I use a 1/4 x 1/4" stamp powered by a modified, 2-ton hole punch. I position my blade, hit a trip lever - POW! - it's done.
Here's a picture of the setup.

http://www.centercross.com/images/punch.jpg http://www.centercross.com/images/punch1.jpg

http://www.centercross.com/images/punch2.jpg http://www.centercross.com/images/punch3.jpg

The triphammer hole punch was bought for $50 at a going-out-of-business sale at a sheet metal shop. I modified it for my needs. Basically this was the easiest way I could think of. Some might call it efficient - some lazy. I call it quick, easy and exact.
A press will work fine if it is big enough. A couple tons should do it.

Great tool. But I'm thinking of electro-etch logos instead of stamps. Any info on the "personalizer plus" set-up ? I'm trying to get lots info before buying. Thanks

Dennis- I have used a "Personalizer Plus" for the last 6 or 7 years. I have etched hundreds of blades with it, and have never had any kind of problem. Excellent investment.

I use the Personalizer too, for the price you can't beat one of em.

I also have a Personalizer Plus, At first i wasn't very impressed with the results as I was using the etchants that came with the unit and stencils from the same place.
When I bought stencils and etchants from Marking Methods, my marking improved dramatically. Just some food for thought, but the unit is a good one for the money. I also have a Marking Methods unit, their model 300 that I bought used and even though I know it is a good unit, I have not yet had the need to hook it up and use it. If your logo will allow, get the green stencil material, it is heavier and in my opinion makes a much better mark,
Mike

I used to use a stencil to mark my work. I traded for a permanent mark that in my opinion looks more professional as well.
Stencils can be buffed or scratched off.
A stamp should be personal and permamnent.
Some argue that stamps cause "stress risers" or weak spots. I have never seen or even heard of a blade greaking at the stamp.
I like the deep imprint and longevity of a stamp.

Thanks for the input guys.Has anyone had feedback when you have changed your logo ? Did your customers like it or dislike it.

I have a Marking Methods etcher and i am having terrible luck with it. Not having consistent good etche's . Any suggestions....? Carl

I use one of those etchers at work some time ago. But this thread got me thinking, last week I cut an electrode to EDM my name on some tools I made. Could you use something like a graphite electrode instead of a stencil? That way you could make 1 electrode and use it over and over to mark you blades instead of paying for stencils.
What do you guys think?

how are you getting a good etch? Mine suck right now........

I'm with you on the stamping, Geno. Much more permanent. Stamps are initially more costly, but last forever.

btw... I couldn't see your pics.

Combs, I have a Marking Methods etcher. I love it, nice dark etch everytime. How clean are the pads and do you have plenty of electrolite in the pad?

Jim, I think an EDM would make much too nice of a mark. It should work tho. I have not messed with EDM's much, most that I have seen are just wire. I did see one shop that had a design made out of carbide in their modified plunge EDM. They burn over 50K parts 0.050" deep in 316L without changing the tool. It was slick! I do not think I will ever need to mark that many items. When I become wealthy for inventing the hoop you spin around your waist I am going to do mine like that.


This is one area I do need to think more about before I try to sell any knives. I love the variety that you can do with an etcher but I really like the deep mark from a stamp or milling(haha, I never be able to do that).

where do you guys get your stencils made for the personalizer I have been using the blue material and a typewriter need something better thanks

Marking Methods can make stencils from your electronic files. Here is the web site incase you couldn't figure it out.

http://www.markingmethods.com/

I apologize, that sounds kinda of horsy as I read it. I meant it to be light and cause a small smile.

Marking Method makes a very nice stencil and the web site is how I should have left it.

I prefer the metal stamp for the reasons stated above. It just looks better to me and is permanent. That said, one of the drawbacks are that if you're doing them by hand on the anvil as I am, it is possible to miss and hit your thumb like I did two weeks ago with a 1000 gram hammer. OUCH! Still hurts a bit too.....:(

I also have a Personalizer for when I screw up and forget to stamp my name. This has happened a few times now and it is nice to have that back up. Also, a couple of times the stamp wasn't deep enough and got removed when sanding after heat treat. Another good reason to have both methods available.