Graver

A graver, also known as a burin, is a steel cutting tool used by engravers, carvers, and sculptors to incise designs or inscriptions into a hard surface, such as metal (like copper or steel), wood, or stone. Gravers typically have a sharpened, angled tip that removes material by scraping or gouging. Different shapes of gravers are employed for various line widths, effects, and detailing. The handle allows for controlled force application and maneuverability. The skilled use of a graver requires precise control, a steady hand, and often, specialized training.

Graver meaning with examples

• The artisan carefully selected a fine-pointed graver to delicately etch the intricate floral pattern onto the silver locket. His years of practice allowed him to control the tool with impressive precision, creating beautiful and detailed designs.
• With steady hands, the engraver used a U-shaped graver to carve the letters into the granite headstone, ensuring the inscription would remain legible for generations to come. The graver made a clean cut.
• The sculptor utilized various graver shapes, including a round-nosed graver, to create the desired textures and subtle variations in the marble sculpture. Different angles of the graver created different effects.
• The jeweler employed a flat graver to remove excess material and refine the edges of the gold ring, adding the finishing touches that would enhance its overall appeal. The graver was their favorite tool.