gravers

Gravers are hand tools used for engraving metal and other materials. The term also refers to the craftsperson who performs engraving. Gravers are typically used in jewelry making, metalwork, coinage, and printmaking. In traditional metal engraving, a tool called a burin is commonly used; in broader use, 'graver' covers a family of tools with various tip profiles.

Construction and tips: Most gravers have a hardened steel shaft with a cutting tip formed by grinding. Handles are wood, plastic, or steel, and may be straight or pistol-grip. Tip shapes vary: straight gravers for fine lines, curved gravers to reach corners, and specialized forms such as line gravers, flat gravers, and spoon gravers for shading and filling. Modern gravers may use interchangeable carbide tips.

Applications and technique: Engravers incise lines and motifs into metal plates for intaglio printmaking, or into jewelry, firearms, or decorative metalwork. Different tips produce different line quality; pushing or drawing cuts remove metal to create recessed lines or tones. Care is taken to maintain tool geometry; workpiece is often secured; light lubrication reduces heat and wear.

History and terminology: The craft dates back to at least the Renaissance; the tool is closely related to the burin used by engravers. A person who uses gravers is called an engraver or graver. Steels evolved from iron to high-carbon and tool steels; modern production includes carbide-tipped options. Regular sharpening and rust prevention extend tool life.