Scrimshaw scribe

[Jeff Murray]

what type of scribe do you use for scrimshaw - particularly when making tight scrolls and letters?

[Hungry Horse]

 I use a small handle exacto handle with a triangular gel pencil pad super glued to it. I use Exacto’s hook billed blade so I can make nice tight curves without dragging the remainder of the blade in my cuts.

  Hungry Horse

[Cory Joe Stewart]

I use a needle in an exacto blade handle.  So my designs are scratched in rather than cut in.  But cutting in works fine too.

Cory Joe Stewart

[Mark Elliott]

I use the padded pen type x-acto knife holder with a #11 blade and a scribe that I made using music wire. 

[Marcruger]

I've used a carbide tipped machinist's scribe.  I am not an engraving artist though, so take it for what it is worth.  Here is some Salem, NC engraving I did on a horn "kit" a good friend made for me.  My apologies for the out-of-focus horn body in this quick snap.  God Bless,   Marc

[Jeff Murray]

thanks for the feedback

[Tim Crosby]

 next time you go to the dentist ask them if they have any old tools about. They have nice grips, are very hard and are easy to reshape.

   Tim C.

[davec2]

This is from an old post of mine 10 years ago now.......

I think you will find, if you try cutting with different tools, that many things will work for you.  Here is an assortment of tools I use for scrimshaw work on horn, bone, and ivory.  For many years, I did most of the work with a very large sail maker's needle (second from the right) stoned to very sharp triangular tip (it cuts easily in any direction.)  The other tools are used to make bolder or finer lines.  Conventional gravers, scribes, and surgical scalpels are all very useful, although some work better in horn than in whale or elephant ivory.  Try anything like these that is sharp.  You may find one thing that works better for you than another.  However, the 4th tool from the right is an aluminum handle with a collet arrangement at the tip to hold 3/32 " diameter dental burs.  It is easy to use and easy to replace the scribe end with various tools ....and can be had from jewelry supply houses.



Cutting done with a graver and scalpel on horn:



Cutting done with sail maker's needle on whale ivory:

[Marcruger]

Dave, that is simply unkind showing your engraving after I posted my feeble attempt.   ;-)   Marc

[Hungry Horse]

 Many people that decide to try their hand at scrimshaw, approach it as simple line drawing, but in actuality it is more akin to pen and ink drawings that derive its depth from the concentration of single, or cross hatched, lines. The side view of the BonHomme Richard, with the moon showing through the clouds is a wonderful example.

 Hungry Horse

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

It is easy to end up with what looks like a cartoon style of drawing.  HH has described the approach well.

[Jeff Murray]

more good info.   Having been in the navy, I like ships, particularly the old square riggers.  they make great subjects for horns.  thanks again.

[Hungry Horse]

 An excellent paperback book with instructions, and excellent examples ( including a whale tooth with The sea battle involving the BonHomme Richard night battle. Is called “The Scrimshander” by Wm. Gilkerson, Troubadour Press 1978. This is well worth looking for if you are serious about scrimshaw.

  Hungry Horse

[Marcruger]

To each their own preferences.  I love beautiful scrimshaw like Daves, and I also really appreciate the cartoonish folk art engraving the old timers did with a knife on a horn. 

[aaronc]

I  use a variety of the Coulter Precision tools,...the one pictured is the one I use most often.






https://www.ebay.com/str/coulterprecision