J. Hoffman
Dealer - Purveyor
This is my plan for an etching stencil. Do you think this is too intricate for etching? I will add my city/state under the logo.
New logo for etching
- Thread starter J. Hoffman
- Start date
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
Personally, I think you might have problems etching that onto blades....even if it does work, I think it's the wrong move. I think it's VERY important that you use at the very least your last name, and if it's a common last name, your first initial too. I can't count the number of times over the years that people have come to my shop with a knife that had initials only, or a "logo" of some type, asking me if I could help find the maker, so they could order another knife. You want something that is going to require the least amount of effort possible for someone to find you...otherwise your just missing out on customers.
I have an article on my website about Marking Your Knives that might be worth reading.
I have an article on my website about Marking Your Knives that might be worth reading.
J. Hoffman
Dealer - Purveyor
If for some reason someone would want to find me, they could easily do that with city/state search. City/state will also be on the etch. My last name is already used by a maker.
First initial and last name?
To answer your original question, the very fine lines In the stencil will work for awhile and then clog. This isn't a deal breaker, it just means you will get a few less impressions per stencil. Also, the fine lines may create an issue indirectly. If you want a strong I impression with the fine lines, you will have to go a bit longer to have them show up. This will make the biggest parts of the design overdeveloped and possibly fuzzy. hope that helps.
To answer your original question, the very fine lines In the stencil will work for awhile and then clog. This isn't a deal breaker, it just means you will get a few less impressions per stencil. Also, the fine lines may create an issue indirectly. If you want a strong I impression with the fine lines, you will have to go a bit longer to have them show up. This will make the biggest parts of the design overdeveloped and possibly fuzzy. hope that helps.
EdCaffreyMS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
I understand you line of thinking, because I was once of the same mind, but time and experience has taught me that a potential customer will simply not take the time/effort to do something like that. Call it lazy, or whatever, but it's the truth. If you don't make it as simple as possible for a potential customer to find/contact you, then they'll just go to another Maker who is easier to find.
rhinoknives
Well-Known Member
Yes, I think it is too intracate to get a good etching and I also think people will have trouble decerning, As far as what the letters are?
I think it is a B or a L or F or both??
I am with Bossdog and Ed on this. Use your last name and a intial Plus City & state at least!
Give it a few more try's, You will come up with something that's more reader and etching friendly.
Cheers.
Laurence
www.rhinoknives.com
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J. Hoffman
Dealer - Purveyor
It's the "H" from the logo of my great-great grandfathers company. People can't read my signature, but that doesn't mean it isn't my signature. I guess I see a logo as a signature, not a marketing tool.
Bill Coye
Knife Maker
Guess it all depends on what your plans are as a knife maker. A hobby guy that makes a few knives versus someone who's going to get serious.
I'm a huge advocate for using your real name on the forums. In addition, a clear concise logo that represents your "brand" will help prospective buyers with name recognition. Regardless if it'll etch well or not, it should be legible if you're trying to market your knives.
My $.02
I'm a huge advocate for using your real name on the forums. In addition, a clear concise logo that represents your "brand" will help prospective buyers with name recognition. Regardless if it'll etch well or not, it should be legible if you're trying to market your knives.
My $.02
Fellhoelter
Well-Known Member
If you want to sell stuff, and have people know it was you that made it, and even get future customers from looking at your past work, this is a mistake.
If all you want is for yourself to know that you made it, perfect. You are on the right track!
However, you will need to make it relatively large to make out all the detail.