Finding mammoth ivory scraps

B

Brian.Evans

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Aug 20, 2011
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Hey guys. I'm trying to find some mammoth ivory scraps for beads and a bit of inlay. I don't need much, and the only places I've talked to I can't buy but ~$2-300 at time. I don't need that much. Any ideas?
 
When I first started posting a lot in the traditional knives forum it occurred to me that the generosity there was unreal, and it really is. I didn't see anything like it in any of the other sub forums and just assumed it had something to do demographic in some way, or some intangible.

It's become blatantly clear that this sort of giving happens in other ways in this forum, and often behind the scenes. Under the circumstances, it's a very smart way of doing things.

I think about this stuff a lot, and I think it's incredible.
 
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Strig, I will say that Stacy has to be one of the most generous guys there is. His help to me, notwithstanding all the other people he helps, is amazing. I certainly am a better knife maker because of it. Hopefully I can give back and pay it forward someday soon.
 
When I first started etching my marks into blades instead of hot stamping I mentioned stencil material. Stacy sent me a bunch of the pin roll type stencil material with no cost to me along with directions in using it. I have since graduated in my methods, but yes, the generosity here is awesome.

I have also seen him send steel and other items to a younger new maker, contact off the forum and walk him through the process. Not to overly sing the praises of our moderator but just sayin'...

Another thing that gets me... I have yet to see any comments that sound like jealousy or sour grapes. There is plenty of room in this hobby for all that want to partake and it is nice to see such a positive and helpful community.

-Eric
 
The reason I say that it's wise to do this kind of business via email or pm is because I've seen in other forums where a kind member gets taken advantage of, or other nasty happenings. I think a lot of it has to do with the company that forum is likely to keep and attract. This seems to be less pervasive in certain areas, this forum included.

Rock on brothers.
 
FWIW I have been able to find scraps (pinky finger sized pieces) at local rock and gem shops. I don't believe I have paid more than a few dollars per piece.
 
I've bought kg++ bags of scraps, usually for less than $100. They always contain a mix of big and small pieces. Sometimes the pieces are big enough to be scales in their own right. Sometimes they are thick enough to be bolsters. Mostly they are bark, but sometimes you find nice core pieces as well.

I tend to process the bags and remove rough edges on the larger pieces, so I get a sense of what is usable for me. Then I just add it to my pile.

I am happy to give away the smaller stuff, simply because I have so much. Besides, you can always make small pieces out of larger ones if you need to. ;)

Anyway, I love it all. Ivory is just fun to work with.
 
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