Ivory question

[B . Buxton]

Should elephant ivory be professionally stabilized, or should I say, would it be better if elephant ivory is stabilized. I'm about to send some wood to wssi and was wondering if I should send a chunk of ivory along with it.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[mete]

I didn't think you could stabilize ivory since it's so dense .

 

[Michael J. Spangler]

Bill i've had K&G do some stabilizing for me a while back and they mentioned they had done ivory in the past. so i'm sure it must work to some extent. and the dealer i get my ivory from has talked about it a lot too. so i say give it a try

 

[Danbo]

Not sure how deep the stablization would penetrate, but I'd do it anyway. If it were me, I'd rough shape the handle and then send it off to be stabilized.

 

[Mike Hull]

If it were mine, I'd have it stabilized. Just send the whole block(s) in case it warps slightly, you'll have room to take it out.

I think it takes most of the worry out of using Ivory. I have some Mammoth Ivory here that's been stabilized. It's real nice, and it was done about 10 - 15 years ago when the process was still new for knife handle materials.

 

[B . Buxton]

Thanks all, I just send it along and let it run though the mix.

Bill

 

[R.Duncan]

Dang Bill, Wish I could afford Ivory for my knives. I've got to get me one of them working women like you've got or a better banker. Maybe both! LOL DH

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I have Mike at WSSI stabilize my ivory.He does a good job.

 

[Ramsey]

I purchased two sets of mastodon ivory some time ago from TKS and they were both stabilized, and beautiful pieces, look like glass.

Ramsey

 

[B . Buxton]

Hey DH you know I can't afford to buy ivory, I got this piece off an elephant I shot last winter when I was out rabbit hunt'in. If it wouldn't have been wearing that red toe nail polish, I'd never seen him in the snow.

Bill

 

[Bill Vining]

Bill,

According to the Warther Museum, elephant ivory does not need stabilizing due to it's density. Mammoth ivory on the other hand is much more porous and should be stabilized.

Check this out:
http://www.ivorybuyer.com/sales/workingtips.htm

Bill

 

[B . Buxton]

Thank you Bill, that's very helpful information to have.

Bill

 

[W.M. Knives]

Hi, I stablize all the hippo and sometimes mammoth and elephant. I hope to see you at the Hammer-In. Bill Miller

 

[B . Buxton]

Hey Bill Miller, doesn't your wife have something for you to do other then let you hang out on a knife forum. Unless something comes up between now and then I'll be at Duncans again this year, so save back the really good handle material until I get there. Keep Ron's sticky fingers out of it.

See you there

Bill

 

[J. Neilson]

Bill, if you don't mind let us know how it turns out. I've been wondering on that one myself. I've only done leephant ivory once before and it seemed to dense...but, so do I sometimes. What about ancient walrus, I'd guess not but, ???