Originally founded in 1968, Squadron / Squadron Signal is back in business again after bankruptcy and are now based out of Ringgold, Georgia. Their web page was re-activated in January 2022 for plastic kits. A retail store was opened in 2025 at their Ringgold address and is open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. They have invited The Chattanooga Scale Modelers Club to meet at their warehouse, which occurs on the third Monday of the month. If you can’t make it, be sure to check out their YouTube channel where Brandon and guests are live every Wednesday night. Brandon Lowe and his father, Russ Lowe, re-acquired the Squadron Tools Product Line and are now marketing them once again.

In this case, Brandon Lowe has brought back the Squadron Scribing Tool, available again in a retail crimped clear package.

This scriber features the sharp cutting tip to clean up existing lines or to scribe brand-new lines. Another nice touch is the ergonomic, knurled handle that helps keep a better grip on the tool than without (I don’t know how old my current scriber is, but it does not have a knurled handle). When using scribers, it’s always better to not hurry. It is important to proceed with a light touch, then follow up with increased pressure on additional passes until you are satisfied. It is always easier to make an additional pass than to dig too deep and make a mess of the cut. If you are scribing new lines, I find it helpful to use a guide. I will use Dymo Label embossing tape or a strip of styrene stock as a guide for a straight line. If you are doing complex curves, a stainless-steel template is of great help [I have several from Tamiya, Hasegawa, and Eduard, etc.]. It is highly recommended to keep the scriber perpendicular to the surface you are scribing and just a little practice will get you on your way. I would also note that it’s a good idea to practice on an unobtrusive part of a kit. Different kit manufacturers use different plastics resulting in varying plastic hardness. You can use a couple of different grips:

• Pencil Grip - hold it between your thumb and index finger as you would a pencil.
• Overhead Grip - hold it again between your thumb and index finger but have the handle underneath your palm.

Having the proper tools for your project will help you to achieve a higher level of quality for your “build”. Squadron scribing tools fill that role. This product is a great scribing tool based on the high quality of the cutting point, comfort, ergonomics, and ease of use.

Highly recommended!

My thanks to Squadron and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great product.