The Best Selection of Hawaiian Knives
Whether you’re searching for the perfect keepsake to remember your visit to the islands or found us online while hunting for that impossible person to shop for, we have the unique collections that will please everyone. So many of our visitors are drawn to our scrimshaw knives. The intricate detail and large selection to choose from make our Hawaiian knives a treasured keepsake.
Our collection of scrimshaw knives is not only an eye-catching treasure but a piece that comes with a story to tell. Imagine handing a loved one a gift that comes with a fascinating history. A little bit of Hawaii that will provide memories for years to come. It’s simply priceless.
The Art of Scrimshaw
If you aren’t familiar with scrimshaw, you’re in for an incredible story. Scrimshaw refers to the amazing artwork that originated in the eighteenth century by whalers. Scrimshaw is the art of scribing beautiful designs, typically on whale byproducts. It’s believed to be one of the oldest known American folk arts. As the story is told, sailors passed the time by creating this technique during long excursions while confined to New England whaling boats. This breathtaking craft involved engravings and carvings, often done in ivory or bone. These engravings were often found as creative forms of pictures or lettering on teeth that sailors were allotted from each whale catch. Often used as gifts for loved ones, it’s no wonder they have continued to make beautiful presents for everyone.
The Beauty of Hawaiian Knives
Scrimshaw knives are always a crowd-pleaser. We often find that our visitors can’t tear their eyes from the gorgeous details each of our scrimshaw knives have. Each of our Hawaiian knives is offered in multiple designs with a variety of knife styles to choose from. Even the local designers themselves have a story to tell that led them to the art of Hawaiian scrimshaw knives.
Traditional Hawaiian Knives
What Hawaiian gift or souvenir is complete without a gecko? A favorite of our scrimshaw knives is expertly crafted with a gecko on one side, and “Maui” scrimshawed on the back. The knife’s smooth bone handle is perfectly scrimshawed by local Maui artist Derek Fine. When closed, these gecko scrimshawed knives measure only three inches. The stainless clip point blade, measuring two inches, is a gift-giver favorite. The nickel silver bolsters and single locking blade make the Scrimshaw Lockback Pocket Knife a favorite of ours too!
Derek was introduced to scrimshaw at a young age by his father, Doug Fine. At only ten years old, Derek began his work in scrimshaw, and at nineteen, he had gone professional. Among his most popular works are pieces with traditional whaling scenes and those with the diverse marine life of Hawaii.
Scrimshaw Trapper Knife
You won’t be able to help but admire the stunning, smooth bone handle of the Scrimshaw Trapper Knife. With expert craftsmanship, the popular Trapper Hawaiian knives are also created by Derek Fine. These beautiful scrimshaw knives measure only four inches, the perfect pocket present. With a sturdy stainless blade and nickel silver accent bolsters, it’s definitely a gift anyone on your list will enjoy. You may have a tough time choosing from our four designs with “Maui” scrimshawed on one side and one of four scenes on the other. The Trapper scrimshaw knives are made by Whitetail Cutlery.
Scrimshaw Design Options
- Turtle
- Tuna
- Marlin
- Ship with Humpback Whale
Scrimshaw Fixed Blade Damascus Knife with Sheath
Scrimshaw knives are always a great conversation piece. A fascinating example is our Scrimshaw Fixed Blade Damascus Knife with Sheath. These scrimshaw knives may make a collector or enthusiast out of you before you leave! Local Maui artist Doug Fine creates custom masterpieces on a perfectly smoothed bone handle. Featuring a Damascus blade, this beauty comes with a rich brown leather sheath. The Damascus steel blade measures four and a half inches in length with a fixed blade knife body, equaling a total of nine inches in length.
Doug is a highly regarded American scrimshaw artist and authority on whaling art. He is also the father of Derek Fine and inspired his son to follow in his footsteps. Doug is also known for his scrimshaw work in color.
Scrimshaw Style Money Clip with Knife and File
If you’re looking for scrimshaw knives with an extremely unique touch, we have just the thing. It’s the perfect item for any man on your list; if you can part with it, that is! The Scrimshaw Style Money Clip with Knife and File is the combination that makes life both convenient and intriguing. Linda Layden has designed the ultimate gift of Hawaiian knives, charm, history, and functionality. This fascinating money clip comes in four classic choices.
Scrimshaw Design Options
- Hawaiian Islands
- Hang Loose
- Turtle
- Shark
The multi-use clip measures just two inches by one inch, the perfect size for any pocket.
Linda was influenced by the whaling port near her home of many years. Intrigued by the history it held, she grew fascinated with the carvings of whalers, and their journeys told through their art. She has continued the art of traditional scrimshaw for over forty years and still loves every moment of it.
If you prefer Hawaiian knives that boast a splash of color, we have a collection of knives you’ll want to take a peek at.
Abalone Stockman Pocket Knife
The tantalizing Abalone Stockman Pocket Knife features three stainless steel blades, reaching up to three inches. With a resin covered-abalone handle, you’ll find “Maui” acid-etched on the longest of the blades. Each knife carries a unique blend of gorgeous colors.
Composite Toothpick Pocket Knife
Steve Nolte Mosaic Damascus Knife
An ultimate piece in our knife selection is the Steve Nolte Mosaic Damascus Knife. This one of a kind knife offers a custom fixed blade. Steve Nolte pairs a blued mosaic Damascus blade with a gemstone pietersite handle. You’ll find strategically hand engraved accents done by Al Frisillo and an alligator leather custom pancake-style sheath.
We invite you to stop by if you’re visiting the islands. We’ll share the history of each piece that catches your eye. If travel plans aren’t in your near future, we offer a piece of Hawaii in our online store for all to enjoy.