Anyone is using alternative Ivory?

[alexmin]

Guys,

can anyone tell me if Alternative Ivory(polyester) is any good?
Does it feel cheap? Get scratched easily?

Thanks,
Alex

 

[Del Raso Knives]

Hi Alex. The stuff is not as brittle as poly pearl or corian but does tend to grab a drill bit the same. It polishes well and without a close inspection (no cross hatching in the end grain) is a damn good copy. Use fresh belts as it can gaul a bit. The other give away is its temperature, real ivory is colder to the touch but that might just be me.
I am in no way suggesting you sell it as real ivory and it is probably best not to use it on higher end knives. I would imagine it has the same resale value as micarta. Hope some of this has helped.

Peter.

 

[Mike Hull]

I've used it in the past and liked it. It requires a soft touch on the buffer when finishing, as it can melt/streak in spots if hit too hard and heat builds. I used a loose wheel buff and white compound.

Just use uncommon sense and you'll be OK.

And what Peter said.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

It is an excellent substitute.
Stacy

 

[WilsonKnives]

Who sells the alt. ivory now???? Mike

 

[Mike Hull]

Who sells the alt. ivory now???? Mike

Last I checked K&G sold it. If they don't then maybe Alpha does.

http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/

http://www.knifeandgun.com/catalog/handle_material_184075_products.htm
That's a direct link to the stuff, so they still carry it.

 

[Will52100]

How does it hold up in use? I have a set of scales I bought, from where I can't remember. It looks good but feels pretty soft. I'm afraid that with normal use it'll get scratches and realy look bad.

Any thoughts?

 

[LRB]

I used it on a couple a few years back. Looks good, but I find it too soft for scales unless it was riveted rather than pinned. Had a tendancy to curl when trying to flatten on a table sander. More trouble than it was worth to me. Certainly not for high end knives.