What Should I Engrave on a Knife? 10 Engraving Ideas

Laser-engraved knives make exceptional gifts for a reason—they’re both practical and personal. We’ve written a lot about why they’re such meaningful presents, but the short version is this: they’re tools people actually use, with a custom touch that shows you care.

But here’s the big question: What should you engrave on the knife?

That simple decision can elevate your gift—or make it fall flat.

At Knife Depot, we’ve engraved thousands of knives over the years, and we’ve learned what works best when it comes to meaningful and visually appealing engraving.

If you’re stuck on what to write, here are some helpful tips and ideas to get you started.

Name

Of all the knives we’ve engraved over the years, names are by far the most popular choice—and for good reason.

At first, it might seem a little unusual to put your name on a knife, but it instantly transforms a generic tool into something personal and meaningful.

Plus, there’s a practical side to it. A knife with your name engraved is much less likely to disappear forever after being borrowed. I can’t tell you how many knives I’ve lent out and never got back—if only they’d had my name on them!

Nickname… Depending

Nicknames are another fantastic engraving option that adds a unique, sentimental touch.

Take my dad, for example—he owns a Buck 110 Folding Hunter with his nickname, Timbo, etched into the blade. He’s had that knife for decades, and it’s one of his most prized possessions. Without that engraving, it probably would’ve ended up as just another tool in the garage.

That said, there’s one important caveat: make sure the nickname isn’t embarrassing.

We’ve seen plenty of well-meaning wives and girlfriends get knives engraved with pet names like Babe or Snookums. While cute in private, imagine the reaction when a guy lends his buddy his Smith & Wesson 1st Response knife with the word “Schmoopie” on the side. The jokes would never end.

So, yes to nicknames—just choose wisely.

Initials

The other natural option that’s popular is initials. This is a little more elegant in my opinion because “Thomas” on a knife offers a different feel than “TYT.”

Another popular and natural engraving option is initials—a choice that blends simplicity with sophistication. Initials are a little more elegant in my opinion because “Thomas” on a knife offers a different feel than “TYT.”

Initials can carry just as much meaning, especially when paired with the right monogram style. You can go with a traditional monogram where the last name initial is centered and larger (e.g., T for Thomas, Y for Young, T for Taylor becomes TYT, with the Y slightly larger), or choose a clean block style for a more modern, minimal look.

Adjective or Descriptive Word

Instead of going with a name, some people choose to engrave a single adjective on the knife—and that can make for a really impactful gift.

One example we saw recently was the word “Fearless.” It’s simple, descriptive, and honestly just plain awesome. A single word like that can say a lot about the person receiving the knife.

One I always wanted to get for someone was “Tenacious” on a Spyderco Tenacious. It’s the perfect match—not only because the knife itself is tough and reliable, but also because tenacious is a great compliment to give someone. It tells them they’re determined, persistent, and strong.

Engraving a single adjective or a short phrase gives you more creative freedom than just a name or initials. It lets the knife reflect personality, attitude, or even a little inspiration.

Commemorative Date

Another common reason people give a knife as a gift is to commemorate a special date or event. We’ve engraved everything from “Happy 30th Anniversary” to “Merry Christmas 2022” to “Happy Retirement”—and even just important dates like weddings or birthdays.

These kinds of engravings are perfect for marking a specific moment in time. Every time the recipient picks up their favorite Kershaw Leek and sees “Happy 21st Birthday” on the blade, it brings them right back to that special day, full of nostalgia and good memories.

Moments like that are what make engraved knives so meaningful.

Good times, indeed.

Bible Verse

Bible verses are another popular choice when it comes to knife engravings.

The good word has guided and comforted people through both the highs and lows of life, so it’s no surprise that many choose to carry a verse with them—quite literally—on the blade of their knife.

Over the years, we’ve engraved countless verses, including John 3:16, Matthew 3:17, Proverbs 18:24, Psalms 83:13, and many more. Whether it’s a verse of encouragement, strength, or faith, these inscriptions add deep meaning and spiritual significance to a knife that might otherwise be just another tool.

In Memoriam Knife Engraving

Many people choose to engrave a knife to honor the memory of someone they’ve lost.

We’ve seen touching engravings like “In Memory of Dad” or dates such as “Mom 4/3/36 – 3/17/94.” It may not sound like the most traditional tribute, but for many, a knife is something they carry every day—so it becomes a meaningful way to keep a loved one close, both physically and emotionally.

One of the most heartbreaking engravings we’ve ever done was a fingerprint from a son who had passed away. Simple, silent, and incredibly powerful. That kind of engraving turns a knife into something far beyond a tool—it becomes a deeply personal keepsake.

Short Quote

“So it goes.”

That’s one of my favorite quotes from Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, and it’s something I’d absolutely love to have engraved on a knife.

Engraving a quote is a great way to add a personal touch, but the key is to keep it short. Most knife engravings are limited to around 30 characters—and that can be even less depending on the knife’s size and shape. So while something like Yogi Berra’s “When you come to a fork in the road, take it” might be a great quote, it’s just too long for most blades.

Instead, go for something quick and punchy. One of my favorite funny options: “I call the big one Bitey.”

Here are just a few quotes we’ve engraved over the years: “Never Lose Your Edge,” “No Pain, No Gain”, “Every Girl Needs a Knife,” “Measure Twice, Cut Once,” and “Don’t Tread on Me”.

Whether it’s funny, motivational, or meaningful, the right short quote can turn a good knife into something unforgettable.

Logo

There’s also some flexibility when it comes to what you can engrave on a knife. If you’re a company handing out knives as holiday gifts or giveaways, it often makes the most sense to engrave your logo.

Not only does this create a clean, professional look—it also doubles as promotion. If an employee hands the knife to a friend or passes it down to their kid, your brand gets exposure in a memorable, lasting way.

Expression of Gratitude

The last common type of engraving we see are expressions of gratitude or love.

If you’re unsure what to put on the knife, you really can’t go wrong with a simple “Thank You,” “Love You,” “Good Luck,” or “Congrats.” These short, heartfelt messages are universal and work well for just about any holiday, milestone, or occasion.

While they may seem a little generic at first, you can always personalize them to make the sentiment more specific. For instance, “Thanks for Your Kindness” is perfect for someone who supported you during a tough time. Or, for something more personal, try “I Love You, Bobby”—a message that makes the gift feel one-of-a-kind.

No matter what words you choose, the most important thing is that the message comes from the heart.

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At the end of the day, the best knife engraving is one that means something to the person receiving it. Whether it’s a name, a nickname, a powerful word, a Bible verse, a special date, or just a simple “Thank You,” what really matters is the thought behind it.

Keep it short, make it personal, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative. A knife is already a practical gift—but with the right engraving, it becomes a keepsake that lasts a lifetime.

Whatever message you choose, make sure it reflects how you feel. That’s what turns a good gift into a truly memorable one.