Burin | Stone Age, Metalworking & Engraving | Britannica (original) (raw)

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Also known as: graver

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burin, engraving tool with a metal shaft that is cut or ground diagonally downward to form a diamond-shaped point at the tip. The angle of the point of a particular tool affects the width and depth of the engraved lines. The shaft of the tool is fixed in a flat handle that can be held close to the working surface; it has a wide rounded end for bracing against the palm of the hand. The point is guided by thumb and forefinger.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.