Cutaway Engraving. A form of engraving to create raised lettering in a special panel. A die is specially prepared to have a small raised panel of metal where the intended letters or figures are to appear. This panel is then cut away by hand engraving after the medal is fully struck. This produces raised lettering remaining after the unwanted portion of the panel – called dead metal – is cut down to the surface or table level. Cutaway is difficult work for the engraver, but is one method to obtain raised lettering were other methods, as, perhaps, an insert die cannot be used. Also called background cutaway, particularly when applied to hand engraving a positive (cameo) die.