Kaiverrusta

Kaiverrusta, known in English as engraving, is the practice of incising a design or inscription into a hard surface by removing material with a sharp tool. The term is Finnish, and the craft encompasses decorative work as well as functional markings.

Common materials include metal (such as silver, gold, and steel), stone, wood, glass, and ceramics. Engraving creates recessed lines or grooves that hold ink, patina, or other contrast, producing images, lettering, or patterns that endure under handling.

Techniques range from traditional hand engraving, where a graver or burin is guided by the artisan to cut lines, to machine-assisted methods such as CNC engraving and rotary systems, and to laser engraving, which uses focused energy to etch or burn away material. The choice of tool and technique depends on the surface, desired detail, and production volume.

Engraving has ancient roots and appears in diverse cultures. It has been used for coins, medals, jewelry, monuments, and graphic prints, as well as for modern branding, serial marks, and commemorative inscriptions. In many traditions, skilled engravers sign their work with unique lettering or monograms.

Today kaiverrusta continues as both a traditional craft and a contemporary technique in design and manufacturing. Mastery requires understanding material behavior, line quality, and proportion, while technology expands possibilities for precision and repeatability.