Scrimshaw Techniques (Schiffer Books)

I am a very visual learner, and while the text in the book is informative text, an unfortunate absence in accompanying artwork made for very dry learning. It's a sort of industry manual, and it tends to read like one. I have done some scrimshaw in the past, having learned from trial and error and even from some youtube videos put out by skilled artisans, and I purchased the book hoping to learn more than what I knew already, but unfortunately I found nothing much new (except for how to properly debride a hippo tusk before use, which I admit is pretty cool)Ultimately though I felt like it didn't tell me anything I didn't already learn from a casual interest in the art form. Maybe for someone who's a complete beginner who doesn't have any qualms about sitting still and reading blocks of text to learn, it would have been better. There is a gallery section in the back of the book that takes up about a fourth of the page volume, so the instructional bits were really quite a bit shorter than I'd expected as well.It's not a bad book, just not the way I prefer to learn.

The book is a good reference and was worth the price.However, the author sometimes vacillates between barely touching a subject, and providing far more detail than necessary for a subject. Combined with some sections that feel a bit pretentious, it can be a little annoying to read.

This book is a great reference for beginners as well as advanced scrimshanders. Some of the techniques are advanced, but basic techniques are covered as well, and very clear illustrations accompany each text section.

This is a wonderful book especially as I am new to this art form. The author gives a general introduction and description of the art and then goes on to detail. I found it easy to comprehend and apply. Super A + add for anyone interested in getting familiar with the basics as well as avoiding costly mistakes. The art work included is beautful and inspiring. Thanks so much !

I bought this book (and the advanced) for source information on beginning my own scrimshaw. I am quite satisfied with it and have happily begun my own work on bone and antler. I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in scrimshaw. And if you start doing your own, invest in some renaissance wax, also sold on Amazon.

An excellent basic manual for beginners and some creative examples for more experienced artists.

I never thought i would be able to do this because I can't draw well but this book shows how even i can scrimshaw! Well presented and good instructions

Good instructions and examples of scrimshaw.

excellent book

un classique, à lire pour se lancer dans cette activité.Permet de voir une méthode de préparation et travail, un aperçu des outils.