Exotic Bone Handle Slabs

[The Towcutter]

I'm noticing alot of custom makers are using some pretty exotic bones as handle material. Be it Giraffe,Ostrich or other "Wild Kingdom" animals.

Question is what is the source for these bones? I have searched this a bit and seems as if they are coming from predator kills, or old bones found in the dessert. But, do you think that any of this stuff is poached? I find it a bit hard to believe that supplies of this material are totally legit (harvesting already deceased animal remains). Got to be some bad stuff going on somewhere?!

Opinions or First hand knowledge would be super. I like Exotic bones looks, but I'm a bit concerned about the source.

If this in the wrong forum, please relocate to the correct one.

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I think there is such a huge supply of legal giraffe bone that I don't think there is any need to worry about giraffes being killed for their leg bones.

I don't know about Ostrich, but since they are raised on farms, I think there is even less likelihood that there is a poaching problem here.

Edited because I can't spell giraffe.

 

[Sid Post]

Poaching for handle slabs

I'd sure like to know if that is happening but, considering the relative value and the animals in question, I just don't see it. Poaching tends to be either an issue of basic starvation avoidance and other basic dietary issues or for medicinal uses in asia. Add a few furs and, I think that covers the vast majority of poaching, especially regarding African species as referenced.

There are enough domesticated animals these days to supply what I believe to be the quantities in question. If you have evidense to the contrary, please share and enlighten the rest of us. Thanks!

 

[Joss]

The largest share of "poaching" is for live animals, captured to be "exotic pets". It's the largest illegal trade in $$$ after drugs and weapons.

As to poaching for handle slabs, I'm more worried about elephant ivory, personally, as well as "exotic shell", from some sea turtles.

 

[KnifeArt]

Hello,

I have visited South Africa on several occasions and visited Nico Bernard's facility where he processes african handle materials - under permit by the South African government and with an import permit from US Fish & Wildlife. I have also accompanied him on trips to search for giraffe bone at various game ranches.

The source of the bones comes from natural death - predator kills, disease, old age and drought.

If you are further concerned about the source of giraffe bone, please e-mail Nico Bernard, African Knife Handle Supplies at bernardn@iafrica.com I am sure he would be helpful in answering your questions.

kind regards,

Larry Connelley

 

[Boink]

I am digging the bark mastodon scales on my dress folder and have not thought about the animal that it came from. I hope the PETA folks don't come after me for my knife!