Mammoth Bark Ivory

[wlfryjr]

In using as a good steward,I have no qualms about enjoying all things put on this earth for mankind.

Here's one I would have bought if I had not been ignorant,I might say more ignorant at the time,about buying guidelines.

 

[Lhpanther]

Just let me know when you get tired of carrying around that rock Christian. I'll gladly take it off your hands .

 

[kamagong]

So the stuff is very heavy and inconvenient to carry around?

It is heavier than bone or stag. But that's not what I meant. Mammoth ivory doesn't have the warmth of other natural handle materials.

Just let me know when you get tired of carrying around that rock Christian. I'll gladly take it off your hands .

Sure thing, if I find another swayback to replace it.

 

[Gehazi]

does anyone know where you buy the basic supplies? ( mammoth ivory )-- I mean are there places that only sell to dealers? or can we buy a shard or a piece or even a tusk from someone directly? how is trading in mammoth ivory different from elephant ivory?

I mean what kind of taxes, paperwork etc will I need for this? does it require CITES?

 

[Cory Hess]

Just Google mammoth ivory. I did and the first site to pop up had everything from scraps for $30 per pound up to a full tusk for $1,200. PM me if you are still having difficulty. Alternatively, you could pop over to the Knifemaker's forums and find out where they're getting it. They'd probably be able to tell you where to get pieces that are best for scales.

 

[Gehazi]

yeah the websites I found seemed to be totally out will PM-- my problem is that I am looking for larger whole pieces to help get a custom cane built for my old man. this may be a case of already missing the boat though.

do you guys realize that if you had bought 5 kilograms of agar wood in 1999 it would have cost you around 600 usd-- if you sold that 5 kilo of agar wood in today's market you could get as much as 30 thousand usd-- and thats not all inflation, most of that is just supply and demand.-- there is no supply and demand is through the roof. Many many things are getting this way, my advice is to research and try to catch the boat before it sails ! don't be late like me!

 

[pvicenzi]

I like it.

 

[tradja]

People have shared some stunning photos in this thread. I need to just close this tab before I do something foolish with the credit card.

I was under the impression that all of what we call "mammoth ivory" was in fact fossilized mammoth (mastadon?) ivory, and was thus essentially no longer ivory, but a rock just like any other fossil.

My grandfather-in-law worked constructing highways in Alaska in the 50's. My wife's family still prizes and prominently displays a forearm-sized section of mammoth ivory that he found. Externally, it appears to be a very solid and nice specimen. I will have to photograph it the next time I visit. Of course, I would never be allowed to piece it up for 1911 grips and knife scales.

Not that I haven't fantasized about doing just that...

 

[black mamba]

does anyone know where you buy the basic supplies? ( mammoth ivory )-- I mean are there places that only sell to dealers? or can we buy a shard or a piece or even a tusk from someone directly? how is trading in mammoth ivory different from elephant ivory?

Just go to a custom knife show. Every one I've ever been to has at least a couple tables of mammoth ivory in all sizes and colors, many precut into matching slabs.

 

[okbohn]

I was under the impression that all of what we call "mammoth ivory" was in fact fossilized mammoth (mastadon?) ivory, and was thus essentially no longer ivory, but a rock just like any other fossil.

That is my understanding. The colors come from the various mineral deposits.

 

[Hiker Boy]

It's definitely not rock but it is mineralized. Before you start working it, it smells a bit like rock or dirt but once you start working it, there is no mistaking the smell of burned karatin.

 

[Relee1]

I love the look of the mammoth ivory. My only qualm is that I am afraid to use the knife, and they (I have 4) become safe queens. Perhaps the problem is not with the mammoth, but with me.

My joy is in taking them out every now and then and just looking at them.