scrimshaw knife kit

What Is a Scrimshaw Knife Kit?

A scrimshaw knife kit provides everything needed to create a custom-engraved knife handle using the traditional scrimshaw technique. These kits typically include a knife with a bone or synthetic handle, engraving tools, ink, and instructional guides to help beginners and experienced artisans craft detailed designs.

Used by hobbyists, collectors, and craftsmen, scrimshaw knife kits allow for personalized, handcrafted designs on high-quality knives. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can create a unique, heirloom-quality piece that blends history, artistry, and functionality.

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. His primary etching instrument was a sail needle, nail or pocket knife. After he scratched his art work into the surface of the bone, he would rub lamp black or tobacco juice into the scratch to reveal the drawing. As America traveled west, the frontiersmen carried the art form with them, applying it to their powder-horns, knives and other accoutrements.   Checkout the examples from our customers

You can experience this art form too as you scrimshaw the images of a hunt, big catch or simply the family name on your very own bone-handled pocket knife. This kit includes all you’ll need to complete the project and is a perfect starter introduction into scrimshaw.

Choose from knife style:  Trapper (4 1/8” closed) or Lock-back (3 5/8” closed).

Kit Includes:

• One Natural Bone Handled Pocket Knife (Imported)
• Steel-point Scribe
• NEW Honing Stone (not shown in image)
• 1/2 Dram India Ink
• Tracing Tool
• Transfer Paper
• Fine Steel Wool
• Ink Applicators
• Step by Step Instructions and sample graphics