Stainless Kopa

[Kiteman72]

Looks like DLT has them.

DLT has one less now. :)

Well, I saw that DLT was sold out so i checked KW and snagged (I think) the last one. I know a many retailers probably haven't got theirs yet, but I'm happy to have snagged one. Wish it hadn't dropped so close to the forum knife tho, my wallet is aching.

[The Deacon]

Ordered one from KW last Thursday, it arrived yesterday. Still intend to get my pre-order from KC when it arrives. Time for me to start thinking about how I want one engraved, in terms of style and coverage, and who I want to do it.

[Bloke]

Ordered one from KW last Thursday, it arrived yesterday. Still intend to get my pre-order from KC when it arrives. Time for me to start thinking about how I want one engraved, in terms of style and coverage, and who I want to do it.

Paul, I’ve seen some pictures of your engraved knives and they do look very nice to say the least. Out of curiosity could I please ask, what does engraving cost as a ball park figure? :)

[The Deacon]

Paul, I’ve seen some pictures of your engraved knives and they do look very nice to say the least. Out of curiosity could I please ask, what does engraving cost as a ball park figure? :)

Thanks, Bloke. Good hand engraving is not cheap. The style of engraving and the engraver's credentials are going to influence the cost, as would the price of any precious metals used for inlays. It's been a while since I had any done, so my estimates may be low, but for the type of scroll engraving on most of my engraved knives I'd figure between $50 and $100 per square inch of coverage, depending on who does the work.

[Bloke]

Paul, I’ve seen some pictures of your engraved knives and they do look very nice to say the least. Out of curiosity could I please ask, what does engraving cost as a ball park figure? :)

Thanks, Bloke. Good hand engraving is not cheap. The style of engraving and the engraver's credentials are going to influence the cost, as would the price of any precious metals used for inlays. It's been a while since I had any done, so my estimates may be low, but for the type of scroll engraving on most of my engraved knives I'd figure between $50 and $100 per square inch of coverage, depending on who does the work.

Thanks Paul. I can see the variables now and I’d assume their may not be too many craftsmen offerings their services so even $100 per square inch seems quite reasonable for fine and intricate detail.

From pictures, the Kiwi in your avatar is certainly a very tasteful work of art. I’d imagine it’s even better in real life and I don’t mind admitting I’m a little envious of it. :)

[The Deacon]

Thanks Paul. I can see the variables now and I’d assume their may not be too many craftsmen offerings their services so even $100 per square inch seems quite reasonable for fine and intricate detail.

From pictures, the Kiwi in your avatar is certainly a very tasteful work of art. I’d imagine it’s even better in real life and I don’t mind admitting I’m a little envious of it. :)

Surprisingly, in this age of automated everything, there are more than you might imagine. The Firearms Engravers Guild of America lists 46 "master engravers" and 63 other member engravers (including David Clevinger, who did the engraving on the Kiwi in my avatar. Not surprisingly, given its name, almost all its members are locatated in the USA, so I'm sure there are considerably more excellent engravers worldwide. It's also no surprise, at least to me, that many here (and probably abroad) work mostly on firearms as they've provided a canvas for engraving for centuries.

And yes, that Kiwi looks even better in my hand. :) It's one of my favorites and gets carried quite a bit.

[curlyhairedboy]

Man, if I end up picking up one of these, I'd definitely get it engraved.

How well does the engraving hold up to pocket wear? coins/keys etc?

[The Deacon]

Man, if I end up picking up one of these, I'd definitely get it engraved.

How well does the engraving hold up to pocket wear? coins/keys etc?

The Kiwi in my avatar was engraved 10 years ago this past July and, while I'd say it's been carried for at least 500 days during that time. Aside from some fading of whatever was used to blacken the background, I'd say it looks as good as new. However, regardless of which Kiwi I'm carrying, I carry it in the coin pocket of my jeans and never shares that pocket with keys, coins, or anything else. I've also carried the two Kopas I had modded there, so that's one option if you wear jeans with a large enough coin pocket. That said, a minor scratch that would stand out like a sore thumb on a smooth surface tend to be far less noticeable on one that's engraved.

[curlyhairedboy]

Something to consider, thank you!