Scrimshaw knives feature pieces of bone, tooth, or tusk from whales or walrus sculpted into shaped and, usually, carved with designs of varying intricacy. The grooves of the carving are filled in with a pigment or other dark substance to make the picture more visible. Scrimshaw knives and knife handles are hunted by collectors who appreciate not only the creativity and skill that went into the sculpting and carving, but also the fact that the piece is also a decorative (yet practical) tool.
The best scrimshaw knives have a design that complements the shape of the handle, and have been well-preserved with oil and/or wax treatment. Antique scrimshaw knives, particularly, need care since the porousness of tooth and bone cause many pieces to dry and crumble apart after a few years.
See also: Antique Maritime Lamps and Lanterns
Collectors often don’t actually use scrimshaw knives for their intended purpose — indeed, many are created by craftspeople in the first place purely for decorative reasons. The right knife, displayed in a glass case or on a shelf, or perhaps opened and mounted on a board, can be a great decorative conversation piece. On the other hand, many are well-made enough to be used as knives, and the unique nature of each one means that nobody will have one like yours.
Our current scrimshaw knives and knife handles for sale are below. Bookmark the page and check back as we constantly update these listings as pieces get sold and new ones enter the marketplace.
