Engraving Advice, Please

[Rink]

I will be making 4 matching pens for a group of guys who all worked on a project together. I'm leaning toward the Triton kit, with matching segmented blanks. I've made a few Tritons and really like them. Just enough elegance, but not too much bling. However, I'd like to engrave these four…on the metal, not the wooden body. I was thinking about engraving on the clip. But the Triton kit has a shaped clip, not flat. I'm concerned that may present an engraving challenge.

I'd like to engrave the first name and the number (e.g. "1 of 4"). The longest name is 8 letters. If I don't have enough space, I may consider initials instead of the names.

My question is whether the Triton clip can be engraved dependably? If so, who could do it well? If not, is there a kit of similar style/quality that's better for engraving? Also, is there a better idea for engraving than the clip (e.g. cap or band)? I know I don't want to engrave the wooden body/cap, I want to engrave the metal. If I go w/ the Triton, it will be the Triton convertible, chrome with upgold accents.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[jttheclockman]

A jewler. Maybe a trophy guy.

 

[KenV]

Probably not for the price you are likely to be willing to pay --

 

[greggas]

I have had several projects where I had to have the clips or other metal parts "engraved". Due to the plating of the parts I actually had the parts laser etched as engraving the plating would not work. It is a bit pricey ( at least here in MA) ...I pay about $10 each and also have to sacrifice a cap sometime to allow them to "dial in" the power of the etching without destroying the metal...a bit trial and error some times.

good luck

 

[Quality Pen]

I have had several projects where I had to have the clips or other metal parts "engraved". Due to the plating of the parts I actually had the parts laser etched as engraving the plating would not work. It is a bit pricey ( at least here in MA) ...I pay about $10 each and also have to sacrifice a cap sometime to allow them to "dial in" the power of the etching without destroying the metal...a bit trial and error some times.

good luck

Greg, I was curious about this.... how well does the engraving hold up? I imagine it is a very shallow engraving?

 

[Dan Masshardt]

You should change your mind and engrave the wood instead.

Better yet not engrave the pen at all but make or get some nice wood boxes to do the engraving on.

If I was going to get hardware engraved, it would be the stainless kits.

 

[bobleibo]

I have a guy here who does all of my engraving using a laser. As long as you can produce a copy of what you want, pictures or lettering - MSWord works best - he can do it, HOWEVER in my opinion
- engraving the clip is going to be very small which causes the detail in the lettering to be lost
- I agree with Dan and would only engrave the body. I've never been happy with the detail work on things as small as clips.

I've had him do quite a few pens and other things and have always been happy. The clip on a Triton has quite a bit of curve near the top and it might not give you much to work with.

Like I said, just my opinion for what little that is worth
I'd be happy to give you his contact info if you want it.
Good luck~
Bob

 

[keithbyrd]

I am looking for someone to engrave the metal also - am trying to talk the customer out of it but....they are wanting to order several hundred pens and I don't want to mess this up!!
So my question is - has anyone tried "Things Remembered"? They are at most malls and a lot of their stuff is plated and they say you can carry in a gift purchased somewhere else for engraving? Any thoughts or experience with these?