![[438154449_1366120080740188_3669826236009173960_n.jpg]] This is ridiculously hard and requires a lot of finesse. Engraving is a skill that is really difficult to learn solo and requires a ton of practice. One of the most important aspects of engraving is sharpening and shaping the tools. Without a properly sharpened graver, engraving well is nearly impossible. YouTube videos of master engravers show them cutting through metal like it's butter, whereas my current (as of April 2024) attempts feel like I'm trying to cut stone. It's frustrating, but it seems that learning to sharpen my tools properly will aid immensely. It's *also* a skill. The image below shows my attempts to practice straight lines with what I thought was a sharpened graver. It is not good. ![[435816853_1449568379277074_4376335349343777987_n.jpg]] The next image shows my attempts to engrave both curved and straight lines using a square graver ![[435817800_434001292552252_3618822511591251066_n.jpg]] There are power gravers that can be used, but they're: - Expensive - Not period - Learning to hand push engrave is a universal skill for engraving ## Tools - Gravers and handles - Sharpening stone and oil - Crocker sharpening fixture - This isn't wholly necessary, but - Engraving Ball Vise, or a Pitch Bowl. - Metal for practice ## Types of Gravers - Square - Line - Onglette ## Period Engraving According to Theophilus In the book [[Enameling and Metalwork#On Divers Arts - Theophilus|On Divers Arts]] Theophilus describes both the process of creating tools for engraving, and engraving itself.