Fossilized walrus ivory?

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
I got an email for a possible order from someone who wants to use fossilized walrus ivory for the scales. I have never used any material at all like this, so I need to know if I can even handle it before I go any further with the project. Sounds like the material is scales that would be on a handle of probably 4.5-5" or so, so pretty big size. Full tang knife. I searched all of the main knife forums and didn't come up with anything beyond discussion of legal issues concerning new vs ancient walrus ivory.

Specifically, I guess I would need to know:
1) How to cut it (bandsaw, hacksaw, don't cut it at all)
2) How to shape it (file, belts and if so what grit?)
3) How to drill it
4) To use epoxy or just pein the pins (yikes)
5) Other considerations when working it, handling it and finishing it.

I know this is a lot to ask but I couldn't find this information covered anywhere already. Thanks in advance!
 
Carefully, is the answer to almost all of those questions. ;) :)

Maybe Dandy Don Hanson III will chime in here with a serious answer, since I have no clue.
 
Work it just like wood but DO NOT get it hot or even warm. Use your band saw and belt grinder. Walrus scales are almost impossible to find and when you do they're usually small, you're going to probably need to find a nice size chunk and cut scales off of it and walrus is 2 - 3 times more expensive than mammoth. Mammoth would be a better choice for your first ivory hanlded knife, cheaper and much easier to find in large scales.

Don Hanson
 
Walrus tusks are smaller than mammoth tusks. Makes a good stick tang knife. The stuff I've seen and used holds together alot better than the mammoth ivory. The inside of the tusk looks like golden tapioca pudding. :) This doesn't do justice to the "glow" in the handle, but look at knife A. I love walrus ivory and keep an eye out for tips that would make a good sgian!
 
Well, if I do this the customer is supplying the scales. He said "5" or 6" knife" and I assumed blade length, but maybe he wants a little mini tanto, which would be right up my alley. We'll see... Thanks for the input so far.
 
Go slow, keep it cool, one thing I like to do is to put masking tape on the show face of the scale before you drill, this can prevent any unwanted chipping when the drill breaks through.


have fun
jimi
 
Depending on the age and degree of fossilization it can tend to chip when sawing and drilling.Sharp tools and belts,go slow,sand to super fine,buff well.It can take an awesome polish.Rather pricey for the really top grade.I am finishing an auto with fossil walrus scales right now.
 
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