examination. The experience may mimic that of driving an Acura and a Rolls on the same day - while the cost-conscious customer may still go home with the Acura because of the price point, but they will leave with a better understanding of the art vs money trade off and perhaps return in the future when desire overcomes pricing.

 

[monk]

some would bid several million for the mona lisa. some wouldn't give 5 bucks. all depends on the eye of the beholder. it's a waste of time tryin to convince anybody to appreciate that which fascinates others. jmho

 

[pilkguns]

some would bid several million for the mona lisa. some wouldn't give 5 bucks. all depends on the eye of the beholder. it's a waste of time tryin to convince anybody to appreciate that which fascinates others. jmho

yepppppppppp
Monk is dead on the money

 

[pilkguns]

I point out the advantages of each approach. The precision of a laser-marked item (never use the word engraving with lasers - lasers ablate a surface - its high energy vaporizes the material in question, engraving incises into surface), and with that precision, it is soulless and dead. If you need a large number of items marked, laser marking is a good choice. If you want a bit of the life and soul of human touch, hand engraving is unparalleled. You can see the mark and creativity of the artist, and the delicacy of that human touch. If a controlled scratch will suffice, a pantograph-styled machine/technology will do the trick, but again, no life, no soul. Even simply hand cutting over a pantograph mark changes the nature and turns it into hand engraving. The key is the use of the hand by the engraver. That is where the transference of the impact of a human is made. To acquire a bit of that human touch should not be on a par with the cost to press a button or machine trace a line.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness to pose these types of questions. It becomes an opportunity to raise the awareness level, and it sticks to some and not to others.

Best regards,
Doug

This is a great answer along the lines of what I was thinking myself

 

[monk]

i been usin a laser for maybe 24 years. well before `the cheap desktop units came from across the pond. i use it for commercial work. i sometimes scan a dwg and import to the laser to act as a layout technique for belt buckles and such. for me, this has no business doing work o a gun.
a guy once nearly begged me to do a pair of 45 semis. the result was disappointing perfection. never again ! jm2cw