From what I know it is totally safe..if you go to an experienced practitioner and do the proper aftercare. As far as knowing what kind of tool was used I wouldn't know. Possibly strike branding? I've never been branded atleast not professionally..I tried doing a cross on my arm when I was young and dumb.. There's also scalpel scarring which looks pretty neat for thin scars they just cut lines..and for thicker scars they actually remove skin. Then you've got tattoo gun scarring..and chemical scarring and I don't know what else..

I'm a huge fan of cutting. I think the scars are more detailed and controllable than are those from branding.

There are a couple of pictures in my profile of cuttings I've done.

Branding is cool too, I just like cutting better. It's an opinion thing.

Holier Than Thou in Manchester does scarification.
www.myspace.com/holierthanthouuk

They're one of the top Body Mod studios in the UK (I think it's safe to say that anyways).

And John, how bout linking to some of those amazing tattoo gun scarifications you've done?

I don't do tattoo machine scars (AKA Etching). I use a scalpel and carve the designs into skin.

Check my profile for a few pictures.

I had a friend help me do my homemade brand back in 2006. the actual branding process is completely painless, but the area was a little sore during healing, especially in the first few days.

the last strike (bottom of the 'K') is a little deformed, and i suspect it's because the wire wasn't heated up enough. i think my friend was starting to freak out at this point (the smell of burning flesh is somewhat memorable).

i applied hydrocortisone cream on it for about a week after and had it under a bandage for about 3 days. i also picked the scab a little during healing. we did this out in the bush, so the whole thing was very rudimentary in terms of sterility and after-care. but fortunately, there was no infection.

i don't have the video of it being done or photos of the healing process because the designated documenter got her camera stolen(!!) the photos here were taken about 3 months after it was done.

EDITED TO REMOVE THE HOW TO SELF BRAND! NOT ALLOWED ON THIS SITE!
~ Jen

Sorry the do it your self branding looks horrible. I would highly not recommend others doing that.

Anyway Josh I would research the shops and find some one very experienced. Look at their portfolios and just research them a lot. Also werent you thinking about going into the military (sorry if I confused you with some one else) If so you may want to hold off. This may keep you from getting into the branch you want if you do brand or cut. Some branches are strict enough about the number of tattoos allowed when you first join. Obviously oncce you get past boot camp is another story (again if you werent the one that mentione military then ignore that comment)