About GRS: Tools, Training & Techniques

History // Don Glaser

Don Glaser

The unique technology utilized in GRS tools was developed by Don Glaser in 1965. Glaser revolutionized the hand engraving field with pneumatic powered tools and supplies that are now used for engraving, stone setting, wood carving, scrimshaw and more. Mr. Glaser's son D.J. Glaser has continued in his father's tradition, and GRS remains a small family-owned business today.


Products from GRS // GraverMeister, GraverMax, GraverMach, Airtact, and more...

As part of the Glendo Corporation based in Emporia, Kansas, GRS has created the well-known engraving systems such as the original GraverMeister and the new GraverMax and GraverMach, along with the Airtact touch control unit. GRS also produced the System 3 and the Power Hone sharpening system for engravers. Jewelers around the world use the innovative GRS BenchMate system holding fixtures for a variety of jewelry work.

Products from GRS

Training from GRS // 5-Day Courses

GRS student working at the bench
Engraving student Robbie Andrews.

Not only does GRS provide engraving and jewelry tools to these creative fields, GRS also provides training at the highly successful GRS Training Center in Emporia, Kansas and at several international locations.

These courses offer world-wide training for jewelers and engravers alike. Intensive 5-day courses provide a learning environment for skills ranging from basic to advanced, enabling the individual to remove years from the learning curve. Whereas these fields were once secretive trades with little published knowledge, now hand artists share information readily in an effort to keep this wonderful trade alive and strong.

The GRS Training Center provides courses for a variety of hand work, such as scrimshaw, metal engraving, stone setting, wood carving, and several other areas. Professional artists from the United States and countries abroad come to the Emporia training facility to pass on years of experience and knowledge to the students.

Read more about the GRS Training Center on the GRSTC website.


The Grand Masters Program // Advanced Courses

GMP Student working in classroom

This annual engraving program brings the finest artists in the field together for a twelve-day event featuring exciting discussions, informative demonstrations, and powerful insight into this once secretive trade.

GRS developed The Grand Masters Program to provide an annual event that would spark creative minds, aid in advancing the industry, and allow a fun, interactive atmosphere for engravers. 2009 marks the Fifth Annual Grand Masters Program.

Read more about this program on the Grand Masters website.


Artisan Alley // Research & Development for GRS Products

An artist works in the Artisan Alley at GRS

What’s the Alley for and who works there? This special work area provides developing engravers and other artists access to the latest tools for engraving, jewelry making, carving and similar skills. These tools include the latest GRS power and hand tools, plus experimental versions and entirely new tool concepts as well.

Read more about this special part of R&D at GRS in the news article Artisan Alley Expands.