Help with handle material 58OT

[BigSkyColl]

Hello.
I have an Ulster 58OT and the handle material looks quite abit different from the shrade knives w/ delrin handles that I own. It has a very light reddish color to it. Could this one be made of bone? And how dose one check if a knife handle is bone or delrin? I did some research and could not find an answer.
Thanks all!

 

[thawk]

Is it sawcut like most Old Timers or smooth? Can you post a picture? I do not believe I've seen a bone 58OT, but one could exist.

I have several 58OT knives that are quite different in color. Dark red, medium red, dark brown, tan, and usually in two tone colors, but not always. Delrin is plastic in nature, so it could be dyed to any color.

The oldest ones were not delrin, but rather some other plastic. I've seen a few with shell covered metal. When Schrade quit using bone, there were some glassier harder bone like plastics before they used Delrin.

For bone testing, I have asked this on occasion myself. I am not a bone expert, but I have a few bone Schrades, mostly newer ones. Some of these answers:

1) Skate a sharp knife slowly over the handle at a 90 degree angle, bone is harder and it will not stick, but rather skate.
2) Get out a magnifying glass and look for the porous nature of bone.
3) Something to do with a hot needle (I ignored this one).

I'd sure like to see a picture of it if possible. If not, mail it to me and I will inspect it. Maybe try out the hot needle test.

 

[BigSkyColl]

Thanks THawk!
Maybe instead of mailing it to you, you could just come here and show me LOL! It is sawcut, sorry my camera is elsewhere at the moment. I did the knife trick on the bottom of the knife and it did catch. I guess it is plastic of some nature. When did Schrade discontinue using bone? I appreciate the quick reply. This is a very interesting hobby so far with Schrades, you never know what you will find.
Take care

 

[thawk]

Right you are.

The production knives, went from bone to plastic around 1957 or 58 the best I can tell. Those 58OT are popular little ones to collect. There were many variations in that pattern by Ulster, Schrade, Imperial, and Craftsman.

They are kind of unique, as after the early 70's, Schrade quit making the 3.25" round bostered stockman. I have had a fun time chasing them down, and sometimes carry an 855 in my watch pocket..

If I ever get to Big Sky country, I'll pop in with my hot needle.