Hand vs Laser Engraving

This week I will be discussing the difference between hand and laser engraving for firearms. I will discuss the difference in price, the reasons behind the difference, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Laser engraving may be the most popular form of engraving today, but hand engraving is an ancient art practiced from early man and still a much-appreciated trade today. So, let’s take a look at these two styles.

Hand engraving has been practiced since early civilizations desired a means to record their history, acknowledge great heroes or deities, or simply for daily needs. Early swords carried inscriptions, and today we can find many such engraving on our newest weapons. Hand engraving involves removing material through the use of a “graver” or chisel-like tool to carve a specific detail into the material. It’s as much an art as it is a trade. 

Laser engraving involves etching patterns or designs into a material through the use of a computer operated laser machine. The design desired is designed using computer software and uploaded to the laser machine which “copies” the design to the material. The etching application is a much faster process than hand engraving; most of the time involved being in the drafting of the design and setup. 

When looking at firearm prices involved with these two techniques, you’ll notice a vast difference. One hand engraved 1911 pistol I found in my research was as much as $35,000. (Southern Custom Engraving) Meanwhile, a similar 1911 with extensive laser engraving was a mere $2,000. (Gun Broker.com, 2023) It should of coarse be noted that engraving of any technique is solely an aesthetic feature that has no bearing on the firearm’s performance. 

So what is the advantages and disadvantages of one style over the other? Hand engraving’s human element in the application provides a truly unique engraving. No one engraving is the same as the other; even among similar designs. For some individuals, this in and of itself is a great advantage and much appreciated. Hand engraving also allows for more freedom in artistic execution. This method also allows for the possibility for inlay work; adding gold, silver, or other precious materials into the design. The downside is the time needed, and as such the price, and the potential for human error. Laser engraving removes the chance for human error in the execution of the design. “Laser engraving also produces a cleaner, more crisp finish.” (Laser Engraving Service, 2021) The machine element also greatly reduces the amount of time involved; hence the lower prices associated with the method. One of the downsides of laser engraving involves its reliance on the familiarity with the computer drafting software. 

The time involved in hand engraving, along with the unique and personal nature of the art, greatly increases the firearm’s value and the price to do so. The hand engraver that engraved the 1911 I mentioned earlier charges $100 per hour for his work; which if inlays are involved, “can easily involve several hundred hours.” (Southern Custom Engraving) A laser engraver by comparison may charge $45 per hour for only “several hours” of work. (Toms Custom Guns, 2023) The difference is determined by the time and skill of the hand engraver over that of the laser engraver. But, as Matt Kidd quotes in his article, Gun engraving techniques and styles explained, “A gun is essentially a shooting person’s equivalent to fine jewelry.” (Kidd, 2022) To this end, some people prefer a wrist watch that’s more utilitarian, while some prefer a Rolex, and even others would go as far as a Patek Philippe. It’s equally a question of what you want your firearm to say about you personally.

1. Gun Broker.com. NEW - Kimber 1911 Custom Engraved Dragon AAA by Altamont .45ACP. 2023. 

2. Kidd, Matt. “Gun engraving techniques and styles explained.” Scribehound. August 16th, 2022. https://www.scribehound.com/guns/s/shotguns/gun-engraving-techniques-and-styles-explained.

3. Laser Engraving Service. Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser and Hand Engraving. 2021.

4. Southern Custom Engraving. Custom Engraving. https://www.southerncustomengraving.com/custom-work.html.

5. Toms Custom Guns. Fiber Laser Engraving. 2023.