Thread: Engraved Spines

This showed up recently in another thread and I am bringing it up to learn a little more about this process as it relates to straight razors. Some questions: are all razors with 'engraved spines' actually done by someone skilled in engraving? Is this process if done with engraving tools done before heat treating? Is there an approximate time period when makers began engraving the spines of razors?
Any information would be appreciated (and yes, I did use the search box first before posting).
Thanks

I have thought about it a little perhaps using a Dremel and a steady hand?

"True engraving" is actually done by the use of a sharp tool and normally done while the steel is not yet tempered.
Engraving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I can only speak for the Worked spines I have seen close up. Other than special presentation sets and and modern artisan made blades, the "engraving" seems to be done by an acid etch at some time along the processing of the blade.
That, to me, means that the "resist method" etching is the beginning of spine etching. That method has been in use for centuries.
Etching - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I also believe that it became a regular part of production of high end razors when the "Decal" or "Stamp" methods of applying resist were becoming common in the industry.
~Richard

I would imagine modern blades use laser engraving. You can do really intricate designs fast and cheap that way.

I forgot about lasers you could take it to your local trophy shop they could probably do some awesome stuff pretty cheap with their lasers and get you a custom look.

Intricate, fast and cheap....it would be interesting to see an example of each method.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would imagine modern blades use laser engraving. You can do really intricate designs fast and cheap that way.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would imagine modern blades use laser engraving. You can do really intricate designs fast and cheap that way.

It is also possible to use a laser of lower power to ablate / remove a resist from a surface to allow a deeper acid etch when using a traditional method.
~Richard