cutting ivory

[Jack O'Neill]

I've got a 15" Walrus tusk I need to cut for handle scales . Any tips I need to know before I put it to the saw .

 

[sharpeknives]

I use a bandsaw (metal cutting) on the slowest speed. I also use an 24TPI blade and cut it slow.
Of course you could just sell it to me and not worry about cutting it.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Use a good bandsaw with a carbide tipped blade, or use the metal cutting band saw. Plan the cuts before you start. Walrus is hard stuff, and stinks when being sawn. For a 15" tusk,I would cut the tip off at 5" first, then trim the root end off. to square it up. Cut the resulting piece in half. I cut the scales off the sections in such a way that it leaves the "tapioca" core block ( it makes a unique handle). You do this by cutting one side and then the other, leaving a 3/4" to 1" block with enamel on the top and bottom, and the dentin in the middle. Cut the top and bottom enamel pieces off for folders or small knives. This cutting should yield a great tip for a bowie,two sets of scales, and two blocks of tapioca. The two sets of top/bottom cut-offs may or may not be easy to use depending on the sex of the walrus. The tapioca makes interesting handles or great bolster blocks. They can be used on a Sami style knife as the top and bottom piece ,with birchbark stacked between them.
Stacy

 

[Jack O'Neill]

thanks guys . been carrying this piece around since 1994 , thought it was about time to use it . Now I got a good reason to buy a new bandsaw .