Burin (tool)

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A diagram of a burin showing its component parts: the handle, shaft, cutting tip and face.
A diagram of a burin showing its component parts: the handle, shaft, cutting tip and face.[1]
The malformed hand of Hendrik Goltzius, which was especially suited to the use of a burin.
The malformed hand of Hendrik Goltzius, which was especially suited to the use of a burin.

A burin (from the same French word) refers to a steel cutting tool which is the essential tool of engraving, and used predominantly by engravers, but also by relief printers. Its older English name, still often used, is graver. The burin consists of a rounded handle and a tempered steel shaft, ending in a cutting face.

In use, it is typically held at approximately a 30 degree angle to the surface. The index and middle finger typically guide the shaft, while the handle is cradled in the palm. Of note is engraver Hendrik Goltzius, whose malformed hand was ideally suited for the cradling and guiding of a burin.

Burins typically have a square or lozenge shape face, though several other types are used. A tint burin consists of a square face with teeth, enabling the creation of many fine, closely spaced lines. A stipple tool allows for the creation of fine dots. A flat burin consists of a rectangular face, and is used for cutting away large portions of material at a time.

The word comes from the French burin meaning "cold chisel".

Oxford English Dictionary (1st ed.)

  1. ^ Alexia Rostow. Folio CIII-Techniques. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
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