Giraffe Bone scales

[billy blade]

I just picked up the latest Spyderco Damascus Mule. I was thinking it would look good with bone scales. I have found a source for stabilized dyed giraffe bone. Having never worked with it, I was wondering how it drilled, shaped and polished. My only experiance is with stabilized woods, G10 and micarta. Any advice or possiable pitfalls would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Bill

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Giraffe bone is very hard, somewhat brittle, and very stinky when worked. It polishes very nicely. It is best worked with metalworking tools.

 

[Karda]

It's going to be a bit harder than what you are used to working on.
Bill is spot on as usual, use metalworking tools.
Make sure you are using very sharp drill bits, it will make things go easier and smoother.
Go slow, let the bits do the work and don't force your way thru it at all, or it will probably shatter on you. Patience and a bit of a delicate touch is in order when working with bone and horn. You can rough out the shape by grinding (in an ventilated area, best to wear a mask) and finish by hand filing and sanding. Buffs best on a buffing wheel with the green (chromium oxide) rouge.