WESN’s Scrimshaw Henry Pocket Knife Features Hand-Carved Ox Bone and Raw Brass

At times, the knife world seems to be highly fixated on cutting-edge materials and construction. It makes sense; a knife’s main utility lives and dies with how strong, precise, and comfortable it is, among other things. But that’s not to say we can’t build modern blades by looking to the past now and again too.

Back in July, Detroit-based knifemaker WESN teamed up with British lifestyle brand P&Co for the second time on the Scrimshaw Henry pocket knife (following an inaugural 2024 team-up for a Slip-joint Microblade collab) based on a centuries-old technique. However, that four-piece collection sold out in a couple of days and fans have been clamoring for a second run. Well, that time is here and WESN is presenting us with some new variants of the Scrimshaw Henry, but you better act fast if you want one.

A Craft Rooted in Maritime History

For those unfamiliar, scrimshaw was an art form born from boredom and ingenuity. 18th and 19th-century sailors, with nothing but time and rudimentary tools, would carve intricate designs into whalebone and ivory handles on their knives. WESN and P&Co have managed to recreate that same sense of personal storytelling without, you know, the whale teeth.

The foundation here is WESN’s Henry — a slip-joint knife that’s become something of a cult favorite in the EDC community. For this second Scrimshaw drop, they’re sticking with what worked: raw brass hardware that’ll develop a rich patina over time, paired with ethically sourced ox bone inlays. The brass gives you that vintage warmth, while the ox bone provides the perfect canvas for carving.

Four Ways to Tell Your Story

WESN is offering four distinct versions this time around. Three of them — The Vessel, The Rancher, and The Wildcat — come with original artwork already etched into one side of the handle. The Vessel has a nautical theme that stays true to scrimshaw’s seafaring roots. The Wildcat features a spotted cat mid-leap, which frankly looks pretty killer. Then there’s The Rancher, pulling from old Western pulp comics, complete with a cowboy on horseback amongst cacti.

Returning again for the fourth option is The Blank Canvas. Unlike the other three which leave one side of the handle blank, both sides of the ox bone are completely untouched. It’s for anyone who wants to make the entire knife their own. Each model comes with a custom engraving kit that includes a wooden carving tool, India ink, and instructions. Whether you’re an artist or just someone who wants to add a personal touch, the barrier to entry is low. The kit even includes two co-branded stickers as well.

The Blade Itself

The Henry features a 2.35-inch drop-point blade in, we can assume based on the previous drop, Swedish Sandvik 14C28N steel. It’s a wallet-friendly steel that offers decent edge retention and corrosion resistance that’s perfectly reliable for everyday tasks. The slip-joint mechanism means it’s non-locking, which keeps it U.K.-legal and gives it that classic pocket knife feel. Deployment is via a nail nick, so if you’re used to flippers or thumb studs, there’s a bit of a learning curve.

At 1.6oz and 3″ closed, the Henry slips into a pocket without much fuss. Open length is 5.35″, which gives you plenty of real estate for your carving ambitions. The weight is on the lighter side, but the brass hardware adds enough heft that should keep it from feeling cheap.

Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Priced at $180 each from WESN’s website, the Scrimshaw Henry Collection drops Friday, December 12 at 10 AM EST, with only 1,000 knives available across all four designs

Recap

WESN x P&Co Srimshaw Henry Collection Drop 2

Detroit’s WESN and Birmingham’s P&Co are dropping a second run of their Scrimshaw Henry pocket knives on December 12th after the first batch sold out in days. You get four designs to choose from — three with pre-etched art, one blank canvas — plus an engraving kit to carve your own story into the ox bone handle.

Learn More: WESN