The inscription on the knife with meaning: phrases engraved on the blade, personalized items, phrases on axes, for men, in Latin

For some, the mention of engraving on a knife evokes associations with award-winning registered edged weapons, for others - pleasant memories of the counters of hunting stores, where “Bear”, “Boar”, “Boar” and other knives with animals skillfully depicted on the blades lie in wide rows.

Hand engraving is on the verge of extinction at the beginning of the 21st century. If you want to get a handmade knife with an engraving, it is best to look for a craftsman at a themed fair. True, you will have to pay fabulous money - more than for an ordinary custom knife. Hand engraving significantly increases its value.

Moreover, it cannot be said that engraving made with the latest technology is inferior in beauty to hand-made - the latter, perhaps, is now nothing more than chic. Let's look at the old and new schools of knife engraving.

The main purposes of engraving today, as well as tens and hundreds of years ago, remain the identification of weapons (for example, putting the emblem of the manufacturer or the name of the master on the blade) and personification (dedicatory inscriptions, symbols, patterns, drawings, sacred signs, etc.).

A little history

The sword was the first item created specifically for war. With his help they swore, poems were dedicated to him, and they even gave him a name. But time is merciless; many blades have survived to this day, but most of them are in poor condition.

But we can definitely say that there were inscriptions on them. For example, the Vikings very skillfully decorated their swords. They had engravings and carvings, and the weapons received proud names. In the late Middle Ages, entire phrases began to be applied to blades.

Many blades of the First Crusade were inscribed with “INGELRII” on one side and “Homo Dei” on the other, i.e. "Man of God" Already in the 13th and 14th centuries, phrases in Latin such as “In the name of God” or “In the name of God” became popular.

There are products on which it is said that it belongs to the owner - “I belong to Tormud.” The instruments with which executions were carried out were also marked with inscriptions and even entire poems.

Engraved swords.

The modern market for engraving services for edged weapons

From the previous chapter, it probably became clear that real engraving, which was still more or less practiced in the 90s and which was already quite expensive, has now practically disappeared - due to the fact that for much less money you can get even not individual, but more technical and affordable solutions.

All modern methods make it possible to apply perfectly even inscriptions, emblems, logos, trademarks of any complexity to metal in a short time, and some even quite complex designs such as color portraits and landscapes.

Laser engraving and laser sublimation

This engraving is done everywhere and literally in 15–20 minutes: usually, even in small towns, there are a couple of points where you can leave a knife and in half an hour get it back with the desired inscription, emblem, design, and so on.

The prevalence of the method is facilitated by the relative cheapness of the equipment and the small amount of space required for its placement. The general principle of operation is as follows: a laser (light) beam evaporates part of the metal so that this trace becomes visually noticeable; The most powerful lasers cut through the metal completely - this is what ultra-precise and ultra-thin laser cutting is all about. True, this equipment itself can be either simple and limited in scope of use, or more multifunctional.

CO2 laser engravers are precisely the budget category. Most likely, this type of equipment is located in the shopping center nearest to you, where, among other things, they print on mugs and T-shirts. These engravers do not have a particularly strong beam, and they work mostly on wood, plastic, leather, etc. - that is, in our case, on hilts and sheaths. True, they also quite successfully engrave using a special coating, if one is applied to the metal parts of the knife, for example, on enameled brass. Such engravers received the CO2 marking due to the fact that the long infrared radiation they use is produced by carbon dioxide molecules.

A completely different type of radiation is found in engravers of the YAG, vanadate laser and fiber laser categories. Their operating wavelength is designed to work with metals of the highest strength and hardness. The most powerful (and at the same time transportable and allowing for high-resolution drawings) is the last type, a fiber laser.

Look how different laser engraving is from any archaic technique: here the dedicatory inscription and the Kolovrat seem to have been written in light paint rather than carved out.

A dedicatory inscription and a Kolovrat made on the blued metal of a Kizlyar knife using a laser

These lasers are good in their niche, but they cannot produce color images, because they work exclusively with the evaporation of metal. To apply color to a steel surface, you need a laser sublimation method - a printed transfer is placed on the metal or handle material, which is evaporated by a laser. As a result, the transfer pattern remains on the surface forever. Actually, this is the same technology that is used to create images on mouse pads, mugs, and T-shirts.

Color laser engraving using fiber laser

Mechanical engraving

Modern mechanical engraving on metal is reminiscent of the old techniques that we talked about, however, it is done, again, not by hand, but by machine. The program guides the cutter according to the pattern that is given to it. The diamond tip works on the hardest materials; For polishing or working on stainless steel, special attachments for milling cutters are used. They not only allow the formation of relief surfaces, but also create carved artistic miniatures on the blade.

Mechanical through engraving on the blade of the knife: a scene of a battle between two lions

At the junction of modern and archaic engravings, there is also manual mechanical engraving - it also uses a rotating cutter (the tool itself is called a pantograph), but it is guided not by a computer, but by a human hand. This is also not a very common type of work, although it is also cheaper and faster than the same traditional cutting technique.

Modern mechanical engraving: the metal here, as in old techniques, does not evaporate, but is cut out - so the finished knives look nobler and more expensive

What is good about this type of engraving is that it can work on any type of metal (any hardness and purity), unlike a laser, which is often limited in its scope of use. The price remains almost the same, however, a master working on a mechanical engraving machine has to study much more - the specifics of working with various materials, pressure, etc.

Sandblasting engraving

Externally, finished products with sandblast engraving are most similar to knives made using the old flat engraving technique - like the previous type, it is voluminous (unlike those made with a laser), and even more voluminous, since the metal is cut deeper here.

A stencil is placed on the metal, cut (depending on the complexity and capabilities of the customer and the engraver) manually, on a plotter or with a laser; then the abrasive blasting machine accurately and directionally sprays abrasive powder onto the surface - of different fractions and with different pressures. By changing the indicators of the last two characteristics, we can change the depth of the picture and its resolution.

This engraving is also done on other hard materials from which the knife is made - for example, on a plastic or bone handle.

Why do they engrave?

Today, engraving is usually applied in the following cases:

award blade;
ritual object;
exclusive handmade product.

Ritual objects with engraving are increasingly found as souvenir variations.

Often craftsmen use engraving to make their product exclusive, original and unique.

Today you can find more engraving on award blades. Which are awarded for certain merits or simply as a sign of special attention. Inscriptions are often applied to gift and souvenir items.

The principle of etching using electrolysis

Two methods are used for metal products: electrochemical and acid. They are used to remove scale and oxide films. It is necessary to follow the etching rules. They include: solution concentration and process time.

It is necessary to degrease the workpieces well. All the work of the master can be ruined by a small greasy spot. When working with varnish, be careful - it is highly flammable. The process itself is not safe. Treat it carefully and carefully.

The result of etching by electrolysis.

What exactly is put on knives?

The question often arises: what inscription to put on the knife blade? In the old days, these could be all sorts of ritual words or symbols. Perhaps parting words and sacred thoughts. Famous families applied family coats of arms and other insignia to their weapons.

Today, engraving is most often used to indicate professional activity or membership in any branch of the military. The products are marked with names or important dates to which the donation is dated.

Inscriptions and patterns on swords.

Old School Engraving Techniques

Handmade by a master.
Today, hand engraving on a good blade, made using ancient methods, is very rare. Such a knife can be considered a bladed weapon that has artistic value.

Even the state did not stand aside, and an amendment to the law “On Weapons” was adopted. The very principle of engraving violates the integrity of the product, there is no escape from this.

To do this, most products are hardened after work by the craftsman. But this even becomes a plus; gold and silver inclusions take on a magnificent appearance. Quite often, coating with printing ink is practiced, which gives the engraving a richness of shades and shadows. Let's try to look at the three main methods of the old school of masters:

Coinage (plate engraving). It has a rather rare application today; casting has come to replace it. It can be called rough-shaped modeling, done using hammer cutters. After casting a rough shape, the master gets to work and the result is the ideal figure originally conceived.

Chasing work.
Planar. In the production of edged weapons, this technique is not very common. It is more used to decorate sheaths. The technique is that two or more planes are created to achieve the correct shadow impression. In this case, the image will seem to stick out from the overall picture or, conversely, that it is deepened.

An example of flat engraving.
Most often, hunting knives were not depicted with animals or birds of prey, but, on the contrary, the theme was of plant origin, which had its own sacred meaning. For example, the oak tree symbolized power, the lotus symbolized immortality, and the palm tree symbolized peace and victory.
Reztsovaya. This technique was originally used to decorate firearms. But knifemakers gradually adopted this technique. It so happened that the main products of such engraving were edged weapons. In the old days, craftsmen used a basic cutter called bulino, of Italian origin. Now, of course, there are many auxiliary tools, but the principle of action remains the same.

Chisel engraving, master at work.
The main principle of image transmission is cutting into steel, at different angles and with different forces. And many craftsmen prefer to work with a needle; it can convey any texture, any theme.
If you go a little deeper, there are three types of technicians. Linear, dotted and mixed, each master chooses the most suitable option for himself, but in reality, for a complete picture, they use all types at the same time.

The materials on which engravings are made can be completely different. Typically, for all these types of art, craftsmen use a “diamond-shaped” cutter, a steel needle, and a spitztichel with a cross-section similar to a triangle with rounded edges. Well, of course, they use various dyes, pencils, magnifying glasses and many other auxiliary little things.

Types of engraving on knives

There are several types of engraving on blades. Let's consider the most popular of them: incisive, planar and lamellar. The first option is applied using a special cutter, needle or other sharp device.

This type of engraving requires very high skill.

In planar engraving, the pattern consists of two or more planes. Furrows or dotted lines in this form are practically not used. Plate engraving has today been practically replaced by casting and embossing.

The metal is poured into the required shape using special equipment. This method is rarely used for knives. In fact, any pattern or inscription can be applied to the product; this can only be limited by the customer’s imagination.

Engraving on old swords.

Do-it-yourself engraving at home

Engraving on metal always attracts the eye. This trade has fed artisans since ancient times. And today it has not lost its relevance.

Craftsmen can turn everyday objects into real works of high art by decorating them with fancy miniatures.

Sometimes you can see entire paintings of considerable size, made by engraving artists. And few people know that absolutely anyone can do this business.

Photo 1. Souvenir engraved hunting knife, an ideal gift that can be given to hunters.

Do-it-yourself engraving can become a profitable and interesting business if you really want it.

You can decorate small metal objects using engraving yourself at home. This activity will arouse the respect and envy of friends and acquaintances. In Zlatoust, thousands of craftsmen practice this craft at home. Engraved items are expensive.

A saber costs approximately 300 thousand rubles, a hunting knife costs up to 100 thousand (photo No. 1). Agree, this is good money.

How to make engraving on metal at home with your own hands? For this lesson you need to prepare the simplest equipment that can be found in any house, in any apartment.

Let's start experiments

Decorative patterns using the engraving method are applied to plates, knives, pistols, sabers, medals, cups, and apartment numbers.

All patterns and inscriptions are preserved almost forever and do not require expensive and rare consumables or special equipment for execution. The design can be applied to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and metal alloys.

The method does not pollute the environment. It is impossible to wash off or erase the drawing using conventional methods and means.

It is recommended to start by applying simple inscriptions on cutlery. Relatives and friends may appreciate such a gift. You need to prepare for work (photo No. 4).

Photo 2. Engraved wedding rings, the wedding date and the initials of the bride and groom are usually written on them.

Nail polish that my wife doesn't really need.
Toothpick with sharp tips.
You may need an ordinary match.
Salt.
Charger for car battery. It can be successfully replaced by charging from a mobile phone.
Glass or porcelain dishes in the form of a glass, mug or jar.
Nail polish remover.

The work is done in this order:

Take a spoon and cover it with nail polish. The entire surface must be varnished very carefully, otherwise there will be defects in the work.
Using a match or toothpick, a pattern, name, or other image is scratched through the layer of varnish.
Pour 2 tablespoons of salt into a glass glass or jar. Some people add a spoonful of salt and a spoonful of soda.
Water is poured into the vessel, the salt is thoroughly stirred until completely dissolved.
We connect a car or other charger with the positive terminal to the product being processed, and the negative terminal to any metal object that will be placed in a vessel with water. This item could be another spoon, a piece of thick wire, or a metal plate.
The rectifier is connected to the network. Almost immediately, an etching reaction will begin in the glass with darkening of the liquid. It lasts 1-5 minutes. It depends on the magnitude of the current. The product is checked periodically. After reaching the desired etching depth, it is removed from the container.
The varnish is washed off with nail polish remover. The result should look something like this (photo No. 3).

Photo 3. Personalized engraved spoons and, interestingly, engraving can be done on various metal objects in a simple home environment.

In this way you can process any metal objects at home. If you make an inscription with varnish, it will be convex on the etched background. For better quality work, it is recommended to purchase a special tool - an engraver.

It can operate from the electrical network and from built-in batteries. The kit usually comes with drills of different shapes. They can work on glass, plastics and other materials. Engraved wedding rings are an excellent gift for newlyweds (photo No. 2).

But you can do this yourself only when you are completely confident in the result of the work.

Glass engraving

Photo 4. For home engraving you will need regular salt, nail polish, nail polish cleaner and a glass of water.

Do-it-yourself engraving on the glass surface is done chemically and mechanically. The mechanical method involves the use of a nozzle that is driven by an electric motor. Procedure:

Using a dark marker, the drawing is transferred to the glass.
A damp sponge is applied to the image on the glass. This must be done carefully so as not to smudge the drawing.
When working, you must use safety glasses.
After completing the drawing, it is washed and examined for gaps. If necessary, missed places are processed again.

Engraving with a drill

The principle of do-it-yourself engraving can be seen in the dentist's office. The special tip is held in the hand in the same way as a regular pen when writing. The pattern can be applied to any object: a ring, a mirror, a motorcycle, a sign, etc. You can engrave a portrait or any other image.

We must not forget that the color of engraving on glass, ceramics, stone, porcelain is always white. But it can be carefully coated with silver, gold and any other waterproof paint. The effect can exceed all expectations.

Drawings and patterns can be applied to wood coated with a layer of paint, to plastic, silver, plastic.

Manual work requires patience and certain skills that develop over time. The skill is honed over the years.

Incisive engraving

Photo 5. Master's kit is a set of tools and materials that is always at hand for a professional engraver.

There is a type of hand engraving, which is usually called incisor engraving. It is performed using special cutters - gravers (photo No. 5). There can be different numbers of gravers. Some allow you to make the finest lines, others allow you to make several parallel cuts at the same time. Experienced engravers use this tool.

Stichels need to be able to be sharpened correctly and brought to working condition. Beginner engravers may not be able to do this. Do-it-yourself engraving, especially on metal, is an ancient art. Cold steel, and then firearms, decorated in this way are considered especially valuable and of high quality.

Absolutely anyone can try engraving on small objects like cutlery and knives at home.

Short phrases for engravings

If you don’t want to take up the entire space of the blade or the space for the inscription is limited, then this is the best option. Brevity is the soul of wit. The length of a phrase is sometimes not important, the main thing is its meaning and meaning. The depth of thought should connect the knife and its owner.

The right word on the blade turns it from a working tool into a memorable gift. Similar phrases and statements can be seen from the list below:

Keeping order.
There is power in truth.
To a real hunter!
Hunting is a passion, not a way of making money.
I won't leave without a trophy!
I love hunting!
Honor. Bravery. Courage.
Victory comes to the persistent!
For your good service!
For courage!
Forever yours!
Brothers help each other in life...
Never superfluous on the farm.
The beast runs towards the catcher!
To the person who makes my days brighter.
The strong in spirit win!
To the future officer Vasily from friends Vanya and Lesha.
To the hero of the day from the Ural Bank.
For a long lasting memory from the younger brothers Andryukha and Ilyukha.
Rzhev investigative department.
To my nephew for a long memory and good deeds.
To my beloved father with gratitude and respect.
To big brother from little brother.
Take everything from life!

Inscriptions on blades.

Drawing methods

The protective layer will be a pattern made of various materials. Metal can be etched without treatment. This process is similar to the film negative when developing a photograph. The protective material can be any polymer: nail polish, electrical tape, sticker, metal marker or vinyl.

Primer or bitumen varnish

To begin with, the entire product is coated with the composition, then the contours of the design are applied. It can be applied with a marker or brush. Next, the sketch is scratched down to the metal with a sharp wire or needle. The primer can be used GF 021 or XB 062. A noticeable disadvantage of this method is the possible chipping of dried soil when scratching the sketch.

Have you tried DIY etching yet?

Not really

Glossy paper

This is a good method that has a lot of positive aspects and is rapidly gaining popularity. It is necessary to print the proposed sketch using a laser printer on glossy paper in real size. Next, you need to attach the design to the metal surface and iron it with an iron.

The blade is then placed in water. The toner from the printer remains on the blade, and the crumpled paper peels off. You can additionally treat the design with nail polish. This method allows you to transfer all the smallest details of the design onto the blade.

Nail polish

This material is very common among amateurs. Nail polish is used very often due to its good resistance to aggressive environments. After the composition has been applied to the surface, it can be adjusted with a sharp object. This achieves smooth lines and clarity of the drawing.

Beautiful designs on knives.

Middle phrases

If the size of the blade allows you to write a few words, why not do it. In such a phrase you can put the statement of some philosopher or life credo. You can express your attitude towards the recipient of the gift.

You can choose a specific font to match the style of the knife. Here are some examples that can be applied to the blade:

To dear Ivan Ivanovich from leading experts.
The greatness of the Motherland lies in your glorious deeds!
In gratitude not for those days that have passed, but for those that are remembered.
To a friend/colleague/co-worker for a long memory and good deeds.
Being in the right place at the right time is an invaluable quality.
Our whole life is a struggle, including with ourselves.
To a man of action as a sign of friendship!
Fate is generous to those who follow their dreams!
For a long lasting memory from brothers Lekha and Peter!
The animal runs towards the catcher.
Measure seven times, cut once!
Thank you for your skills and knowledge.
The luminary of the mind of our era.
Full name, the one who introduces us to people.
Our health is in your hands.
Our health is grateful to you.
With gratitude to the Golden Doctor!
The luminary of the mind of our era!
Thank you for the gift (saved, preserved) life.

Patterns and inscriptions on blades.

Modern Engraving Techniques

With the advent of modern equipment, engraving has become quite commonplace. And it does not require a lot of time for training and for the work itself. Using these methods, you can apply a photo, company name, name, or congratulatory text, or even a photograph, to almost any surface. There are 4 main types of application methods:

Mechanical pantograph machine.
Mechanical. This method differs in that a special machine equipped with various cutters directly, under human control, applies a given image to the blade.
In fact, this is a CNC machine. Two types of cutters are used: diamond for harder steel, and simple hardened for stainless steel. Another option for mechanical processing is working with a pantograph.
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This is a special mechanism that does not operate on software, but directly by the human hand. But for such work, you need to know well the properties and characteristics of different metals, so as not to spoil the knife blade.
Sandblasting .
In general, a sandblasting machine is a special machine that, thanks to air pressure, has the ability to throw out small particles of abrasive materials with pinpoint precision. Sandblasting machine. Thanks to this approach, the work looks three-dimensional. First, a sketch is made on a hard surface and placed on the engraving site. Then fine sand is supplied under pressure and, “biting” into the metal, the sand leaves a mark. The depth of the pattern depends on the size of the abrasive mixtures. This method is used both on metal and on the handle of the product.
Application laser engraving, is considered one of the budget options. The use of infrared rays affects carbon dioxide molecules, evaporating metal particles.

An example of laser engraving.
To work with harder grades of steel, yttrium-aluminum radiation is used. Another type of radiation is fiber, which is considered the most powerful. Essentially, the principle is that the laser beam evaporates particles of material and thus leaves a mark.
The result of galvanic etching.
Artistic electrochemical etching. The method is that the desired element is immersed in a galvanic bath with a special etching solution. The metal is covered with a special film with a pattern, and during a chemical process, it peels off and the desired image remains.
To obtain greater depth, the master periodically removes objects from the bath and glues those areas that are already ready. The second name of the method is galvanic.

Modern equipment, unfortunately, has turned the former art into an everyday activity. But there is no need to be sad.

All modern methods will never be able to surpass manual work. And let’s hope that the business of the “experienced” will not fade away.

Subjects of images and inscriptions

Today, thanks to the widespread use of modern engraving methods, it is most often ordered as an addition to a gift. They ask to place congratulatory texts, memorable dates and words, and even photographs on blades and various other materials. It happens that poetic lines are ordered on both sides of the blade. Engraving is also done on the handle.

Examples of drawings for engraving.

Where they depict artistic calico or order images of various predatory animals. A fairly common occurrence is an image of the logo of the company to which the gift will be presented. In principle, the list of drawings, pictures and texts is unlimited. The main thing here is imagination; if you have an idea, they will help you develop it in an engraving salon.

Long phrases with meaning

It must be taken into account that a long inscription will not fit on every blade. Consider the word size and font size in advance. The main thing in such a message will be to fit several thoughts into one phrase. Choose words according to the person's style and activity.

Philosophical statements will always be relevant. Whatever a person does, topics about good and evil, love or friendship are always appropriate. If you have enough space on the blade, you can write one of the following:

No one is prohibited from thinking differently. But we must act correctly!
A humble gift with great love, immeasurable gratitude and holy faith in eternal friendship. About the team of LLC "Dream".
May reason and luck not leave the owner. As a souvenir from the team of Capital Bank.
Take everything from life! Best wishes from close friends.
To the best boss, Sidor Ivanovich Petrov. With great human respect!
Knocked down - fight on your knees. If you can’t walk, lie down and step forward.
To wield a dagger, remember, friend, The head is much more necessary than the hands.

How engraving developed in Russia

An entire street of new houses was built for German settlers. Each was given a large salary and a job at the factory. Literally a couple of years later, the Germans began to have Russian students who adopted the knowledge and secrets of engraving.

The method of gilding through fire was also studied. The students already had basic skills and were fairly competent workers. And literally in a matter of months, they began to independently implement their skills.

One of these students, Ivan Bushuev, decided to try a self-developed technique for engraving. It was radically different from the teachings of the Germans. And over time they began to call it Zlatoust. Ivan Nikolaevich can be considered the father of the Russian school of engraving.

Already in 1823, the Germans recognized this method as the best and asked to fire them from the factory. Because the new technology surpassed their skills. So in 5 years, the Russian blacksmith was able to extract the maximum of his skills and invent his own method of engraving.

Modern products of the Zlatoust factory.

Phrases about love for engraving

Love inscriptions are most often found on paired items: rings, pendants, pendants or bracelets. These may be entirely identical expressions, or they may complement each other. But engraving on a knife about love is also not uncommon.

Especially if it is a gift from a wife to her husband or the item is a family heirloom. Love is beautiful and always relevant, even a bearded guy can use the following phrases:

Forever together - Together forever;
I Love You - I love you;
Love for Infinity - Love to infinity;
Love is Eternal - Love forever;
Love, Honor, Cherish - Love, honor, care;
My Heart is Yours Forever - My heart is forever yours;
With love... - With love...;
I'm always there - I'm always there;
We will always be there for each other;
I love you;
Love is a magical feeling;
Eternal love;
Love, loyalty, frankness;
I give you my heart;
I want to be next to you at any moment;
Together - from this moment until the very end;
An eternal love story;
If you love a person, you trust him;
I adore you sincerely, with all my heart;
Happiness is eternal love;
Look at this gift and remember me, beloved;
The best day of my life;
Keep and remember;
Happiness is loving you;
You are half of my heart and my soul;
Happy lovers.

A few more examples.

Solutions used for pickling steel

Different grades of steel require their own solutions for pickling. It all depends on the atomic lattice of steel. Etching solutions come in different forms:

Alkaline solutions are well suited for etching aluminum and its alloys;
The double pickling method is used for durable titanium steel. First, the alloy is processed in alkaline solutions and only then in high concentration acids;
For copper and its alloys, nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids are used. To increase the reaction rate, chromium and nitrogen are added to solutions;
You can use nitric and acetic acid for steels of unknown composition;
for nickel and tungsten, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid is perfect;
Cast iron can be pickled with a solution of sulfuric acid.

Phrases for men

The knife is more of a men's accessory than a women's one. Men collect them and will always be glad to have a new copy. But the inscription on the blade must correspond to the occasion. If a person loves hunting, then the phrase should be related to this activity.

But there are also more universal phrases that are suitable in many cases. Check out the list of real manly phrases below:

Phrase	Meaning
Everyone dies, but not everyone lives
Dreams do Come True	Dreams Come True
Fate helps the brave	Virgil (c)
I believe!
A year older - a year wiser (smarter, more fun...)	On your birthday
Vivere est cogitare	Living means thinking!
From true friends!
Good luck to a friend
Happy Birthday!…	Happy birthday!
My Gratitude	My thanks
Citius, altius, fortius!	Faster, higher, stronger!
Detur digniori	May it be given to the most worthy
Evviva	Long live!
Ibi victoria, ubi concordia	Where there is victory, where there is agreement

Instructions for liquid etching of a knife

The process is not complicated, but it will require a very aggressive environment. Gaseous emissions can harm your health. You need to turn on the hood or open a window. For safety you will need the following things:

respirator;
latex gloves;
smock;
protective glasses.

Avoid contact of the solution with mucous membranes. You can get a severe chemical burn. The following materials will be required:

grinding machine;
insulating tape;
Plastic container;
acetone, solvent;
toothpick and cotton pads;

marker, nail polish;
distilled water;
sandpaper;
supply of ferric chloride.

Prepare your knife in advance. If the product is collapsible, then remove the blade from it, otherwise wrap the handle with tape or tape.

Creating a protective layer

Transfer the pattern to the blade, then you will need to outline it with a protective layer. It should be taken into account that only areas without a protective layer will be susceptible to etching. The best way is to draw a design with a marker and then outline it with nail polish.

To make the lines even, the varnish can be adjusted. The final result depends on the personal qualities of the master; do not be afraid to fantasize. For clarity, use varnishes of different shades. The patterns can be anything.

Applying nail polish.

Preparation of the solution

It is imperative to use personal protective equipment. Always have baking soda on hand when working with acid. It can help if the solution gets on your skin. You should definitely remember the rule - pour acid into water, but not vice versa:

The ratio of water and ferric chloride should be 50/50. To speed up the reaction, you can use other proportions, but half and half is the best option.
You should not fill the container to the brim; you should take into account the item placed there. First pour distilled water and add ferric chloride there.
The container should be marked with the word “Acid”, be careful with it. In this case, you can only use a plastic container; a steel one will not work. It may react with the solution.

DIY etching sketches.

Etching process

During the etching process, to obtain a high-quality result, it is recommended to move the part in the liquid. This will look like rinsing the product in a solution. It is strictly forbidden to touch the blade.

Leaving the part for a long time is also not recommended. According to professionals, it will require repeated short-term immersion of the blade in liquid. The process will look like this:

immersing the product in the solution for 20 seconds;
the part is exposed to air for the same amount of time;
washing the workpiece under running water;
air exposure 20 seconds;
again the part is immersed in the solution.

In this way, proper control of the etching process can be achieved. All the steps described above should be done several times. The total time the blade is held in the solution should not exceed 10 minutes.

The total immersion time depends on the grade of steel and the concentration of the solution.

At the end of the process, you need to rinse the blade thoroughly with running water. And use acetone or solvent to remove the protective layer. You can go over the blade with fine sandpaper. Using a grinding machine you can bring the product to a shine.

Etching results.

Friendship Lettering

Every person has a friend. And a knife can bind friendships stronger than ever. This is very important for military comrades. Engraving on the blade will always remind you of a friend and warm your heart. The topic of friendship is always relevant.

In addition to text, you can try to engrave a photo of a loved one. Often your best friend can be your mom, dad, husband or wife. We trust such people with our most precious and intimate things. Inscriptions can be made of various types:

Phrase	Meaning
Best Friends	Best friends
True Friends are Rare	True friends are rare
More than Friends	More than friends
A friend is one soul living in two bodies	Aristotle (c)
Amicus verus - rara avis	A true friend is a rare bird
Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur	A true friend is found in the wrong business (in trouble)
Amicus verus cognoscitur amore, more, ore, re	A true friend is known by love, attitude, word, deed
My fated soulmate	My true soulmate
Super Friends!	Super Friends!
We'll Rule the World	We will rule the world

A few more examples of engraving.

Etching a knife in Coca Cola

Quite an unusual method of etching. Experts say that drinking solutions can be used for the process: Sprite, Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The drinks contain phosphoric acid. But why not buy it in its pure form?

It can be done, but it is sold in very large volumes. If you put the matter on stream, then of course it is better to buy a canister of phosphoric acid. But if the process is planned to be carried out a couple of times, then there is no need for such a large quantity.

This acid works great against rust. The treated surface will resist corrosion for a long time.

Etching a knife in Coca Cola does not sound entirely correct, but it would be correct to say bluing the blade in Coca Cola. During the reaction, a layer of iron oxide is formed on the metal surface.

It gives the blade a dark tint and protects the steel from corrosion. The acid concentration in the drink is not high. Buy the drink in small quantities. This will make it easier to control the process. Blade bluing looks like this:

First of all, you need to thoroughly degrease the surface. Otherwise the process will not be uniform.
The drink should be poured into a container suitable for immersing the blade.
Carbon dioxide is not needed in the process, heat up Coca Cola. Bubbles stuck to the blade can leave unetched marks.
Every 2-3 hours we immerse the blade in the solution. When removing the blade, it should be washed with running water. The resulting oxide will leave. This way you can achieve a uniform coating of the blade with a layer.

All manipulations will take you about a day. If a light gray shade of the blade is enough for you, then this will take 3-4 hours. The resulting layer of bluing is not very strong, as with other methods. The blade will become less afraid of water and high humidity.

Blade bluing in Coca Cola.

Latin phrases for engraving

Nowadays, Latin is spoken by doctors or pharmacists. Latin is one of the most ancient ancestors of most languages. Latin inscriptions are very popular not only for engraving, but also for tattooing.

This is a very beautiful language, but when engraving, you need to know the correct translation. Otherwise it may cause ridicule. And it is advisable to learn how to pronounce these words correctly. Here are some examples in Latin with translation:

Phrase	Translation	Subjects
Ab imo pectore	With complete sincerity, from the heart	Life
Ad infinitum	To infinity, without end	Life
Ad finem saeculorum	Until the end of time	Love
Ad futuram memoriam	For the long memory	Life
Aeterna historia	Eternal history	Love
Amantes -amentes	Crazy lovers	Love
Amor omnibus idem	Love is the same for everyone	Love
Audaces fortuna juvat	Fate helps the brave (Virgil)	Life
Bonum factum!	For good and happiness!	Life
Con amore	With love	Love
Credo	I believe!	Life
Caritas et pax	Respect and peace	Life
Bene sit tibi!	Good luck!	Life
Dum spiro, spero	While I breathe I hope	Life
Fac fideli sis fidelis	Be faithful to the one who is faithful (to you)	Life
Fortiter ac firmiter	Strong and strong	Love
In aeternum	Forever, forever	Love
Omnia vincit amor et noc cedamus amori	Love conquers all and we submit to love	Love
Pia desideria	Good wishes, cherished dreams	Life
Pro memory	In memory of something	Life
Quilibet fortunae suae faber	Everyone is the architect of their own happiness	Life
Sic erat in fatis	It was destined to be	Life
Sursum corda!	Heads up!	Life
Vive valeque	Live and be healthy	Life
Volente deo	God willing	Life
Vale et me ama	Be healthy and love me	Love

Mottos on blades

The motto "My honor is called fidelity" on an SS blade

All members of one or another organization of the Third Reich were required to wear the official mottos of their formations, which, as a rule, were etched on the blades of their daggers. The official and most common mottos were the following:

SA, NSKK - “Alles fur Deutschland” (“Everything for Germany”); SS - “Meine Ehre heisst Treue” (“My honor is called loyalty”); NPEA - “Mehr Sein als Scheinen” (“Be better than you are”); Labor Corps - “Arbeit adelt” (“Labor ennobles”); Hitler Jugend - "Blut und Ehre" ("Blood and Honor").

Hitler Youth knife with the motto “Blut und Ehre” - “Blood and Honor”

Phrases for engraving on an ax

With such engravings, the direct purpose of the ax can be emphasized. There are many common inscriptions associated with axes. If we abstract a little from this subject, we should pay attention to the associations associated with it.

Areas such as strength, masculinity, and reliability are very well suited for engraving on an axe. If the gift comes from a woman to a man, then this can also be emphasized. Try choosing a phrase for yourself from the ones below:

I give you this axe. What did you want?
A beard on your face and an ax in strong hands suit you;
Do not cut down at the roots those you love and who love you;
Man is not a beaver, he needs an axe;
I am cutting a path to happiness;
In the hands of the strongest and most decisive;
Sharper than sword and saber;
I will always be useful to you, I won’t let you freeze in winter;
It won't rust for me;
Not the ax of war, but the ax of peace;
Cities are built with axes, not with money;
If the ax is sharper, then the work goes faster;
One ax in your hands is better than three axes in a glass;
The branch is strong, but the ax is stronger;
I use force wisely;
The main ingredient of soldier's porridge;
If there is an ax, there is something to chop;
The writer uses a pen, and the carpenter uses an axe;
A real man's tool;
The ax is strong, and male friendship is even stronger;
The carpenter's ax feeds;
Always in my backpack.

Metal etching methods

The choice of acid for pickling depends on the type of steel. Each alloy requires its own aggressive substances. Correct use of the solution affects the speed and quality of the process. There are several ways:

Chemical

A simple process that does not require complex equipment is chemical. But one should take into account the emissions of fumes harmful to humans into the air.

Electrolyte

The use of an electrolyte with current passing through it. This method is fast and you can get a clear drawing. The working fluid solution is also saved, and there are no harmful fumes.

Ion plasma

The ion plasma method is used at large production sites. It is used in dry environments for microelectronics production.

For etching at home, the first two methods are perfect. They do not require complex manipulations and the components are quite commercially available.