Coming from a minority population it felt important to learn our history - and I think handicraft is a big part of that. There are so many crafts that are forgotten as older generations pass away. Making knives - antler knives with engraving is part of our culture and the knife in the picture is the very first knife I´ve made.
Its a half antler knife with scrimshaw engraving . The scrimshaw engraving is done with a tiny needle and thats pressed into the antler to make holes, same as a tattoo and then fill the holes with oil colour. In older days they would use a fine powder of bark and spit/water and rub over it to colour it.
A custom made tin bracelet with antler detail and a grayling scrimshawed on it. This one is 2 x 3 cm and it took me about 5 days to finish the scrimshaw.
Here are some progress pictures:
Its a slow process but I really enjoy watching the design take shape and come to life.
