CRAFTSMANSHIP
THE ART OF MANUALLY SCULPTING RELIEF PATTERNS
Hand engraving on steel dies is a craft that involves manually sculpting relief patterns onto the surface of a steel plate.
This plate, called a “die,” is then used to produce metal medals.
This traditional technique requires immense expertise to produce highquality dies with unique depth and texture.
THE PROCESS
SCRIBING
ONTO THE DIE
The process of engraving on a steel die begins with the preparation of the steel plate.
The plate is typically coated with a substance known as “hard varnish,” which protects the steel surface from scratches and fingerprints.
At this stage, the engraver removes all traces of machining marks from the die.
Working from a pre-existing design, once the artwork is finalized, it is transferred onto the steel die using a scribing tool or an image transfer method.
Next, the engraver sculpts the die using manual tools such as gravers, burins, and chisels to create relief patterns on the surface.
The artisan must work with extreme precision and meticulous attention to detail to create sharp reliefs that will produce clear, crisp impressions on the metal surface.
Hand engraving requires immense thoroughness, as the carvings must be deep enough to bring out the desired visual depth and impact.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
WHY CHOOSE
ARTISANAL ENGRAVING?
Hand engraving on steel dies allows for the creation of high-precision
images with sharp, fine lines. This technique enables the reproduction of high-quality images across multiple pressings.
Steel dies are incredibly robust and long-lasting, allowing for the production of numerous impressions without any loss of quality.
Steel dies can be used to strike different types of metals and materials, offering great flexibility in application.
This manual technique offers immense creative freedom. Artists can engrave highly detailed and precise images, as well as more expressive and fluid designs.
Hand-engraved steel dies are often considered unique and precious works of art due to the time, labor, and skill required to produce them.
