What is scrimshaw knife?

Scrimshaw is an early American art form originating from the whaling industry in the late 1700’s. During the many idle hours at sea, a whaler etched drawings of nautical themes on items that were readily available to him such as sperm whale teeth and bones. One Natural Bone Handled Pocket Knife (Imported)

What can I scrimshaw on?

Bone would be the most traditional and effective surface to use instead of ivory. However, if you don’t have access to bone, the next best ivory substitute to use for scrimshaw would be polymer or shell. You can also use old ivory piano keys or even white acrylic, if you have access to it.

How do you care for scrimshaw?

After oiling, seal the surface with a clear paste wax or high-end car wax. Bone items are more fragile because they are more fibrous and porous. These should be treated with a light, clear mineral oil. Ultimately, the best way to preserve a scrimshaw piece is to be preventative.

What is a trapper pocket knife?

A Trapper is a traditional slip joint knife that is most widely recognized with two blades–a clip point and a spey blade. Trapper knives can also be found with one, three, four, or even five blades. The longer Trapper knives were popular among trappers because they could be used for skinning animals.

How do I know if my Scrimshaw is real?

It is also applied to any sailor-made item such as dippers made from coconut shells, corset busks (stiffeners) made of baleen, etc. Carving on bone has been with us since the stone age, but the art flourished during the 18th century, particularly as a result of American whaling voyages lasting three years or more.

What is a bone handle knife?

Bones of deceased animals, are extensively used to make handles for knives. Enabling a stronger grip, fixed blade knives with bone handles are desirable in terms of appearance. Known as hunting knives, knives with bone handles can be used for skinning activities.

What material is used for scrimshaw?

Scrimshaw is scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically it refers to the artwork created by whalers, engraved on the byproducts of whales, such as bones or cartilage. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses.

Is it legal to own scrimshaw?

19th and 20th century scrimshaw, scrimshaw crafted before 1989 (elephant) or before 1973 (sperm whale ivory, walrus ivory etc.) is legal. Finally, any ivory considered ancient, such as 10,000- to 40,000-year-old mammoth ivory, is completely unrestricted in its sale or possession.

How do I know if my scrimshaw is real?

What is a lockback knife?

Backlock (or: Lockback or Back-Lock) is the mechanism in certain lockable pocketknives. The handle of a Lockback knife contains a mechanism that allows the blade to be locked in place and then unlocked again. The blade of a Lockback knife also has a small notch on the end of the tang.

What is a Slipjoint knife?

The blades of pocket knives with a slipjoint mechanism are kept open by a spring. These knives feature a classic build and are usually equipped with a back spring. The blade stays open without a lock but can be closed manually once the spring force is overcome.

What is scrimshaw and how is it made?

Scrimshaw is engraved or carved items made by whalers, typically from baleen or whale ivory. The material they used is particular; the whalers didn’t venture into shark teeth or other animal bones. These carvings typically feature pictures or lettering on the bone or tooth’s surface, with the engraving highlighted by a pigment.

What kind of knife do you use for scrimshaw?

You can also use a pen-like X-acto knife with a replaceable head if you don’t have access to a pin vise. Insert a pin into the front and secure the pinhead inside the knife. You can also use a pocket knife to make your scrimshaw, if you want to be more traditional.

What is whaling scrimshaw?

Whalers started scrimshawing on whaling ships between 1745 and 1759 on the Pacific Ocean. Scrimshaw is engraved or carved items made by whalers, typically from baleen or whale ivory. The material they used is particular; the whalers didn’t venture into shark teeth or other animal bones.

How do you preserve a scrimshaw knife or money clip?

The smartest way to preserve your scrimshaw knife or money clip is to take preventative measures as soon as possible. Items crafted out of bone are usually more fragile and prone to breaking or damage. You can treat them with light, clear mineral oil. After oiling, seal with a high-quality wax.