Hi Gary, Sorry that we weren't able to get back to you with advise on what graver to choose for making balance staffs. When dealing with OttoFrei.com you are dealing with our jewelry tools division and you won't find technical support for watchmaking questions from us. Try ofrei.com, the watchmaker part of the business (you might get your question answered but I am pertty sure you can count how many watchmakers in North America that can turn a balance staff with a graver and a lathe on one hand). The right response you should have gotten from OttoFrei.com is 'I don't know'. My guess is that you are buying the right kinda of thing (carbon steel square graver). It is probably the closest material and the closest shape available to match what a watchmaker might have used 100 years ago to make or cut down balance staffs on a lathe. Keep in mind gravers are basically rough blanks and need to be shaped and finished before they do any task. Best Wishes, Steven Frei