On what material to practice scrimshaw?

[Rick Sheets]

Howdy,
I want to practice my scratching. Is there a commercially available product that cuts kinda like horn that I can practice my engraving on?
Pros - cons?
A source for the product would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick

[T.C.Albert]

Rick...use horn...the scratchin' will turn out better than you think, and it will be on a horn that you can use, trade, sell, what ever...besides, I cant think of a substitute thats cheaper than horn anyhow..
TC 

[davec2]

Rick,

When I have taught others to scrimshaw on horn or ivory, I have them practice on horn or ivory.  It is easy, and inexpensive, to prepare the horn surface but leave it thick.  I have beginners cut straight lines, circles, letters, etc., to practice with technique and different tools.  When done, scrape / polish off the designs and do it again.  You can recut the same area many times and get a lot of practice out of one horn.  It also gives you a lot of training in preparing a surface for cutting which is also an important part of the process.

[seesbirds]

Rick,

There is nothing that engraves like horn due to its grain.  If you are simply trying to improve your technique you can practice on bone, antler, micarta, corian or any other artificial "ivory".  If you're trying to improve your technique on horn then that's what you'll have to use.  Feel free to call me if I can help.

Mark

[The Original Griz]

I agree, Nothing will work like horn, curved body, grain, no flat surface. If you need some practice chunks, get me your address and I will send out some scrap pieces I have laying around.

[smorrison]

Rick, I'm in the "use horn" camp.  Horn is going to cut differently in different places do to the grain and hard and soft areas.  Get a piece of thick horn, and start practicing.  You can always scrape off what you did and start again...

Scott

[trentOH]

As far as finding an inexpensive horn to practice on, I sometimes find Mexican-made horn sets on a plaque at yard sales and flea markets, or on the on-line auctions. There's little market for them, so they tend to sell pretty cheap. A big set would provide two large "canvasses" to work on. I'm not a scrimshander so I can't speak to a comparison on the inexpensive Mexican horns compared to Bison or whatever horn you prefer to work.