We chose to electrochemically etch our logo on our knife designs because unlike laser engraving that is very precise and near perfect, the electro etch method has more of a ‘old school’, handmade quality to it. And I believe the investment for a laser engraver does not add value to our products. It’s better spent on high quality machines, belts and material, the logo should not overtake the product in my opinion.
Electrochemical etching started during the largest industrial production increase in the U.S. history; the ramping up for World War II. The aircraft manufacturing industry alone doubled in size each year from 1939 to 1942, becoming the largest single industry in the world.
B-17G (aka the Flying Fortress – and currently the 3rd most produced bomber of all time) on assembly line – credit : U.S. Air Force photo
Over 300,000 aircraft were manufactured in the United States during the war, each built from tens of thousands individual parts.
This surge in production challenged industry to create new methods for quickly and cost effective marking the millions of new parts being created each month. Significant advances in steel stamping and electrochemical etching were made during this era.
The reason for electrochemical etching over the previously used metal stamping was to ensure the part’s integrity, as forcing a metal stamp under pressure changes the material around the stamp. And unlike steel stamps, electrochemical etching could mark conductive metal surfaces without compromising the parts designed qualities.
Electro chemical etching is a metal etching process that involves the use of a solution of an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. When the current source is turned on the metal of the anode is dissolved and converted into the same cation as in the electrolyte and at the same time an equal amount of the cation in the solution is converted into metal and deposited on the cathode.
A controlled erosion on the surface is the easier way to explain the process. And the result is the logo etch on the blade. (See pics)
Another reason is that it is cost effective and repeatable, and as mentioned previously the focus should be on the product and drive to improve it. The logo should merely be a kind reminder who worked on it and where to find more of it if you appreciate it.
A custom left handed Podenco and a No.7 by Achterknives in rose wood with custom turned hardware – to commemorate old school quality.
My two cents – Mis dos centavos / strictly my own professional opinion
Best, your knife maker