Advice on working mammoth tooth

[serplus]

I'm about to start a knife for a friend and he wants mammoth tooth scales on the knife. He wants a mini push dagger. I've never worked with it before and was hoping some of you experts could give me some much needed advice. PLEASE!
I thank you in advance for any info that you might share.

 

[mete]

Take it slow to prevent heating as that may crack the tooth.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Mammoth tooth breaks when you drill it, when you grind it,...and when you look at it sideways. You have to go slow, avoid all heat, use sharp drills and belts, and have lots of super glue. Many folks I know won't use it because of the problems. The only real tip I can offer is to laminate it on a backing of G-10. That will at least keep it from falling apart. As cracks/splits/breaks form seal them with thin CA.

A push dagger is going to be a really poor choice for a tooth handle. Mammoth tusk would be fine.

BTW,
If you are a minister or a member of a sect that will condemn you for profanity....do not try to work mammoth tooth!

 

[serplus]

Thanks for the advice fellas, I'll let you know how it turns out if I survive the experience.

 

[john april]

save any dust or chips while working on it. later you can crush up the chips and mix with superglue and dust to make repairs. sometimes small pieces just "pop" off while working it.