Ivory substitutes

Have you tried warthog tusk? I've seen some that looks pretty close to ivory. I guess that depends how big of a piece you need though.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
20 or so years back there was an ivory substitute called, "True Ivory". I think it was a European product. It was really good looking. It was not acrylic. I think it was a polyester or epoxy resin with a super-fine powder filler. It was mixed in such a way as to make lines that were very realistic. The color was also somewhat varied, which added to the natural ivory look. IIRC, I bought some from Mick Koval up at Bill Moran's hammer-in. I haven't seen it since then.
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That’s what I used for years. I haven’t been able to find it though.
 
True Ivory was a good product. It looked a lot like genuine ivory. I don't think they have made it for years.
I think the newer realistic ivory substitute is called Elforyn. Other options are Arvorin and Juma.
 
So the masecraft stuff came, and it’s brittle as hell. Wondering if and how I could turn that on a wood lathe? It’s adjustable speed, so I can turn the speed way down. I don’t know. I’m stressing about this way too late again 😅
 
Rough shape it in the grinder to knock off any corners. Then use very sharp turning tools (carbide) and 3000-4000RPM on the lathe. Basically, like turning acrylic pens. Once you have it roughed in, use abrasive papers to refine the shape.
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Rough shape it in the grinder to knock off any corners. Then use very sharp turning tools (carbide) and3000-4000RPM on the lathe. Basically, like turning acrylic pens. Once you have it roughed in, use abrasive papers to refine the shape.
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Carbide?

I don't know anything about turning micarta, g10, or fake irovy.....but for plastics like nylon and UHMW, Sharp HSS (High Speed steel) gives a better finish than carbide inserts.

Hss cuts delicate, wispy, thin curly chips....hairlike strands.
 
I'm not a knife maker but a lot of pipemakers use imitation ivory rod from Vermont Freehand. It turns well and finishes very well. Max rod diameter is 72mm though, unless you do a special order.
 
Little Grey Wolf Forge said:
I don’t have any carbide bits. Again, it’s on a wood lathe, so I’m used to turning wood. I’ll try HSS though. Get ‘em nice and sharp?
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Idk how to grind for wood turning.....but
When I'm grinding hss lathe bits for fly cutters, yes they are fairly sharp, then I take an Arkansas stone and gently by hand just kiss the edge with a couple very light passes. Tiny bit


PS... Do you have 2 accounts Here?
 
If anyone is a moderator, please ban Little Grey wolf Forge, the one with the lavender L. Account is a second one accidentally created. This is my main
 
Elforyn super tusk is not brittle, surprised me how flexible it is in thin pieces (3mm in my case)
 
LittleGreyWolfForge said:
Where can I find that?
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Did you see my comment above?
You might want to check out Vermont Freehand/PIMO Pipecraft. See "rods"

Apologies if this is off base.
Every pipe maker in North America purchases at least some of their supplies from Steve Norse at Vermont Freehand. You could always contact him and ask if anything other than rod is available.
 
Spillproof said:
Did you see my comment above?
You might want to check out Vermont Freehand/PIMO Pipecraft. See "rods"

Apologies if this is off base.
Every pipe maker in North America purchases at least some of their supplies from Steve Norse at Vermont Freehand. You could always contact him and ask if anything other than rod is available.
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I was asking where I could find Elforin super tusk.
 
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