Custom Laser Engraving for Hand-Forged Knives: Enhancing the Craft of Local Makers

Custom engraving has the power to elevate an already impressive handcrafted item into something unforgettable. That was certainly the case with a recent collaboration between Clocktower Creations and local bladesmith Andrew Munger of Nebraska Edge & Tool Co. Andrew is known for his high-quality hand-forged knives, and for this project, he was creating something truly special — three custom knives to be gifted from a father to his three sons for the opening of deer season.

Each knife featured a handle made from deer antler and carried personal meaning. What Andrew needed was professional engraving to add both his company logo and the sons’ initials to the blades. These finishing touches were essential to complete the set — and he had a tight deadline to meet.

This project was a perfect example of how engraving can add craftsmanship, personalization, and lasting value to already exceptional handmade work.

A Collaboration Between Nebraska Makers

One of the things I love most about this project is that it highlights the strength of Nebraska small businesses working together. Andrew forged the knives by hand, creating beautifully crafted blades paired with deer antler handles. For the finishing touches, he partnered with another local artisan — Golden West Leather Co., who created custom leather sheaths for each knife.

When Andrew reached out to me, he needed professional engraving that matched the craftsmanship of the blades and could be completed within a single day. That’s where my fiber laser engraving setup came in.

Turning a Logo Into Engraving-Ready Artwork

Andrew sent over his logo file, and the first step was converting it into a vector format — a requirement for precise, clean laser engraving. Raster images (like JPGs or PNGs) can’t be engraved with the same clarity, so vector conversion ensures every line and detail is crisp.

Once the logo was prepped, I created a Photoshop mockup showing the exact placement of both the logo and the initials on the blade. Andrew reviewed the design, approved the positioning, and selected a matching Google Font for the initials — an important detail to ensure the typography complemented the aesthetic of the knives.

Precision Engraving With a Fiber Laser

When Andrew arrived with the knives, everything was ready. Using my fiber laser, I engraved the logo and initials onto each blade. Fiber lasers are ideal for metal marking because they:

• Create high-contrast, permanent marks

• Offer micron-level precision

• Produce deep, dark engravings that stand out beautifully on steel

• Allow for fast, efficient turnaround without compromising quality

Within just a couple hours of drop-off, all three knives were engraved, cleaned, and ready to go. This helped Andrew meet his deadline for delivery to his client.

The final results were striking — dark markings that look like they were always meant to be part of the knife.

You can view more engraving projects like this in my engraving portfolio:

https://clocktowercreations.com/laser-engraving-portfolio/

The Meaning Behind Personalized Engraving

While the technical side of engraving is fascinating, what made this project truly special was the meaning behind it. These knives weren’t just tools — they were heirloom-quality gifts from a father to his sons.

Engraving adds a layer of personalization that can’t be replicated by mass-produced items. Whether it’s initials, a meaningful quote, or a maker’s mark, engraved details help tell the story behind the piece.

For makers like Andrew, professional engraving also acts as a signature — a mark of pride that elevates their craftsmanship and brand recognition.

The Completed Project

The featured image for this blog post showcases the finished knives, each carefully engraved with both the Nebraska Edge & Tool Co. logo and personalized initials. The contrast of the dark engraving against the steel, paired with the natural deer antler handles, creates a timeless and rugged look that perfectly fits the spirit of deer season.

Projects like this remind me why I love partnering with other artisans — together we create pieces that carry meaning, craftsmanship, and Nebraska pride.

Bring Your Custom Projects to Life

Whether you’re a bladesmith, woodworker, leatherworker, or simply someone looking to personalize a gift, laser engraving offers unlimited possibilities. I work with makers across Nebraska and beyond to add the professional finishing touches their pieces deserve.

Ready to enhance your next project?

Visit my engraving portfolio and request a quote today. Let’s create something exceptional together.

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