Image unavailable
James Meek's Beginner's Kit - James B. Meek Beginner's Kit
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$151.99
View on Brownells
You'll be taken to Brownells to complete your purchase.
Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
SKU: 080561000
Overview
This starter engraving set is built around the tool selection recommended by James B. Meek for covering a large share of common scrollwork and lettering tasks. It includes nine gravers in the point, square, flat, knife, and round styles, giving a beginner a practical range for learning basic cuts and detail work. The set is suited to those beginning engraving or assembling a focused bench kit, with the included GlenSteel blanks allowing the square gravers to be finished as needed. At approximately 4-3/8 inches long, the tools are compact and straightforward, though the kit is intentionally basic rather than comprehensive.
Why Hunters Choose the Brownells
Selected James
B. Meek, author of The
Includes Nine
Gravers covering a broad range
Kit Combines
Point, square, flat, knife, and
Designed Handle
The included tools
Includes Glensteel
Blanks for the two square
Key Features
- Beginner's engraving kit selected by James B. Meek, author of The Art of Engraving
- Includes 9 gravers total for a basic engraving setup
- Contains Point Nos. 0 and 4, Knife No. 2, Flat Nos. 36 and 39, and Round Nos. 50 and 54
- Includes two Square GlenSteel blanks for custom shaping
- Designed around tools Meek says cover most scroll work and fine detail
- Gravers are approximately 4-3/8 inches long; blanks are 4 inches long
Best Used For
- Beginners learning engraving with a compact starter set of essential gravers
- Users following James B. Meek’s recommended tools for foundational scroll work
- Engravers needing a basic kit for detail cuts, lettering, and general practice
- Hobbyists assembling a straightforward set before expanding into specialized gravers
Specifications
| Blade Steel | Steel |
|---|---|
| Blank Length | 4" (10.2cm) long |
| Kit Contents | Point - Nos. 0 and 4; Square - (2) GlenSteel Blanks; Flat - Nos. 36 and 39; Knife - No. 2; Round - Nos. 50 and 54 |
| Number Of Grav Ers | 9 |
| Overall Length | Approximately 4-3/8" (11.1cm) long |
| Shank Taper | Shank tapers from 3/16" (4.8mm) to 1/16" (1.6mm) |
Pros
- Selected by James B. Meek, author of The Art of Engraving
- Includes nine gravers covering a broad range of engraving tasks
- Kit combines point, square, flat, knife, and round graver styles
- Designed to handle most scroll work with the included tools
- Includes GlenSteel blanks for the two square gravers
- Compact graver blanks measure approximately 4-3/8 inches long
Considerations & Trade-offs
- This is a starter-focused graver set, so it covers core engraving tasks rather than a full range of specialized tools.
- The kit includes 9 gravers total, but two are square GlenSteel blanks, which means those pieces still need to be shaped before use.
- The included tool selection is based on James B. Meek’s recommendations for common scroll and lettering work, but it does not replace the need for additional tools if your work goes beyond those applications.
- Only basic size information is provided; other material and performance details are not specified in the product data.
Suggested Comparisons
- Engraving tool set
- Beginner engraving kit
- Hand gravers and blanks
- Lettering and detail engraving tools
Suggested Accessories
- Graver sharpening stone
- Engraving vise
- Tool handle
- Layout marking tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in James Meek's Beginner's Kit?
The kit contains 9 gravers total: Point Nos. 0 and 4; Square, with 2 GlenSteel blanks; Flat Nos. 36 and 39; Knife No. 2; and Round Nos. 50 and 54.
What is this kit intended for?
It is a basic engraver set selected by James B. Meek, author of The Art of Engraving. The description notes that, in his view, about 90% of scroll work in engraving can be done with the included tools.
Does the product description say which tools are used for fine detail or lettering?
Yes. The description says the Point No. 4 will cut most scrolls, fine detail is cut with the 0 Point, Knife No. 2 is also for detail, and the Square is widely used and can also be sharpened as a point or a chisel. Flat Nos. 36 and 37, and Round Nos. 50 and 54 are noted as needed for lettering on high relief.
What size are the gravers and blanks?
The specs list the gravers as approximately 4-3/8 inches (11.1 cm) long. The shank tapers from 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). The blanks are 4 inches (10.2 cm) long.
What material are the tools made from?
The provided specs list the material as steel. No further material details are given.