The Piratech Saga Inlay DLC 3D Laser Engraved Dragon Titanium turns the Saga into a striking piece of functional artwork. Created through the Piratech x 薪-Studio collaboration, this titanium inlay combines modern laser technology with traditional sculpting techniques to create a deeply detailed Dragon Scales pattern with an unmistakable presence.
Before the laser engraving began, the design was developed as a physical clay sculpture. This time-tested method allowed the team to carefully determine where the pattern should sit, how deep each detail should be, and where the surface should remain untouched. Just as importantly, the clay model made it possible to study how light would reflect across the three-dimensional pattern before committing the design to titanium. Clay modeling has long been used to create 3D artwork and has also been an important technique in automotive design.
Once the sculpture was refined, it was scanned and transformed into a detailed 3D digital model. That model provided the blueprint for the laser engraving process, allowing the intricate dragon scale pattern to be recreated across the titanium inlay with impressive depth and precision.
The laser engraving process took approximately 30 hours to complete. Titanium is more difficult to laser than materials such as brass or copper, so a lower-power laser and slower engraving process were required to achieve the detailed three-dimensional finish. The extended production time reflects the level of precision behind the finished inlay, with each contour carefully developed to produce the desired texture and interaction with light.
Milled and laser engraved from titanium, the inlay features a DLC finish that gives the Dragon Scales pattern a dark, tactical appearance. The contrast between the sculpted surface and the dark finish highlights the intricate three-dimensional design while giving the Saga a more aggressive, modern character. At 17.8 grams, the inlay adds a distinctive visual upgrade without excessive weight.
The package includes one titanium inlay with four magnets for installation.
The story behind this inlay is just as compelling as its appearance. 薪-Studio is a group within the Piratech team dedicated to rediscovering long-lost techniques, art, and culture and bringing them back to life through modern methods. The name 薪 (Xin), meaning firewood and passing the torch, represents the idea of preserving knowledge and skills by carrying them forward to the next generation.
Designed specifically for the Piratech Saga, this DLC Dragon Titanium Inlay is an ideal upgrade for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate precision craftsmanship, distinctive design, and the story behind the work. It's a bold way to give your Saga a darker identity while showcasing the incredible detail possible when traditional artistry meets modern technology.
Available at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, a Tennessee landmark and the world’s largest knife store.
