Ivory handles

[TC]

How about antique ivory micarta as a compromise? Not ivory of course, but I have a few knives in that and really like the look.

 

[Peter Hartwig]

How durable is Fossil Mammoth Ivory

I want to buy a damascus blade from a custom maker. This represents a big investment for me. I like to use my knives and want my investment to last at least a couple of generations. I am worried that mammoth ivory might be easily broken. Anybody have any real knowledge of the durability and...

www.bladeforums.com

This has a bit of info

 

[ShaiHulud]

@ eveled beat me to it

To add on, heirloom or "old owned" ivory is not illegal but new purchases of African ivory is illegal, and I suppose would be very hard to buy
I'd suggest stag handles from boker solingen
Instead

 

[jmh33]

View attachment 2003469

 

[brownshoe]

I have one mammoth ivory handled custom knife. The ivory is stabilized by Charles Turnage. The maker and Mr. Turnage said the ivory will last and it has. I pocket carry the knife and the bolsters show wear but not the ivory. It's about 6 years old. Not all mammoth ivory is equivalent. Charles Turnage's slabs are well known to be durable due to his satabilization process.

 

[ickkey]

Here's a couple mammoth ivory chris reeve sebenza's from awhile back, discounted now. How's about ivory paper micarta, durable and looks, ages like real ivory but with out the grain. The only down side when is gets wet has a tendency to be slick.

 

[Hashishiin]

I think I read that most of the ivory poached in Africa is given to high-paying buyers in China for medicines and decor or whatever. I am not an expert on ivory but I know there are some very seedy, unethical sides to it involving disregard for both humans, and animals. Do not support poaching, folks.

The ivory paper micarta sounds great. I know it is not the same, but Buck partners with Crelicam for their ebony, who take steps for sustainability. I do like that..

 

[dutchwind]

If you look at the old San Francisco bowie knives, Michael Price et al, you'll see that many have little gold studs sticking out of the ivory scales. Those were there not to enhance the grip--ivory has for centuries been used because it doesn't get slippery when wetted by blood or spit or sweat or whatever--but to take the hit if it gets dropped, because ivory, any of it, be it walrus or hippo or elephant or whale, will shatter. The little gold studs were there to absorb the contact between the bowie and the rock, or pistol barrel, or whatever hard stuff it made contact with. I think unless your chilluns are planning to play Dungeons and Dragons for REAL--go to something else. Or spatter the scales with soft metal (gold) studs.
dutchwind

 

[LimpCroissant]

If you look at the old San Francisco bowie knives, Michael Price et al, you'll see that many have little gold studs sticking out of the ivory scales. Those were there not to enhance the grip--ivory has for centuries been used because it doesn't get slippery when wetted by blood or spit or sweat or whatever--but to take the hit if it gets dropped, because ivory, any of it, be it walrus or hippo or elephant or whale, will shatter. The little gold studs were there to absorb the contact between the bowie and the rock, or pistol barrel, or whatever hard stuff it made contact with. I think unless your chilluns are planning to play Dungeons and Dragons for REAL--go to something else. Or spatter the scales with soft metal (gold) studs.
dutchwind

That's interesting, I never knew or thought about that. Thanks for the insight!

 

[bdmicarta]

I'm going to buy my sons a knife to put away for when they each turn 18. While I'm at it I would like to buy myself a new hunting knife.

This is a quandry between having heirloom quality knives constructed vs. knives that 18 year old boys will use and your knife that I'm guessing you will use. I second what other people say about stag, micarta and wood. I think stag and wood can be suitable for heirloom quality knives that will be used. I've seen beautiful wood handles out of burls, stabilized spalted woods, and woods such as ironwood. I like micarta too and it is a good material for a knife that will be used. There are lots of choices- paper micarta, linen micarta and canvas micarta. Canvas micarta can be polished or blasted to a rough finish. I prefer polished micarta myself.