Bernard,

I created Roger Bleile's International, Illustrated Glossary of Hand-Engraving Terminology for people like you. In the glossary you will find definitions of over 300 engraving terms and over 400 pictures to go with the definitions. Sifting through the glossary will help you become an informed patron of the engraver's art.

http://www.engravingglossary.com/

Best wishes,
C. Roger Bleile

C. Bleile
10/9/2009 1:05:13 PM

I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask; I'll keep it short, just in case.

I've gotten into my mind the notion that I'd like to have a firearm engraved. My initial attempts to find guidance in this pursuit have been less than encouraging. I did find this page: http://www.engravingarts.com/infopage.html and while it's a nice intro, I'll need a great deal more knowledge before I make this level of financial commitment.

Where does a complete novice go to get some idea of what is possible and what is beautiful? Is there a book or website (or several of each) that will introduce me to the basic concepts so that I can work toward the specifics of what I want to accomplish? Might such references be easily available at the Annual FEGA Convention & Exhibition in Reno in January? (I'm considering attending.)

In short, where and how do I learn to be an informed client?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Ben

Bernard Owens
8/30/2009 12:06:16 AM

Ben, you have the right idea. One should take the time to learn what is good engraving, though art is always in the eye of the beholder as they say.

Reno is the best way I know to learn. There will be 30 or so engravers displaying their work and there will be many more in attendance through the weekend. Also lots of people like you looking, learning, and perhaps making decisions.

If you have not perused the igraver.com site and the engravingforum.com site you will find a lot of info there also.

Good luck and hope to see you in Reno. Sam

Sam Welch
8/30/2009 7:36:32 AM