Inking A horn

[BigDeutscher]

What did they use ? and what is the best modern alternative to ink text or engraveings on a horn
Deutsch

 

[Black Hand]

Lamp-black was probably the most common. I have used india ink (Horn) and black-powder mixed with spit (antler).

 

[BigDeutscher]

Do you know where I may purchase lamp black
I would guess most hobbie or craft stores
Will have india ink

 

[Black Hand]

Besides the hobby store, you could make your own with using a wick lamp set low so it smokes. Collect from the inside of the glass.


India ink is probably the easiest to use as it comes pre-mixed/pre-made... :wink:

 

[mazo kid]

A friend of mine who used to do some scrimshaw used black latex pigment from a hardware or paint store. You just rub it into the scratching and then wipe the horn with a damp rag to remove the over run. Take a small jar (like a prescription pill container) along and get a few "squirts" for very little money.

 

[Glenfilthie]

I would just use a sharpie marker or the finer ink pens supplied by staedtler. It isn't traditional, but it works and won't come out.

 

[gus13]

charcoal dust.
Haven't ried it yet myself, but I fully intend to next time I have a horn worth scrimmin'. seems to be the easiest (most available) and the cheapest alternative around.

 

[omarick1948]

A SHARPIE MARKER might seem like a quick and easy way, but over time the pen's ink turns lighter and a blue tone! :idunno: ....Don't ask me how I know that!

Over the years, I have found that charcoal dust mixed with a drop or two of linseed oil seems to work best for me and stands the test of time well!

Some horner friends of mine are starting to use Etchers Ink also!

Rick

 

[David W.]

This is actually a question for Horner75. Couldn't charcoal (carbon) be used mixed with honey?

 

[scobrien]

I tried Rick's method of charcoal dust this winter for the first time. I have some hardwood charcoal on hand and I scraped a piece against some 150 grit sandpaper to make a small pile of fine charcoal dust. I added a few drops of gun stock oil finish to make a paste and then rubbed that into my scratching.

It worked slick and came out darker than my old method. Before, I would rely on left over graphite from drawing my pattern on the horn with a pencil. Whatever form of dirt and natural oils were on my hands and finger tips also helped.

No ink over run/leeching with this method and it is easy with quick cleanup. It is the method used on the rum horn pictured in this craftsman section a few weeks back.

Thanks for the tip Rick!

Steve

 

[Bon Sauvage]

Do you know where I may purchase lamp black
I would guess most hobbie or craft stores
Will have india ink

I bought a pint of lamp black at a local paint store. It wasn't on the shelf and I had to ask the manager for it.

 

[imray]

you can buy stoveblack at anyplace that you can buy mortar mix, and any other mortar color you want too. I suggest you don't use it in the house. It would be a mistake. best wishes, ray

 

[omarick1948]

This is actually a question for Horner75. Couldn't charcoal (carbon) be used mixed with honey?

Flintlock62, I suppose you could, but I would worry about the honey disolving over time with moisture. I think that's why a non-water soluable base might be better!

I don't know if it is fact or fiction, but I read an old book about whaler's and in it, it talked about a sailor scrimshawing on whale bone and darking the scratchings with the scrapings from his briar pipe, so that started me thinking....Charcoal! I have been using charcoal dust for many years and don't even look at the India ink bottles anymore!

Rick