grain lines in horn-good or bad?

X

X-Head

Joined
Nov 8, 1999
Messages
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Since I've been checking this forum in '99, I don't remember anyone ever bringing this up:

Are horn handles with lots of those grayish grain lines more likely to split or crack than horn handles that are predominately or totally black? Do cracks and splits tent to run along those gain lines? If so, I guess those grain lines would be the "weak link" so to speak, and therefore all black horn handles would be more desirable as they would be less prone to split. Is this assumption close or am I way off?

Strictly aesthetically speaking, I think lots of grain lines looks nice. But then, if your handle cracks, you can kiss aesthetics good-bye.

 
Grain in the horn is beautiful and does not lend to cracking. Grain lines are fine lines, or actually very fine cracks, that sometimes open up and sometimes not. I'd say that a handle with grain lines is more prone to cracking than handles without.

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
 
Thanks, Uncle. I agree--grain in horn is very beautiful. I think I was failing to see the distinction between GRAIN and GRAIN LINES.
 
I have not noticed handle cracks tending to run along grain lines. Even if it goes against what my eyes tell me, I think no grain lines is stronger than with grain lines. Does it really make a difference? I don't know.

I find if a handle cracks, it does so in 4 places. At 2, 4, 8, and 10 O.Clock, with 12 being the spine of the blade. I have not seen cracks start at any position other than these on my khukuri's. A rounded tang will probably help to solve this problem but it will be much more difficult to glue to the handle.

Will
 
Horsemen have been arguing this for years. Most believe that black hooves are less prone to cracking. I have not seen hard evidence either way.
 
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