Set of Wolf & Caribou 1911 Grips in Reverse Scrimshaw

Wolf and caribou reverse scrimmed on a matched set of 1911 grips

I scrimmed these grips as a matched set for a client who wanted them for a pair of 1911 handguns. I scrimmed them in reverse on black paper micarta grips. Each grip includes elements of the caribou and wolf. Both the client and I were very satisfied with the way this set came out.

Nude on Ivory Colt 1911 Officers Grips

Below is a Colt Model 1911 Officers Model pistol grips in estate elephant ivory. I scrimmed this young lady au natural on the customer-supplied ivory grips. Ivory grips can be pricey, but they tend to age beautifully. However, I don’t recommend them on a gun you plan to shoot. The stress from firing can cause… Continue reading Nude on Ivory Colt 1911 Officers Grips

Chief Joseph on Ruger Single Six Bonded Ivory Grips

Closeup of Chief Joseph Grips

Below is a pair of Ruger revolver grips in bonded ivory (a mixure of powdered ivory and resin). These attractive grips were scrimmed on both sides with a theme honoring Chief Joseph. The challenge of scrimming portraits is that there is little room for error if you want your subject to be recognized. That means… Continue reading Chief Joseph on Ruger Single Six Bonded Ivory Grips

Leaping Wolf Colt 1911A Grips In Black Buffalo Horn

Closeup of leaping wolf

Below is a pair of Colt Model 1911 pistol grips in genuine black water buffalo horn. These lustrous pistol grips were scrimmed in a technique called “reverse scrimshaw,” which is white on black. The challenge of reverse scrimshaw is that you are drawing the opposite of the way you would on paper (black on white).… Continue reading Leaping Wolf Colt 1911A Grips In Black Buffalo Horn

What Is Scrimshaw?

Scrimshaw is an ancient art form that has only recently realized its potential. Today’s scrimshanders (scrimshaw artists) have achieved beauty and detail unimagined by even the whalers of the nineteenth century. Scrimshaw is the process of scratching or piercing a hard material like ivory, bone, or antler, rubbing pigment into the marks or designs, then… Continue reading What Is Scrimshaw?

Materials Used In Scrimshaw

The base of any piece of scrimshaw should be a smooth, relatively hard material that is finished (polished) to a high degree. Traditionally, most scrimshaw was produced on teeth, tusks, antler, or bone. Materials I will scrim Light-colored materials (for black & white/color scrimshaw) Elephant tusk ivory (pre-ban ivory from estates in the US) Fossilized… Continue reading Materials Used In Scrimshaw