Giraffe Bone

Fiddleback

Fiddleback

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I just read as much of the Dealbreakers thread as I could stomach. Whoa.

So some of the dealbreakers I understood. Brass. I use little brass for the same reasons they stated. Cracked mastadon ivory. I understand that one, but I've personally seen a lot of beautifully cracked ivory (mastadon).

But what suprised me was the almost universal repulsion to Giraffe Bone. I don't consider myself good enough to start paying for Giraffe bone yet, but I have always considered it pretty stuff. So, whats so bad/undesirable about it??
 
I like it also. Some look at it as a "cheap" substitute for mastadon. I do not, it is it's own unique material. Some of the colors can be horrific in my eyes but then I just don't buy it. I have only handled one knife in Giraffe bone so far but will do more in the future. Maybe this week. The blade and handle material just have to speak to me. (yes I talk to inanimate objects makes me feel better). As far as a cheap substitute, $60 for a handle is not cheap imho, though the $160 I paid for a pair of mastadon scales is not cheap either......
 
I have several Ray Cover Folders in Giraffe Bone, dyed different colors, they are nice, feel good in hand and keep their looks for as long as I have had them, I, for one collector, do not turn my nose up at it.
James
 
Mark Williams said:
A handful a opinions is not the universe. Use what you want , buy what you want.
Click to expand...

I'm asking from a newb perspective here. Never having used it. You're saying that its a fine material, durable, and long lasting, and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?
 
Absolutely. If you see a piece that grabs the eye use it. It holds up really well and is very stable. Yes there is some checking in the material due to the curing process, most are surface imperfections and add character. Just like mastadon, you just need to be careful with it. Unlike Mastadon it does not seem to continue checking into the future.
 
Thanks Chuck! Thats what I needed.
 
I just used a very nice piece of giraffe bone on a knife that I am keeping myself. I personally love the look of dyed stabilized giraffe bone. It's true that some don't turn out that well after stabilization, but if you're willing to pay to get a nice set of scales I think it's a top quality handle material. The same goes for camel bone.
 
Andy,
I think it is quality stuff. It is very dense. It doesn't always sell real well in my experience for some reason. It isn't cheap that's for sure.
-John
 
I like giraffe myself. I tend to think of it as more of a usable substitute to Mastodon. Although there are people that will use a knife with mastodon on it as an EDC. I tend to lean more to giraffe for that application...
 
I like Giraffe bone a lot myself and never could understand the dislike some have for it, but there's a lot I don't understand. ;)

Bill
 
This thread has been very helpful. From the reading, I thought it had some fatal flaw. Dried to powder in 2 years. Developed a stink. Rusted steel or something.

Its still too good for my work at 60 bucks a set. But I wanted to check get some feedback on it since I do have intention of getting better and all.
 
I see no problem with it other than your potential ability to sell it to people who dislike it. From a construction standpoint, theres no reason it can't be used. I think some high end collectors see it as lower-end end mastadon lookalike. In two years, it might be the "hot" scale material, who knows.

I think we should have a knifemakers challenge where we try to even conceive of a knife that wouldnt fit any of the dealbreakers, then try to sell it. :)

I think a ceramic bladed hunter with aluminum handles is about the only idea I can think of, but its 100% because no one makes anything like that enough for a deal to be broken :)
 
Andy,

I am sure you are going to Blade, Check the tables there. You can find some discounted Gbone as low as $10/set. May be on the small side or a funky color but you can give it a try and see how you like it. You may also try www.giraffebone.com Great people to deal with. They do have specials from time to time. They also have a great selection of ivory etc...
 
A C Richards said:
Andy,

I am sure you are going to Blade, Check the tables there. You can find some discounted Gbone as low as $10/set. May be on the small side or a funky color but you can give it a try and see how you like it. You may also try www.giraffebone.com Great people to deal with. They do have specials from time to time. They also have a great selection of ivory etc...
Click to expand...

This is my plan. It helps (especially on a first purchase) to be able to hold something. And yes, I'll be at blade.
 
FB, give it a try. It dyes in odd patterns and I like working it better than camelbone.
 
Fiddleback said:
This thread has been very helpful. From the reading, I thought it had some fatal flaw. Dried to powder in 2 years. Developed a stink. Rusted steel or something.

Its still too good for my work at 60 bucks a set. But I wanted to check get some feedback on it since I do have intention of getting better and all.
Click to expand...

Heck no, Andy.

As you know, I'm just a junior collector, but I like giraffe bone. In addition to a number of new or newer knives, I do have one 'legacy' knife with a very nice GB handle. I believe it is 10 years old and the GB still looks great (it is undyed).
 
I didn't participate in that thread and I only own one knife with giraffe bone (not my choice, by the way), but I've never seen a knife with giraffe bone scales that called to me. This is not meant in any way to disparage the artistry or craftsmanship of any maker. Just personal opinon about that particular scale material.
 
It is the DENSEST bone on the PLANET! I would think that as far as natural handle materials goes, it's the bees knees.
Think how strong that leg bone needs to be to withsatnd the lateral forces of a large animal running with that massive amount of weight waaaaaaaaaay up in the air like that!
That stuff is tough.
It is NOT a substitute for ivory or a poor man's mammoth ANYTHING.
It's giraffe bone!
And I think it's cool.
 
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