Ivory vs Stag some input needed

D lisch

D lisch

Joined
Aug 27, 2007
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I was thinking about the handle for the knife I am making for the CKCA mini show and want to use this nice little piece of walrus I have on the vest pocket bowie I am making. But with all the crazy buzz around ivory I was wounding if folks would be more interested in it if I just use a real nice stag taper which I have many of, I guess I want to know if as collectors do you see yourself stepping back from ivory and going more stag or wood. Makers your thoughts are welcome I am looking for input.
 
David, as a collector I have always preferred ivory, especially ancient walrus. As a maker I think ivory is still preferred. The bans seem to be going down thanks to groups like " Knife Rights". A vest pocket Bowie from you will be great either way, if I am buying, I want ivory. Gary
 
I actually still prefer Ivory, especially unique Walrus. But, I'm also biased because I've never been a big fan of stag. This probably puts me in the minority. It is starting to grow on me and I do appreciate good stag but given an option, I generaly choose Ivory or unique wood.
 
ivory, fo sho!
 
Dave, either way you decide to go will result in an outstanding Bowie.

I'm crazy about both top quality stag and top quality Walrus and Mammoth ivory.
But for a special Vest Bowie, I would lean more towards ivory.

The bans or risk of bans aren't influencing my preference and purchases of Walrus and Mammoth ivories one iota.
In fact, I just purchased an outstanding black/white ancient Walrus Tusk about an hour ago.
 
Thanks Kevin and Lorien this is good to know and just the type of input I was hoping to here.
 
While I have both Ivory and Stag knives, if both are side by side I would likely choose the ivory piece and hopefully the folks that are anti ivory are not going to start to include fossil walrus in their concerns too. Whatever you use, DL, as Kevin says, it will be great. Sorry I won't be there to see yours and JR's knives.
 
I won't be at the mini show so my vote doesn't really count, but it sounds to me like you think this piece of ivory is perfect for the knife and that's all I really need to know. Go ivory.
 
Well this is great thanks folks, from this it is clear that walrus is still a great choice for handles it is what I will go with for my little knife. thanks again for your input. Don I would be glad to trade my stash for your stash any day not the stag just the ivory ;)
 
you'll rock it, Dave!
 
Not to be a contrarian but I love 'stag' - meaning deer, elk and moose antler, also their non-endangered cousins on the planet - antique or modern. It can be beautiful, fancy or rough, carved, scrimshaw etc.; not like ivories of course and not as striking. But, beyond that there is a timeless connection between those animals' antlers and edged tools. To me that is profound. You might argue the same could be true of ivory, but I've never felt the connection. Maybe it's the relative influence of recent history over ancient history.

I also love ivories but, a) they can randomly crack in the low humidity (down to 9% in Denver in the winter) and, b) "Let's not forget..." that we're more and more vulnerable to short-sighted political battles that will be won by money, more and more of it. Who has the most wins. Two years from now, think about it... A lot of people with a lot of money out there will pony up if a 'total ban' could be a reality. Ivory is that close. I'm just sayin'... or am I just paranoid?

Dave, I look forward to anything you want to make.:thumbup:
 
Dave,

I am in the school of "not changing what I like because of politics" :D

Ivory, including walrus ivory, can have so many unique colors and textures that I really like it as a handle material for Bowies and fighters.

That said, I also own a number of stag knives that I LOVE, including some of yours :cool:

I would say use whatever material YOU believe best fits your vision of the knife....and I am certain you will find at least one other person who will like it - LOL

See you in Seattle

Bill Flynn
 
When you hold a knife with a ancient walrus ivory it carries a amazing history. The tusk more than likely comes from St Lawrence Island next door to Russia. The Siberian Yupik who live there have hunted walrus in skin boats for thousands of years. It was more than likely at one time a lost or discarded tool. The colors come from minerals that have penatrated this dense material. The oxidation process provides an amazing range of colors.
It is a durable and will last for thousnds of years if properly cared for. The supply is very limited. Treasure it.
 
akivory said:
When you hold a knife with a ancient walrus ivory ...will last for thousnds of years if properly cared for. The supply is very limited. Treasure it.
Click to expand...
Well, when you put it like that... Seriously, very well said.
 
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