Ivory Question

lifter4Him · Jul 17, 2004

Hopefully one of you makers or guys who collect ivory pieces can help me here. On my plain elephant ivory handled knives I've been following Jerry Fisk's reccomendation of soaking the scales in mineral oil for a few hours twice a year. Do you know if this is safe to do on scrimshawed pieces? I just got a gorgeous Carson scrimshawed knife and would hate to mess it up if the oil will affect the ink.
Thanks for any help.

Don Hanson III · Jul 17, 2004

Dave , I think the oil would desolve the ink if it were soaked for very long. I would wipe some oil on the handle a couple times a year and be careful going over the scrim.

Don Hanson

lifter4Him · Jul 17, 2004

Thank you sir, that is what I will do.

Wild Rose · Jul 17, 2004

Contact Carson and ask - if any one should know he would....

lifter4Him · Jul 17, 2004

Hi Chuck, actually Kit made the knife but didnt do the scrimshaw. But you make a good point, I will try to get in touch with the person who did the scrim.
Thanks.

shappa · Jul 17, 2004

Let us know what he/she recommends. I have a few pieces of scrim and I'm curious.
Thanks

lifter4Him · Jul 17, 2004

Will do!!!!!!

akivory · Jul 18, 2004

My advice is to do nothing to it.I buy sell and carve tons of ivory and never oil or treat any of it.If you oil scrim it can ruin it.I your knife is made with properly cured ivory and you do not abuse it you it will need no treatment.
Chuck