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Engraved Swords & Knives
Every engraving Battling Blades does is done in house, in our Illinois workshop, on blades we forged. That matters more than it sounds. Engraving a hardened high carbon blade well means knowing the steel, and a name cut into a Damascus pattern has to be placed where it reads against the layers rather than disappearing into them. Because the blade and the engraving come from the same shop, the two are planned together.
The pieces on this page are the ones built around personalisation: the custom sword, knife, axe and spear builders, where you choose the steel, length and fittings and then add the engraving, plus a selection of catalog swords that carry the engraving option prominently. Most other swords and knives on the site can be engraved as well; look for the engraving option on the listing.
What can be engraved
The blade
A name, a date, a motto, a line of text or a simple emblem, placed on the flat of the blade near the guard where it reads without interrupting the edge. On Damascus the engraving is cut through the pattern; on 1095 it sits on the satin or antiqued finish.
The scabbard or sheath
Leather and wood scabbards take a name or initials well, and it is the better choice if you want the blade itself left clean.
Axe heads, handles and spearheads
The custom axe and spear builders offer engraving on the head and on the handle, which suits a longer inscription than a knife blade can carry.
Choosing an engraved piece
For a gift, the safest choices are a name and a date. For a presentation piece, a unit, a crest, or a line from a text that means something to the recipient. Keep it short: an inscription that fits in one line reads as a mark of ownership; one that runs to three reads as a label. If you are unsure, the engraving option on each listing shows what fits. Start with the custom sword builder for complete freedom, or pick a family from the custom sword builders collection and engrave that.
Frequently asked questions
Can any sword be engraved?
Most of them. Every builder on this page includes engraving as an option, and the majority of catalog swords and knives offer it on the listing. If a listing does not show an engraving option, contact us before ordering.
Where is the engraving done?
In our Illinois workshop, by us, on blades we forged.
Does engraving affect the blade?
No. The engraving is shallow and sits on the flat of the blade away from the edge, so the hardness and the geometry of the blade are unchanged.
What should I put on an engraved sword gift?
A name and a date are the classic choice and always read well. A short motto, a rank or unit, or a line of text with personal meaning also work. The option on each listing shows how much fits.
Can I engrave the scabbard instead of the blade?
Yes, where the listing offers scabbard or sheath engraving. It is the better choice if you want the blade itself left clean.