About the Course
Flare Cutting
A sculptural engraving style — two opposing cuts create a raised center ridge for a dimensional, sculpted look.
Flare cutting uses flat and V gravers to make two opposing cuts along a line, raising a ridge in the center for a sculptural effect unlike standard line engraving. You'll start by sharpening gravers specifically for these cuts, build control on straight lines and curves, then progress to more difficult cuts and apply flare cutting to scrolls, flowers, and ornamental designs.
Class Details
Duration: 5 days (Monday–Friday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (one-hour lunch)
Class size: 4 students max
Prerequisite: Hand Engraving I and II
What's included: Tools provided for in-class use; materials and finished practice pieces are yours to keep
Skills You'll Gain
Sharpen flat and V gravers specifically for flare cutting technique
Execute flare cuts — two opposing cuts that raise a center ridge for a sculptural look
Apply flare cutting to straight lines and curves
Cut increasingly difficult flare-cut forms with control and consistency
Apply flare cutting to scrolls, flowers, and ornamental designs
Day-by-Day
Day 1 — Graver sharpening for flare cutting: sharpen flat and V gravers for the two-opposing-cut technique.
Day 2 — Line and curve flare cutting: practice the double-cut ridge technique on straight lines and simple curves.
Day 3 — Advancing to more difficult cuts: build control and consistency on more complex flare-cut work.
Day 4 — Scrolls and flowers: apply flare cutting to scroll and floral motifs.
Day 5 — Ornamental designs and capstone project: bring flare-cut scrolls, flowers, and ornamental elements together on a final piece.
What This Class Doesn't Cover Block, script, and decorative letter engraving (Decorative Alphabets & Monograms) and wire inlay / sheet-metal onlay (Metal Inlay & Onlay) — not part of this course.
What You'll Leave With A finished piece featuring flare-cut scrolls, flowers, and ornamental designs — a sculptural style distinct from standard line engraving.