I have been studying blade stamps that have been etched into the blade instead of hot stamped.
In looking at the Solingen blades from the 60s I see that they are all very consistent. As are the Randall Made Orlando Fl etchings.
2 questions,
1) are the modern blade stamps ever etched
2) With the consistency of the etchings, what is, or was the technique used to apply them?
Thanks so much!

They are "acid-etched", being as RMK's (or Solingen's) steel is way to hard to engrave (literally). The blade then has to be re-finished, but the consistancy is in the actual panograph machine used at a specific depth, etc.
Scott can tell you in more details'. Hope this helps,
Capt. Chris

Thanks for the response Capt Chris. Do they still have to do it from time to time in these modern days?

As far as the "Trademark" etching, yes...but usually only if the "forging stamp" is lost in the finish work. The acid etch, each and every day, for name etching, etc. and that is usually on the opposite side of the blade from the trademark.
Example below,
Stay Sharp, Capt. Chris

Thanks again
So the name/trademark etching are both done at the shop with the same machine? Has the etching always been done in the shop?
This has been very helpful Capt Chris. Thank you.

There are actually three different pantographs used at the shop...one for the etching Cap shows, one for the nameplates and another for the trademarks (and signatures)...I deemed that etching the TM's were more of a pain, time wise and they seemed "undesirable" to the public during the early (2002-2005) Stock sales...

Thanks Scott for your response. I guess the hot stamp is more likely to be imperfect, and an etched TM would be cleaner, but I think I prefer seeing that hot stamp too.
Thanks again Scott and Capt Chris for answering this question.