EC Lyons Square Scorper

EC Lyons makes high-quality tools for wood engraving. These tools are made from high-carbon tool steel.

The Square Scorper has straight sides, which means that it will cut a line of a constant width. Because the tip of the cutting face is completely flat, lines cut with this tool will begin and end abruptly, with a square edge. They will not swell or taper, as lines made with a spitsticker or a graver might; nor will they be rounded at the ends, like cuts made with a round scorper.

Scorpers are often used to lighten areas of a print by stippling: repeatedly pecking at the woodblock with the tip of the tool, so that the surface bears a carpet of tiny incisions. This tool will create angular, squarish dots; for rounded dots, you will need a round scorper.

Use tools #36, #37 and #39 for detailed linear work. Create lines that start and end abruptly or angular, squarish dots.

Use tools #42 and #44 for bolder lines and clearing larger areas. Use to remove peaks left by other tools.