burin

A burin is a handheld engraving tool used to incise lines into a metal plate for intaglio printmaking. It consists of a steel blade with a sharply defined cutting edge set at an angle to a handle. The blade’s cross-section is typically lozenge or diamond-shaped, and it comes in a range of profiles that produce different line qualities. The tool is driven by controlled pressure as it is pushed or pulled across the plate.

The engraver guides the blade along the metal surface, removing metal to create recessed lines that will later hold ink. The width of the blade, the bevel angle, and the motion determine line width, depth, and texture. Mastery of tension, hand position, and pressure allows the practitioner to render delicate hairlines as well as broader contours in a single tool.

Burins originated with metal plate engraving in Renaissance Europe and became a central instrument for copperplate and other intaglio techniques. Artists such as Albrecht Dürer helped establish standardized forms and practices, and the burin remained a core tool through subsequent centuries as engraving developed alongside other printmaking methods. In modern studios, it continues to be used by traditional engravers and students seeking direct, controllable line work.

Materials and maintenance: Burins are typically made of high-carbon steel, with handles fashioned from wood or synthetic materials. Sharpness is essential, and blades are honed or reshaped as needed. When not in use, they are kept dry and protected to prevent rust. While modern printmaking often complements traditional tools with new techniques, the burin remains a foundational instrument for precise line engraving.