Learn how to make and sharpen your own gravers for hand engraving using push tools in this practical, hands-on workshop.

Gravers aren't one-size-fits-all. In this workshop, you'll shape your gravers to fit the size of your hand for better comfort and control. You'll learn how to cut down and shape a graver using a bench grinder, before sharpening it to the correct geometry, including the face, heel and belly angles. You'll also polish the cutting edge and learn how to keep your gravers sharp for the best engraving results.

It's ideal if you're planning to attend an engraving taster session, or if you've already tried engraving and want to improve your tools and technique.

You’ll need to bring some of your own tools for this workshop, including graver and handle. Please check the student tools list in the ‘What should I bring’ section for full details of what you’ll need to bring.

Special discount to FORGE Friends, enter your code at checkout.

What will I make?

You'll make and finish your own engraving gravers, shaped to fit your hand and sharpened ready to use. You'll take them home along with the knowledge to maintain and resharpen them yourself.

What skills will I learn?

– Shape a graver to suit your hand using a bench grinder

– Sharpen gravers to the correct face, heel and belly angles

– Polish the cutting edge for a clean finish

– Learn how to keep your gravers sharp and when they need resharpening

– Understand the different types of gravers and what they are used for

What will happen on the day?

Your tutor will begin by introducing the different types of gravers and explaining how they are used for hand engraving.

You'll then shape and sharpen your own gravers using a bench grinder and oil stone, learning how to produce the correct cutting angles and polish the cutting edge to a mirror finish.

There will be demonstrations and individual guidance throughout the session, with practical tips on sharpening, maintenance and getting the best performance from your gravers.

By the end of the workshop, you'll have your own finished gravers ready to use and the skills to sharpen and maintain them yourself.

What skills level is required?

Beginners Perfect for those starting out or who have little to no experience.

What should I bring?

- Reading glasses (if you need them!) 

- Optizisors

- Notebook and pen (to take notes)

- Apron to protect clothes

Student Tool list

– 2.5mm square graver

– One No. 10 flat or round scorper or one onglette/spitstick graver

– 3 mushroom handles with a short neck and a flat on one side

– Oil stone

The 2.5mm square graver will be cut in half, allowing you to make two gravers from one length. You'll need two handles for these, plus one handle for your second chosen graver.

Who is my instructor? 

Dudley Withers is a craftsman who trained at Sir John Cass College specialising in Engraving and other decorative techniques including chasing. Having worked with Francis Cooper - a silversmith in the Arts and Crafts tradition for 6 years he returned to Sir John Cass College to teach engraving as a part time lecturer whilst running his own shop. There he maintained his interest in engraving doing work on commission with a bias towards jewellery but included selling antique silver and glass. He has now expanded his interests to include horology, particularly engraved clocks.

How do I get there? 

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

How do I book?

To book your workshop, simply add your chosen session to your basket by clicking Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout.

Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card.

Accessibility

Most of this workshop takes place at street level in our showroom, which is step-free and accessible. Some specialist equipment is located in our lower-level workshop, which can only be accessed via stairs, as the building does not have lift access.

If you have any access requirements, please contact us before booking so we can advise and discuss suitability and any adjustments we can make to accommodate you.