A 'scriber is a han tool used in metalworking to mark lines on workpieces, prior to machining. This is used instead of pencils as the marks from pencils cannot be seen as clearly as scriber marks. They consist simply of a rod of high-carbon steel, in its hardened state, that has been sharpened to a point at one or both ends. They are used by drawing the point over the surface of the workpiece to leave a shallow scratch on its surface.