Culiau Engraving Pen: My Honest Review

Have you ever seen those beautifully personalized gifts on Etsy—the engraved whiskey glasses, the custom leather keychains, the monogrammed wooden cutting boards—and thought, “I wish I could do that”? I’ve been there. But the thought of a bulky, roaring Dremel or a complex, expensive laser setup was enough to end that dream.

If you’re a hobbyist, a DIY-er, or just someone who wants to add a personal touch to your projects without the high cost and steep learning curve, the Culiau Engraving Pen is the product you should buy. My main intent here is to share my experience and explain why this little cordless tool is the perfect “gateway drug” into the world of creative engraving.

My Experience With The Culiau Engraving Pen

My journey into engraving started with a simple, frustrating problem: I wanted to label my metal garden markers in a way that wouldn’t fade or wash off. A permanent marker looked cheap, and stamping was too much hassle. I just wanted to write on the metal. This sent me down the rabbit hole of “engraving pens,” where I was immediately confronted with two extremes: cheap, battery-operated “buzzers” that felt like toys, and corded, heavy rotary tools that felt like overkill for a simple craft.

That’s when I found the Culiau pen. The ads were all over social media, showing people effortlessly etching beautiful designs onto glass, leather, and wood.

It was cordless, it was rechargeable via USB-C (a huge plus for me), and it looked like a pen.

My skepticism was high, but the price was reasonable, so I took the plunge.

The kit arrived, and my first impression was genuinely positive.

The pen itself is sleek, made of metal, and has a satisfying weight—not “heavy,” but “substantial.”

It feels like a high-quality fountain pen, not a cheap plastic toy. The real surprise was the accessory box. It came with a 30-piece set of diamond-tipped bits in every shape imaginable—points, balls, flat-heads, and cones—plus a single carbide bit for tougher jobs. It also included a USB-C cable, a little manual, and an e-book guide.

I charged it up, which took about an hour. The LED screen is bright and clear, showing the battery level and one of three speeds. I decided to start simple. I grabbed one of the stencils from the kit (they’re not included, but I had some) and an old glass jar.

I inserted a fine-point diamond bit, which was as easy as loosening the collet, dropping it in, and tightening it. I pressed the power button, set it to speed 1 (the lowest), and touched it to the glass.

The first thing I noticed was the sound. It wasn’t the high-pitched SCREEECH I was expecting. It was a manageable, high-RPM whir. The feel was even more impressive. There was almost zero vibration. I was holding it just like a pen, and my hand was steady. It wasn’t trying to “run away” from me. The pen was doing the work, and I was just guiding it. The glass frosted instantly, leaving a clean, permanent line.

Emboldened, I moved on to my metal garden markers. I cranked the speed up to 3 (the highest, 21,000 RPM). Here, I had to apply a bit more pressure, but the carbide bit slowly and steadily etched my “Rosemary” and “Thyme” labels into the soft aluminum. It was working.

I spent the next two hours in a creative frenzy. I engraved my initials on my leather phone case. I etched a design on a wooden coaster. I labeled my metal-cased earbuds. The 2-hour battery life claim is accurate. The pen’s motor never “bogged down” on these light-duty materials, and my hand didn’t feel fatigued at all. It’s not a powerhouse—I wouldn’t try to carve a statue with it—but for its intended purpose of detailing and personalizing, it’s a dream. It’s the perfect, accessible tool I was looking for.

Read More: My Thoughts On Resparked Engraving Pen

Pros Of The Culiau Engraving Pen

• Truly Ergonomic “Pen-Like” Design: This is, without a doubt, its single greatest feature. Most rotary tools are bulky, top-heavy, and force you to hold them in a “fist” grip. The Culiau is a slim, perfectly balanced cylinder that you hold exactly like a pen. This is a game-changer for control. It means your “muscle memory” from writing and drawing translates directly to engraving. This design, combined with its extremely low weight (about 50g), means you can work for an hour or more without your hand cramping or getting fatigued. It’s the difference between “drawing” and “operating machinery.”
• Portability and Cordless Freedom: The second-best feature is the lack of a cord. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery and recharges via a standard USB-C cable. This is a massive pro. You aren’t tethered to a wall outlet. You can take this to your workbench, your kitchen table, or out into the garage. The battery life is a very solid 2 hours of continuous use, which is more than enough for several projects. It makes the whole process feel spontaneous and creative, not like you’re setting up a major power tool.
• Beginner-Friendly “All-in-One” Kit: When you buy this pen, you are “done.” You don’t need to immediately go buy more accessories. The included 30-piece diamond bit set is a fantastic value. It gives you every conceivable tip-shape to experiment with—fine points for outlines, ball-tips for shading, and flat-tips for filling. It also includes a carbide bit for harder materials. For a beginner, this is perfect. It lets you discover which bits work best for glass, which are better for wood, etc., without spending another $30 on an accessory kit. The included e-book and manual are also genuinely helpful for getting started.
• Adjustable Speed and Clear LED Display: This isn’t just a simple “on/off” tool. It features three distinct speed settings: 8,000, 15,000, and 21,000 RPM. This is crucial for a versatile engraver. You need a low, slow speed for delicate, brittle materials like glass or a soft plastic, where a high speed might crack or melt the surface. You need that high-speed power for etching into soft metals or hardwoods. The bright, clear LED display shows you exactly what speed you’re on and how much battery you have left, which removes all the guesswork.
• Low Noise and Vibration: My experience with old, corded Dremels was one of “rattling and roaring.” The Culiau is surprisingly quiet. It’s a high-pitched whir, but you can easily hold a conversation or listen to music while using it. The low vibration is the real magic. Your hand isn’t going numb. Your lines aren’t “shaky” from the tool itself. This control is what allows you to do fine-detail work that would be impossible with a more powerful, vibrating tool.

Cons Of The Culiau Engraving Pen

• It is NOT a “Heavy-Duty” Tool: (Sub-heading: Manage Your Power Expectations)
  • This is the biggest “con.” You must understand what this tool is for. This is a hobbyist, craft, and detail pen. It is not an industrial engraver or a high-torque rotary tool.
  • Where it Fails: If you try to engrave hardened steel, carve deep channels into oak, or run it for 8 hours a day, you will be disappointed. The motor will bog down if you apply too much pressure. It is designed to etch and detail, not to cut and carve.
  • My Verdict: For 90% of crafters, this is all the power you’ll ever need. But if your goal is to engrave engine parts or deep-carve a walking stick, this is not the tool for you.
• The Bits Are for Beginners, Not Pros: (Sub-heading: They Will Wear Out)
  • Quantity over Quality: That 30-piece diamond bit set is a fantastic starter set. It is not a professional, long-lasting set. The diamond-grit coating on these bits is thin.
  • The “Lifespan”: If you are engraving a lot of glass or stone (very hard materials), you will wear these bits out. You will notice the pen isn’t “biting” as well and you have to push harder (which then bogs down the motor).
  • The Fix: This is an easy con to solve. The pen uses a standard 3/32″ (2.35mm) shank, which is the universal size for rotary tool bits. This means you can (and should) eventually buy a higher-quality, professional-grade diamond bit (like one from Dremel) to use with your Culiau pen once you find a shape you love.
• Cannot Be Used While Charging: (Sub-heading: The “Forced Break” Problem)
  • This is a huge, practical con. When the 2-hour battery is dead, it’s dead. You have to plug it in and wait for it to recharge (which takes 1-2 hours).
  • The Frustration: You cannot just plug in the USB-C cable and keep working. This can be infuriating if you are in a creative “flow state” or 90% finished with a project.
  • My Take: It’s a “pro” for forcing you to take a break, but it’s a “con” for productivity. You have to plan your projects around the battery life.
• Some Reported Quality Control Issues: (Sub-heading: The Online-Brand Lottery)
  • I have to be honest here. My pen has been flawless. But in my research, I’ve seen a minority of users report issues, most commonly a pen that won’t charge or won’t turn on right out of the box.
  • The Warranty: This is where the warranty becomes critical. Culiau offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, but you must test your pen thoroughly as soon as you get it to make sure you didn’t get a “dud.”

Maintenance Tips For The Culiau Engraving Pen

• Rule #1: Let the Speed Do the Work: (Sub-heading: You Are Drawing, Not Pushing)
  • This is the most important tip I can give you. The #1 mistake beginners make is pushing down too hard. This is how you bog down the motor, get “jumpy” lines, and wear out your bits.
  • The Method: You should be using a very light, “pen-like” touch. You are just guiding the spinning bit. Let the speed (the 21,000 RPM) do the cutting.
  • The “Feel”: It should feel like the pen is gliding over the surface, not “plowing” through it. If you want a deeper line, don’t push harder—just go over the same line 2 or 3 times with the same light touch.
• Rule #2: Match Your Speed to Your Material: (Sub-heading: The 3-Speed Guide)
  • This isn’t just “low-medium-high”; it’s a specific-use guide.
  • Speed 1 (Lowest – 8,000 RPM): This is your “Soft & Delicate” speed. Use this for soft plastics (which can melt), leather (which can burn), and very delicate, thin glass. It gives you maximum control.
  • Speed 2 (Medium – 15,000 RPM): This is your “All-Purpose” speed. I use this for 90% of my work. It’s perfect for wood, most glass (jars, bottles), and ceramic glazes.
  • Speed 3 (Highest – 21,000 RPM): This is your “Hard Stuff” speed. You need this power for etching into soft metals (like aluminum or brass), stone, and for getting a deeper carve on hardwoods.
• Rule #3: Clean Your Bits (and Your Pen): (Sub-heading: A Clean Tool is a Happy Tool)
  • Bit Maintenance: Your diamond bits will get “clogged” with material, especially when engraving wood or plastic.
  • The Fix: Get a small, stiff brush (a brass brush is great, but an old, stiff toothbrush works too) and just “brush” the tip of the bit to knock all the dust and debris out of the grit. This will dramatically extend their life.
  • Pen Maintenance: After a big project, your pen will be covered in fine dust. Never spray it or get it wet. Use a dry cloth or a can of compressed air to blow the dust out of the collet (the “jaws” that hold the bit) and off the body. This prevents dust from getting into the motor.
• Rule #4: Know Your Bit Shapes: (Sub-heading: The Right Bit for the Right Job)
  • The 30-piece kit is overwhelming. Here’s the cheat sheet:
  • Fine-Point / “Needle” Bits: These are your “Outliners.” Use these for tracing your stencils, writing text, and getting super-fine, delicate details.
  • Ball-Tipped Bits: These are your “Shaders” and “Fillers.” Use these for filling in large areas with a frosted texture or for creating soft, rounded “dents” in wood.
  • Flat / Cone-Shaped Bits: These are your “Carvers” and “Grinders.” Use these for removing more material, creating wider lines, or flattening out an area.
  • The Carbide Bit: This is your “Metal-Specialist.” Save this one only for metal, as it will chew up softer materials too fast.
• Rule #5: Safety First (Even With a “Pen”): (Sub-heading: Don’t Get Complacent)
  • It’s a “pen,” but it’s also a 21,000 RPM rotary tool. You must wear safety glasses.
  • The Debris: Engraving glass creates fine glass dust. Engraving metal creates tiny metal shards. You do not want this in your eyes. A simple pair of safety goggles is non-negotiable.
  • The Dust: A dust mask is also a very good idea, especially if you’re working for more than a few minutes or engraving materials you’re not sure about.

Comparison With Other Brands

• Culiau vs. Dremel Stylo+: (Sub-heading)
  • The Showdown: This is the most direct, “apples-to-apples” comparison. The Dremel Stylo+ is also a “pen-style,” craft-focused rotary tool from the biggest name in the business. It’s corded, but very slim and lightweight.
  • The “Feel”: The Culiau is cordless, which is a massive win for portability. The Stylo+ is corded, which is a “con” for freedom but a “pro” for unlimited runtime. You’ll never have to stop to recharge.
  • The Power: The Stylo+ has a slightly higher top speed (22,000 RPM) and the backing of Dremel’s motor-technology, so some users find it has a tiny bit more “torque” and is less likely to bog down.
  • My Verdict: I’d still choose the Culiau. The freedom of a cordless, USB-C rechargeable pen is, for me, more valuable than the unlimited runtime of the Dremel’s cord. The Culiau “kit” (with 30 bits) is also a far better starting value than the Stylo+’s, which comes with fewer accessories.
• Culiau vs. Generic “Amazon” Engraving Pens: (Sub-heading)
  • The Showdown: If you search for “engraving pen,” you’ll see dozens of pens that look identical to the Culiau, often for a few dollars less.
  • The “Catch”: Culiau has established itself as the original brand in this specific “pen-style” design. They have a US-based customer-support system, a 60-day guarantee, and a warranty.
  • My Verdict: This is a “peace-of-mind” choice. You might save $10 on a no-name knock-off, but if it arrives dead or breaks in a week, you have no recourse. I’d pay the extra $10 for the Culiau brand-name, the support, the warranty, and the included e-book and tutorials.
• Culiau vs. “Heavy-Duty” Corded Rotary Tools (Dremel 3000/4000): (Sub-heading)
  • A Different “Class”: This isn’t a fair comparison, but it’s one people need to understand. A Dremel 3000 is a power tool. It’s loud, heavy, corded, and has a top-speed of 35,000 RPM.
  • The “Use-Case”: You buy a Dremel 3000 to cut, sand, grind, and destroy. You buy a Culiau to draw, detail, and personalize.
  • My Verdict: They are not competitors. They are for different jobs. I own a heavy-duty rotary tool, and it’s terrifying to use for detail work. The Culiau is the “detail” specialist that my big, bulky Dremel could never be.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Saker Mini Table Saw

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, what’s my final verdict? The Culiau Engraving Pen is a fantastic tool for its target audience. It is not a professional, industrial-grade engraver. It is a hobbyist’s dream. It’s the perfect, low-cost, high-value entry-point into a new creative skill. If you are a crafter, a DIY-er, or just someone who wants to personalize their gear and gifts, you should absolutely buy this. It has bridged the gap between “cheap toy” and “scary power-tool” perfectly. It’s the tool I didn’t know I needed, and now I can’t stop finding new things to engrave.