This stainless steel Buck knife was engraved with a technique that produces an almost sculpted look but uses only graver cuts (no actual sculpting). The result is bolder and more time efficient than many line engraving techniques, and a surprising number of clients really like it. This technique lets engravers offer a relatively generous amount of coverage at an attractive price. . .while making good money per engraving hour.

The specific graver techniques used are somewhat unique to this style. While it depends substantially on flat graver cuts, it differs from Western Bright Cut (Silver) Engraving in both design and execution. And most traditional steel engraving techniques, which largely use point gravers, are even more different from this mainly flat graver style of work. The particular example pictured here on this knife shows a relatively simple and open design. There are more examples shown in the Flare Cut Course link below, so be sure to take a look.

If this engraving style interests you, check out a new course taught by Ron Smith and Diane Scalese beginning Fall 2007 at the GRS Training Center. These two accomplished engravers call it “Flare Cut” engraving, which seems to describe it well. Read more about this technique on the GRS Training Center website.

Tools used engraving this knife: GRS GraverMach with 901 Handpiece.