Following an unfortunate incident in which the buffalo horn handles on a (rather expensive) knife "moved" due to exposure to very cold and dry conditions, I had an interesting discussion with the maker. He said that any natural material, even when stabilized, can warp, expand, or shrink if exposed to the right set of conditions (temperature and humidity). A combination of the exact handles and the right set of exposures. In my case, it happened in the baggage hold on a long flight. I had flown with the same knife multiple times with no issue. He recommended resin handles for complete safety. Luckily, he repaired the knife for free.
I have no idea if that is what happened here, but it seems possible based on that conversation. When I travel these days, I leave the box elder burl CRK at home and bring something with synthetic handles. Better safe than sorry and all.