Author Topic: Scrimshaw Powder Horns (Read 1065 times)

Swamp Yankee · « **on:** December 17, 2005, 02:59:52 PM »

I was wondering if any members of the fourm have ever tried to scrimshaw their powder horns? I droped my old powder horn on cement and cracked it so I ordered a new one from Track of the Wolf. When I ordered a kit horn, I asked if they had any in white. The guy I talked to went in the back and hand selected a nice one for me that was about 2/3 white that faded to dark. [great service] I know they have how to books on scrimshaw but I was wondering if anyone has tried it and how it came out and how difficult it was. Thanks, Jim

KING · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2005, 05:50:14 PM »

:-D The guys and gals at Track will go out of there way to help anyone. What you are requesting is very easy. I do know that some guys will use a sharp pin placed into a wooden dowel to do thier scratching with and others will use a very sharp knife tip. Find what kind of pattern you might like and go for it.....fillin the scratchings with a little India Ink and wipe clean. Ink will stay in the scratches. I know this is very simple information but a couple of the guys on here really can turn out some beautiful work. Go for it and enjoy yourself. It will be your horn and hafe your personality.......stay safe.King

lostid · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2005, 12:18:36 PM »

well basic scratch maps on horn is easy and sure does alot to personalize your item. It does! Yet Schrimshaw covers alot more than that.

Horn carving, and ink staining of horn is as easy as whistles and watercolors,,,horn is an easy medium,,practice on your old one,,who know's? maybe you'll be another picasso"

My point is "go for it!". There's a ton of info on-line for free.

Swamp Yankee · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2005, 01:06:00 PM »

Guys,
Thanks for the encouragement, sometimes I need a little push to get me going. I'm just trying to figure out what I'd like to put on the horn. I tried to freehand a wolf on paper............. I think I'll start with something a bit more simple. Thanks again, Jim

Hoyt · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2006, 02:28:52 PM »

I tried my hand at it on my flat horn...

Regular

Color Side

horseman308 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2006, 11:28:10 AM »

I've heard of guys doing it with a Dremel tool. I've never tried, but they say that a Dremel cuts better and so you get deeper lines and more pronounced images. However, you also have to be able to control it and use it well, so if I tried scrimshaw I'd probably do what these other guys have said and use a sharp knife.

Swamp Yankee · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2006, 11:59:02 AM »

Hoyt,
That was an excellent job. I hope that mine turns out half as good. I'm going to try a Cardinal on a spruce branch. I've done some reading and have some material to try on first. Jim

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2006, 01:41:39 PM »

A quick tip that works for me, a coat of johnsons paste floor wax helps control what the ink penetrates and more importantly what it doesen't penetrate!!.