Stensils Fabricator

[Marko Tsourkan]

Looking at this one
http://www.ecemmi.com/pdf/sf200fly.jpg

Are there better options out there?

M

[Rottman]

You'll need to make m-a-n-y stencils to come out cheaper than commercially made films.

[Pabloz]

Marko,
If cost is no object, and you want the absolute highest quality etch, then laser cut the stensil right on the blade....that's how I do it because I did not like the results of the screen stensil method.

PZ

[Marko Tsourkan]

It's hard to beat the convenience of applying your own logos, particularly when you make one knife at a time.

Cost of laser engraving is an issue - pretty expensive if etching done in small numbers.

Not dead set on getting a stencil fabricator, but would like to get a good idea of what's available, quality and cost.

M

[Pabloz]

Then hands down Ernie makes THE BEST stensils.

http://www.erniesknives.com/

[Johnny.B.Good]

Then hands down Ernie makes THE BEST stensils.

http://www.erniesknives.com/

I see some familiar makers listed on this site (including Marko!).

[Mike Davis]

I agree, Ernie was great to deal with and his stuff was top notch. Another thing that helps is a good etching solution, saltwater works, but etching solution works much better.

[Pabloz]

I see some familiar makers listed on this site (including Marko!).

OOOOPPPSSS, my bad, I didn't think to look, just figured........ Then the only other method I can think of is one that Bob Loveless did. He also put the stensil on the knife. It is described in the book on pages 45-49, How to Make Knives, by Richard W. Barney and Bob Loveless, which would probably work really well with that UV unit.

Marko,
Let us know if you come up with something really cool and innovative.
PZ

[Marko Tsourkan]

Then hands down Ernie makes THE BEST stencils.

http://www.erniesknives.com/

Maybe it's my impression, but Ernie's stencils don't seem to stand up well to the heat.
I am using his stencils currently and looking for a replacement.

I was told that stencils from Electro Chemical Marking can withstand heat better.

The problem is, every time you change a supplier or a stencils or a logo, you have to pay artist fees, and it adds up quickly.

Having your own stencils fabricator would be ideal, but the start up cost, about $600, is pretty high.

Paul-
thanks for the tip, I will look that up.

M

[Rottman]

I'm not 100% sure but regular silkscreens like used for silkscreen printing should work just fine as stencil. Having large sheets with plenty of stencils done shouldn't be overly expensive.
Has anybody experience with electro etching and regular silkscreen material?