Magnum needles, also known as mags, are popular among tattoo artists because of their versatility. Featuring two rows of tightly packed needle points, they allow artists to color and shade large areas with a few passes. This coverage helps boost artists' efficiency and reduce skin trauma experienced by clients.
Like tattooing and the various tools used in the art form, mags have a fascinating history. This post will look at the evolution of tattoo needles, specifically, the origins of magnum needles and how they have changed into their different forms today.
Ancient Chinese and Japanese tattoos ranged from small designs, such as a depiction of a flower, to body suits that covered most of the body in intricate and often colorful patterns. Like today's magnums, these traditional tattooing tools provided the coverage and configuration needed to execute these elaborate works of art.
The ancestors of mags were likely just a cluster of needles arranged beside each other, almost like today's flat configurations. It wasn't until around the 20th century that manufacturers began stacking two rows of needles, forming something close to what is now known as "stacked magnums." This new configuration is notable for helping improve ink distribution while reducing skin trauma, making tattooing a smoother and less uncomfortable process.
Mags are currently among the standard configurations attached to electric tattoo machines. Even tattoo needle cartridges, a revolutionary invention in their own right, come in mags of various sizes. Thanks to these cartridges, tattoo and PMU artists can efficiently and quickly attach mags as needed during their work.
Over time, standard magnum needles gave way to related variations designed for particular effects. These are some of the different types of mags in the market:
Indeed, proof of this is the advent of hybrid tattoo needles like Grip Needles' TriFlat™ needle., a 3RL and flat hybrid featuring 3RL tattoo needles arranged in a flat configuration. This innovative hybrid improves the efficiency of stippling by allowing artists to create lines and dots over larger areas within fewer passes.
Mags have changed so much and will likely continue to change even more. Still, their purpose remains the same - to provide artists with the tools they need to create stunning works of art while ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for clients. Grip Needles will be at the fore of this evolution, continuously innovating and improving products to address the needs of the tattooing and PMU sectors.
Like tattooing and the various tools used in the art form, mags have a fascinating history. This post will look at the evolution of tattoo needles, specifically, the origins of magnum needles and how they have changed into their different forms today.
From bamboo sticks to electric machines
Mags are believed to have originated in ancient China and Japan, where tattoos were associated with beauty, social status, alliances, spirituality, and other cultural elements. Back in the day, tattoo artists would fasten multiple metal needles onto a bamboo stick, which would then be dipped in ink and repeatedly stuck into the skin.Ancient Chinese and Japanese tattoos ranged from small designs, such as a depiction of a flower, to body suits that covered most of the body in intricate and often colorful patterns. Like today's magnums, these traditional tattooing tools provided the coverage and configuration needed to execute these elaborate works of art.
The ancestors of mags were likely just a cluster of needles arranged beside each other, almost like today's flat configurations. It wasn't until around the 20th century that manufacturers began stacking two rows of needles, forming something close to what is now known as "stacked magnums." This new configuration is notable for helping improve ink distribution while reducing skin trauma, making tattooing a smoother and less uncomfortable process.
Mags are currently among the standard configurations attached to electric tattoo machines. Even tattoo needle cartridges, a revolutionary invention in their own right, come in mags of various sizes. Thanks to these cartridges, tattoo and PMU artists can efficiently and quickly attach mags as needed during their work.
Different mags for different results
- Curved magnum. Also known as round magnums, these mags have a slight curve in their configuration that allows for smoother blending and shading.
- Flat magnum. These mags have a straight configuration that's ideal for creating bold lines, solid fills, and packing colors.
- Weaved magnum. In this configuration, the needles are arranged in a zigzag pattern, which helps mitigate skin trauma and facilitate faster healing.
- Stacked magnum. This mag features a tightly grouped cluster of needles that provide precise control, making it great for intricate patterns.
- Textured magnum. A textured mag features needles with a textured surface that helps produce unique effects and makes it ideal for stippling.
Indeed, proof of this is the advent of hybrid tattoo needles like Grip Needles' TriFlat™ needle., a 3RL and flat hybrid featuring 3RL tattoo needles arranged in a flat configuration. This innovative hybrid improves the efficiency of stippling by allowing artists to create lines and dots over larger areas within fewer passes.
Mags have changed so much and will likely continue to change even more. Still, their purpose remains the same - to provide artists with the tools they need to create stunning works of art while ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for clients. Grip Needles will be at the fore of this evolution, continuously innovating and improving products to address the needs of the tattooing and PMU sectors.
