I have the 40 W laser and the new 1064nm laser. I am interested in lasering graving the blade of a knife, but the metal has a shiny finish. Is it safe for me to engrave on this? Will it work?
If not, are there any tricks that can help?
Probably best to search the forum, it has been mentioned a few times before.
With the 40W you will need to coat the metal first, or it will just reflect off of it, and right back at your laser module too, probably damaging it…
With the IR laser you can just engrave straight onto it.
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I’ve tested it with a shiny metal surface of a jar cover.
You will need to use some color to cover the whole surface, otherwise it will be similar to glass.
I am using a white chalk spray. Make sure you are getting color which can be cleaned off with water. Otherwise you have a permanent finish 
If you have the 1064nm IR laser, go ahead. That’s what it’s made for. I’ve done mirrors face up with my IR. 