I want to make gifts of a few swords [wall hanging, non functional] and some folding pocket knives and want to engrave some script on the blades of the swords [eight words along the length] and either on the blade or handle of the knives [ three words].  

Had a buddy do that and the guy he took them to use a laser engraver.  

2 questions:

Is laser the best technique?

Where is the St Louis area does this kind of thing?  

Thanks,

Best guy I know of is a little South of St. Louis, in Desloge is Jeff Forbush.   [url=http://www.4bushwrs.com/laser-work/]***ETA, I don't know why is does that..

I heard he has a few drop off spots up in some of the St. Louis Gun shop if you don't want to drive all the way down. shops.....  He rents shop space inside Cedar Falls Tactical...  I've seen some pretty cool stuff he's done... Also does custom coatings and other finishes...[/url]

Stiern/Arch Laser in Fenton is GTG. They do all kinds of stuff. I had my lowers done there,  and I know several others that had lowers done there.