Case jigged buffalo horn

[jec88]

How do Case Buffalo scales age over time? I've read that buffalo can be prone to shrinkage and also that it is softer than bone. Just wondering if anyone could post some pics of buffalo (Case or any other brand)that has been carried awhile to see how it holds up. I've seen some really nice examples of old black boned case knives that had some great pocket wear, but not sure if they are bone or horn. Thanks in advance

 

[supratentorial]

I've owned knives with buffalo horn covers but not from Case. Most of mine were oldies, and they probably would give you the best idea of how it ages because they are old! I haven't noticed any significant problems with shrinkage compared to other natural cover materials. Insect damage is a common problem on the oldies. Here's an article written by BRL on insect damage to horn covers: http://www.knife-expert.com/bugs036.txt

 

[supratentorial]

I've seen some really nice examples of old black boned case knives that had some great pocket wear, but not sure if they are bone or horn.

If you show a photo, I could tell you what it is.

If the knives are old and the material is jigged (as stated in your title), it's probably bone. I haven't seened jigged horn on old Case knives. On the oldies, it was typically smooth... sometimes checkered... though I've never seen checkered horn from the Case brand. Jigged buffalo horn from Case is something I've only seen on modern knives from the brand.

 

[r redden]

I haven't noticed any significant problems with shrinkage compared to other natural cover materials

I agree totally with this. It's been my experience that most shrinkage in natural materials are the ones that have not been stabilized. There is a good, short and simple video of the stabilizing process HERE. Basically it's just impregnating the material with some type chemical. Also depends on the condition of the material used as natural materials especially bone, horn or stag tend to become powdery when left in the elements. Like Jake I don't know much about Case Horn but I do know their other natural handle materials are stabilized so I would guess their horn is also.

 

[Blake the Blade]

Not Case and not jigged but this one's lost all its sheen and looks something like a piece of drift wood. It's aged well I think.
Untitled by Blake Blade, on Flickr

 

[Modoc ED]

Not jigged but here's a GEC Double Liner Lock with Buffalo Horn covers. There has been no shrinkage of the covers what so ever.

 

[Chui]

- from South Africa to New Zealand to UK..........all perfect, haven't budged at all.

A 1980's Buffalo drop-point hunter by the late great Rob Brown

I have another with Buffalo handle and that too has been very stable indeed.