The Only Scrimshaw Tool You Actually Need

You don't need much to practice the ancient art of scrimshaw, and the only scrimshaw tool you actually need is a needle. That's right, sailers often used a sail needle, which has a triangular head, to make their scrimshaw. Of course, other tools are helpful and you needn't limit yourself to only a needle, unless you want to.
Brian also shares an example of the stipple method done on a whale tooth, we're guessing around 1861. The stippled holes are clearly triangular, so would have been done with a sail needle.
Ingenious Contrivances, Curiously Carved: Scrimshaw in the New Bedford Whaling Museum:
amzn.to/3aF8k2u (Affiliate url)
Less expensive (as of date of video publish):
store.whalingmuseum.org/colle...
Please subscribe to the channel and let us know in the comments what projects you'd like to see next. (In which case, you ought to enable notifications through the bell icon, as well.)
Brian Stockman is a master carver with a deep knowledge of traditional wood, stone, bone, and ivory carving.

[@StockmanOriginal]

Thanks for watching! You'll be interested in our comprehensive tutorial to scrimshaw tools and techniques:

[@HollynHex]

That’s good scrimshaw

[@LongPondNH]

If anyone is looking for a top quality assortment of sail needles, William Smith Reduced Edge needles are the go-to in the sailmaking trade. Look for the assortment in the tube with the green label. There is no better quality.

[@howdyhandy4948]

Im a leathersmith From ireland whos just got into scrimshaw thanks for the great video I look forward to more.

[@bigkahuna8338]

That "ink eraser" sir is an ivory-handled scalpel. It was used for "bleeding" patients and, of course, as a scalpel. I am sure it also makes a nice ink eraser :). You do nice work by the way....

[@desireeforget3717]

Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful and informative :)

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Respect sent and Thank You very much .

[@angelaprater2679]

I could listen to this guy all day love his room with the different cool things I think I should of been horned 100 years back I don.t know but I the love that time.

[@jsteelsadventureandvariety4545]

Very informative Brian👍was neat to see some early pieces, enjoyed watching and have a great day🙂

[@stevenmccrickard1401]

New sub, thanks for the content.

[@shawnwbell4404]

Hi Brian, I enjoy your channel! I am wondering about the size of sailors needles to use? I have found a place online that sale a newer version of sailors needles, but they offer several different sizes and I didn't want to order too big or too small thinking that I wouldn't use them. I figured I'd seat them in some deer antler into hardwood dowel. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Keep up the great work!

[@scbane]

I saw an old guy in seattle on the pier who was using a very fine checkering file on antler.

[@kelsey5870]

What would be the easiest go to tool for a beginner? I bought some scribing pens that I thought would work but I'd like to add more tools. My plan is to scrim on my powder horn.

[@francisraw2459]

Mate how much you selling a whale tooth without scrimshaw ?

[@arkas6797]

What is the essential tool for Scrimshaw? Should its spike be triangular or round? I would like to start by learning the technique on cow bones. Can you point me to a selling link? Thank you, happy holidays with health.

[@callmeishmael3031]

I use sewing needles in clutch pencil holders. I never sharpen them. I just toss the needle out if it gets dull and put in a new one.

[@biglakejudy]

I looked this book up. I will have to be a much better little girl to get this one. Its very expensive. Very.

[@ChippinFlint]

Could a guy use a sharpened horseshoe nail?

[@pricetag30]

What’s with the feminine appearance?

[@user-hf7is6ui7f]

I thought he was a she. He needs a beard.