Model Forum / General / Models / August 2009

Product Review: Unique Master Models tools; SCR-01 Scribing Tool;
Price US$12

Advantages: high-hardness steel tool has multiple uses for scribing or
seam cleanup

Disadvantages: sharp blades on each end require careful handling

Rating: Highly Recommended

Recommendation: for all modeling applications and venues

    I really enjoy shows like the IPMS National Convention as many
smaller manufacturers get a chance to come out and display their
wares, and one of my favorites at that show has been Unique Master
Modelers (UMM for short). Last year I picked up a riveting tool and
some excellent razor-blade sized razor saws, and this year they had
this nice new tool for sale.

            The tool itself looks something like an old-fashioned beer can
opener about four inches long. It has a sharp hooked barb on one end
and a blade about an inch and a half long with a recurved tip on it at
the other. According to the UMM reps at the show it is made from high
hardness steel with a Brinell rating of 55 so will hold its sharpness
for a good long time.

    The directions show that it has three different scribing modes which
can be used – barbed end, blade end or blade edge, and also can be
used to carve, deburr (e.g. remove sprue teats), scrape or pierce.
Several “victim” kits were available there for practice and from a
quick look at the aircraft kits raised seams could easily be stripped
off and scribed ones replace them.

    Overall this little puppy looks to provide a nice tool which is
handier than a knife in tight situations and more durable than the
dental-tool type scribers due to its high hardness and lack of
delicate points that tend to bend or dull.

    UMM may be reached at www.umm-usa.com.

Cookie Sewell