Do bone handles age well?

[OrangeJoe]

I just ordered a couple of jigged bone handled knives. I think this will be a first for me.

I'd like to see how your jigged (or smooth) bone-handled knives have aged. Did they gain character or do they just look worn? Do colors tend do darken or do they fade away? Any care tips specific to bone? A new owner wants to know.

Please share some pictures and let us know how long you've owned carried that particular piece. Thank you.

 

[mike Berkovitch]

Bone age fantastic, here are couple, jigged and smooth, which gained some years on this planet

Mike

 

[CDS]

It takes years, but they age beautifully! Not the greatest photos but you can get the idea.

 

[Cory Hess]

I think that bone ages extremely well. In fact it usually gets better the more worn it gets.

Take a look at the Old Knives sticky: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/527126-quot-Old-Knives-quot

Go towards the end of the thread, as many pictures from the beginning are no longer showing. There are plenty of pictures of aged bone to gaze at over there. :thumbup:

 

[meako]

Yes it does -just don't drop it on the concrete.
I use lemon oil (they use it on guitars frets or something).

 

[ConBon]

Yes it does -just don't drop it on the concrete.
I use lemon oil (they use it on guitars frets or something).

Huh, thats a new one on me. Ill have to try it out.
Heres a bone Queen, and I think derlin Case (the one with a copper shield). The Queen is not worn, it hasn't seen more than 60 days of carry in its 70 year life.

Here's a BEAUTIFUL bone stockman of unknown make and age I found at the flea market.

Connor

 

[Pipeman]

Here are two farmers jacks the Utica on top has seen many years of use, the Orchard gem I used for about 6 months. Doesn't take long to start getting that beauiful bone Glow. I use a tiny touch of coconut oil to nourish the bone.

Best regards

Robin

 

[Old Engineer]

I think they do , but it is a matter of taste.

Pal Blade Co


Cattaraugus


Primble


SEO&S and Russell


IMO : Only Stag ages better.

Harry

 

[Will Power]

Huge volume of evidence here showing that bone ages really satisfyingly :thumbup: (unlike most humans...) It is more prone to cracking around the pins than say Stag or Wooods, and that's why dropping bone handled knives can court tragedy:grumpy:

Robin Funny you should say that, but I've been using Coconut Oil too and it puts a grand shine on the handles.

Thanks, Will

 

[Ben G]

I'd say they age fantastically. Check out @spkoller on Instagram to see some prine examples.

 

[black mamba]

This is my oldest bone handled knife, about 85 years old. Nice patina on the blades, but hasn't been used much as the blades are full and the bone isn't very pocket worn. It all depends on how they are used or abused.

 

[Will Power]

I'd soon use that Jeff :thumbup: