Jigged bone for a user knife?

Macchina

Macchina

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
Messages
5,215
What do you guys think of using a "fancy" traditional for hard work? I don't have safe queens so I usually buy Delrin handled knives, but I'm wondering how jigged bone would hold up? Specifically GEC's scales.

"Real use" would be hiking, small game and fish cleaning, and campfire whittling. No batoning or Mumbly Peg ;)

What about cleaning? I'm not adverse to using my Sebenza to clean game, but I can douse that in alcohol after.
 
Since I got this fella in 2012, I've used it for just about anything and everything.



The scales still look amazing to me.



I wouldn't worry too much, bone is pretty tough :)

Paul
 
Jigged bone handles have been put to "hard use" for at least 100 years. Many were likely used far harder than a lot of us use our knives today...
 
bone works great for all activities! the jigging gives a better grip when handling and make for a good worry stone while hiking. so long you don't drop the knife on a hard surface (which goes for knife of any handle material) you should be alright
 
Jigged bone, smooth bone, or whatever will hold up just fine. They are very durable.

GEC Northfield #72 Scout with Plumb jigged bone covers.

 
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I know delrin and acrylics are perfectly traditional, but when it comes to slipjoints a major draw for me is the use of natural materials for the covers. That means jigged bone, stag, wood and to a lesser extent pearl and ivory. If I wanted synthethics I would've stuck with more modern designs.

Case in point. After reading Carl's stories I looked a long time for a knife that looked like Mr. Van's. I found one online. It wasn't a Remington, but with jigged bone covers it wouldn't look out of place.



I could've ended my search earlier if I was willing to settle for black composite. They're cheaper and easier to find. But there's something about jigged bone covers that just looks right. Who cares if the stuff isn't as durable as delrin? It's tough enough, especially since I don't like to beat up on folders.

- Christian
 
For me, bone holds up just as well or better than delrin. I have a few cracked and glued back on delrin covers. With bone the worst thing that has happened is a small crack may develop next to a pin. No trouble yet with any GEC's. Use your bone hard, it's pretty tough.:)
 
These guys have it covered - go for it - there is pleasure in using a beautiful knife! OH
 
Jigged bone is one of my favorite handle materials, in general. But GEC´s one is just plain awesome. My most carried knife is the GEC #66 Serpetine Jack. I carried it so frequently that it quickly became an all-time-fave and a real user knife. The scales don´t show any damage as I haven´t dropped it on stones/concrete. The bone is a little worn out but still great and it has smoothen out a little during the period of carrying.

A pic says more than a bunch of words. I´m with Paul (pmew) ...

 
Don't give it a thought. Bone, wood or synthetic, all are plenty durable in daily use. Bone and wood scaled pocket knives 100+ yrs old are testimony to this.
 
I carry some kind of bone almost every day. It is my first choice in traditional handle material.
 
Humppa said:
Jigged bone is one of my favorite handle materials, in general. But GEC´s one is just plain awesome. My most carried knife is the GEC #66 Serpetine Jack. I carried it so frequently that it quickly became an all-time-fave and a real user knife. The scales don´t show any damage as I haven´t dropped it on stones/concrete. The bone is a little worn out but still great and it has smoothen out a little during the period of carrying.

A pic says more than a bunch of words. I´m with Paul (pmew) ...

Click to expand...

I am right in step with you Andi. The #66 pattern with a nice jigged bone is destined to be the "go to" knife. I can't get the Purple Sage #66 out of my pocket. Can't wait for it to age as gracefully as your green one. Jigged bone is rugged that with age will smooth and take on character. Here's mine:

IMG_1393_zps2f65c9af.jpg
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Peter
 
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