Engrave the handle or the blade?

fozzy_au · **on:** August 23, 2013, 04:24:25 AM

Hi All,

I've just stumbled across this forum in the last week. I had no idea SAKs were so popular. I've found some great posts and I was especially impressed with the 30 day Huntsman Challenge. I've had a Huntsman in the cupboard that I haven't used for ages, its inspired me to get it out and give it some use.

Anyway, I've just bought a Victorinox Camper as a present for my daughter's 10th birthday and I would like to get it engraved, ideally with her name and birth date. I'm not sure where it should be engraved, on the blade or on the handle? Will it damage the blade if it is engraved and/or does the red plastic engrave ok?

Any help would be appreciated.

nate j · **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:01:16 AM

Welcome.

If done with the proper equipment by someone who knows what they are doing, either the blade, the handle, or both may be engraved without damage to the knife.

Jothra · **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:35:35 AM

I've had initials engraved on the blade of nearly every SAK I've ever owned. It looks classy, and just about any engraving place can do it. I personally don't like engraved handles, but your milage may vary.

stealth007s · **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2013, 06:42:27 AM

Welcome to MT.O and congrats on being the 5k member!¡!

I engraved my SAKs and MTs myself with a Dremel and engraving bit with no problems at all on the blades and scales. Being in the military, a lot of us would put our last name initial and last four of the social security number (i.e. W1234) on our stuff for easy ID of our gear. That being said, having a professional engraver do this on the blade or scales should be no problem. We recently had the site's 7th Anniversary Wenger Blackout 10 engraved on both the blade and the rubber scale. There are some available HERE

captain spaulding · **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2013, 07:26:06 AM

I think blade engravings look great. I just got my Pioneer done not to long ago. Maybe this will help you make your decision.

Either way I like the idea of getting it engraved for your daughters birthday.

stressmaster5000 · **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2013, 07:45:10 AM

The plastic/cellidor scales lend themselves well to name engraving when properly done. Here are a few nice examples on different colors and sizes of Swiss Army knives. More photo examples of name engraved Swiss knives click here.

J Mackrel Jones · **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2013, 04:32:56 PM

Pictures worth many words

Welcome fozzy

Syph007 · **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:48:38 PM

I would always put it on the blade. More durable than the scales.

sawman · **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2013, 05:52:59 PM

I prefer that the blade get the engraving. One reason I don't care for the infamous Damascus Pioneer is they engraved "2010" on the handle. That ruins it for me

fozzy_au · **Reply #9 on:** August 26, 2013, 02:01:12 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the warm welcome. The pictures are great, it gives me a good idea about what it should look like. I'm still undecided about which I like better, both look great. I'll find an engraver and ask what they are more comfortable doing.

My daughter is going to love her SAK. She has been asking for one for her birthday, but I don't think she is actually expecting it. I had to use the tweezers from my Huntman yesterday to remove a splinter from her younger sisters hand and she was amazed that it had tweezers in it. She said she wished she had a pocket knife like that....and she soon will.

Jothra · **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2013, 05:37:47 AM

Quote from: fozzy_au on August 26, 2013, 02:01:12 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the warm welcome. The pictures are great, it gives me a good idea about what it should look like. I'm still undecided about which I like better, both look great. I'll find an engraver and ask what they are more comfortable doing.

My daughter is going to love her SAK. She has been asking for one for her birthday, but I don't think she is actually expecting it. I had to use the tweezers from my Huntman yesterday to remove a splinter from her younger sisters hand and she was amazed that it had tweezers in it. She said she wished she had a pocket knife like that....and she soon will.

The Camper's a really good time, too. Mine peaked six mountains in a week one summer, then my sister took it with her for a few months in Europe.

fozzy_au · **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2013, 05:53:54 AM

Thanks again for the help everyone. I ended up getting the blade engraved. I can't wait until her birthday so I can give her the knife...even if some of my friends think it's a weird present for a 10 year old girl.

Jothra · **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2013, 06:40:46 AM

Quote from: fozzy_au on August 28, 2013, 05:53:54 AM

Thanks again for the help everyone. I ended up getting the blade engraved. I can't wait until her birthday so I can give her the knife...even if some of my friends think it's a weird present for a 10 year old girl.

People are weird that way.