The Complete Online Guide to Knifemaking, SPINE and FILE WORK/ETCHING

 

Decorative marks filed in the knifes spine are created with files sometimes in combination with a Dremel grinder. The filed grooves can be carefully planned to create detailed patterns to enhance a blades spine. File work is done prior to heat treating or can be done after if the blade was differently heat treated leaving the spine soft and machinable.

 

Spine etching is another way to enhance the spine of any full tang knife. This etching is most commonly done after the scales have been attached. Electro-etched spine designs created with self- adhesive vinyl is a relatively easy way to create some dramatic effects. 

 

Check out our Knife making tools, huge assortment of topic specific how-to knife making videos, our Complete Online Guide Knife Making  and our New Book Introduction to Knifemaking by Dan Berg and Jason Northgard.