A large majority of engraving these days is done by machine and run by computer for accuracy. Engravers might use this method the most often, but they know that the more traditional hand engraving still has its place in a modern setting.

The main reason that engravers still use hand engraving is for personalisation. Items such as weapons, trophies, plaques and memorials are usually engraved with a personal message and by using hand engraving you can provide a really good quality finish. Hand engraving is also still used for making jewellery as well.

Having said all of that, hand engraving is far less superior when it comes to finer detail such as pictures, emblems and coats of arms. It is also not time and cost effective to use hand engraving for mass production; it takes too long for a person to do it each time and you cannot guarantee that the design or writing will be exactly the same every time. The potential for human error such as spelling mistakes are another good reason for the introduction of mechanical engraving to avoid embarrassment!

Both hand engraving and engraving using machines and computers both have their merits. Hand engraving gives a personal touch you only get with traditional methods. Engraving by machine means fast and more accurate work, done to the same specifications every time for mass production. Using computers to program these machines means more detail can be achieved. At Able Engraving we use both these methods, and chose the method based on the job at hand.