Dry point is a printmaking method in which the design is scratched directly into a copper plate with a pointed tool. This is usually a thick steel needle, sharpened to a point or diamond tipped. A distinctive feature of the method is created by the burr—the tiny upturned edge of the furrow made by the cutting tool. The burr retains the ink when the plate is wiped, giving to the dry point line its characteristic opulent, enduring, alluring and velvet quality.