I started doing scrimshaw as a hobby in 1979. Knives, jewelry, and firearms were excellent canvases for this new hobby, so I began to rehandle knives and firearms and sell them locally. The problem with any crafts hobby is that you soon run out of room in your own house to display pieces, and I cannot afford to give them ALL away as gifts! Thus, the birth of this website.

Over the years, I have used several blade suppliers including House of Muzzleloading, Texas Knifemakers Supplies, Kris Cutlery, and others, modifying them as required. In 2009, I began forging some, mostly historical, blades of my own. The forged blades are noted as such in the descriptions on this website.

I have also collaborated with a local bladesmith, Uhrs Chantell (bladesbychntell@gmail.com). He pounded the iron and I handled and sheathed the resulting blades.

My latest passions are hand-forged metal sculptures and knives, along with powderhorns and warclubs! Please note that katanas and wakisashis can be made to order to match the tantos to make a complete daisho. The cribbage boards, chess sets, jewelry, and Jewish religious objects illustrate the breadth of my work.

I hope you enjoy looking at my portfolio. Please contact me with any comments or suggestions — together we can come up with a truly unique piece of custom work. » Read more about Larry Gotkin