The Erotic Art Knife Collector Association

Joined
Mar 13, 2002
Messages
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Does nude scrimshaw work on a knife ADD or DETRACT from resale value?

Is it usually considered "outdated" or poor taste?
David
 
I can't answer those questions in any generalized terms, only express my personal preference. I'm not a fan of scrimshaw in general (on a knife) and don't find nudes on knives to be to my personal taste. I love nekkid ladies as much as the next guy, I just don't really want them on my knives - be it engraving or scrimshaw.

Roger
 
The one thing that it will do is lower the number of potential buyers, which tends to reduce interest and price.

P
 
I would loved a piece done by Rick Fields, his nudes were incredible. That being said it probably is not very popular today. I remember handling some erotically engraved knives a while back, seems there was a large market in Asia for those.

Win
 
Like Roger, I don't like scrimshaw on knives. It wouldn't matter if it was a nude or a grizzly, it wouldn't appeal to me. In general, I think you would be greatly reducing the number of potential buyers for the knife. Not only because of those that don't like scrimshaw, but also because there are quite a few people that wouldn't be interested due to their view on morality.

There is always the chance that the particular scrimshander that did the handle is one that is collected. In that case you will attract people that would be interested in the art, not the knife.
 
I like scrimshaws & I like scrims of nudes *but* the consensus seems to be that it would reduce the demand. I remember seeing great examples by Fields and Engnath (one inspired by Frazzeta in particular).
 
the only example i have ever liked was the knife daniel winkler made with i think geronamo on the handle.....ryan
 
good one joss..:D...as for the erotic scrim....i am not a fan...just pointing out a spectacular example of scrimshaw in my mind:thumbup:
 
I think it was popular in the eighties also. At least it seemed so if you look in Knives annual.If you look at in in the Artist point of view, depending on who did it, it could command a decent price.I would classify them as nude if it's a pretty lady,Erotica if it is a scene of something. Just opinions here, but I think if it is done with taste, then yes, I think the value is there.
 
Now this guy knows scrimshaw....

Linked from makers site http://www.elfic.fr/

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Sometimes the moment calls for it. More important is how talented the artist is. On nudes, anything LESS than sublime is mediocre.

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Josef Rusnak's Art Deco version IS sublime.

Coop
 
Uhhh... Can some one remind me again why work like this fell out of fashion? When did beautiful women go out of style? :D

In all seriousness, thanks all for sharing. I hope anyone can appreciate work like this for the art it is.

More important is how talented the artist is. On nudes, anything LESS than sublime is mediocre.

I gotta agree there. Being able to render the form of a girl in ink is not enough- the artist must also posses enough skill to really make her pretty or it just looks tacky, IMO. Wish I had that kind of skill myself.

Back in the 90's (;)), I thought about having something like this scrimmed on a folder handle by a pro. Never had the funds to see it through though.



It kinda skirts the line to avoid some of the negative connotations that can sometimes be associated with nudes, yet retains much of the allure. Or maybe not.
 
I really like them...this FANTASTIC piece by Brian Tighe was offered as a prize for Friends of the Guild at the last CKG show...I was very disappointed that I did not win it :(

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I don't think this should be a 'sticky'. (There's a joke in there somewhere... :p)

Here are two examples of engraved work that show the beauty of a woman.

Jon Robyn nailed it:
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The absolute pinnacle of this style work is the unrivaled Manrico Torcoli from Engraving Arts in Italy.
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But, since this thread started with a calling for scrimshander's work, then I submit this particular example that I own:

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Again, this type of work may be as unmarketable as giraffe bone, and mokume, but I say there are examples that will make me smile from every less-than-ideal genre.

Coop
 
Favorable or not, there is some spectacular work turning up in this thread! Thanks to all for putting it up.
 
Here is one on an Ivory locker by Alex Daniels from Town Creek Alabama.
Just sold it.
 
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