Mammoth Ivory dagger

SteelSlaver

SteelSlaver

Joined
Feb 17, 2007
Messages
3,375
Ivory Dagger

Here is one for a customer who collects Sheffield made dirks from the 1840's - 1930's
He wanted a carry knife, but, his state will not allow carry of a double edged blade or one over 4"
He is going to have the ivory scrimshawed. Hope he likes it.
Over all length with 4"- of blade in front of guard is 8 1/4" +
Blade is of Aldos 3/8" 1095FG and I milled it down to form a small shoulder in front of the guard to set it in place. Guard is if 1095/nickel twist damascus and is silver soldered in place.
The scales are interior mammoth ivory soaked in thin super glue. Mosaic pins. I soaked the blade and guard in a ferric chloride mix and hit it with a scotch brite pad a couple times during ferric soaks to antique, then buffed it a bit when done. Vine file work on the spine.

ivorydaggerangle.jpg


ivorydaggertop.jpg


ivorydaggerspine.jpg


ivorydaggerside.jpg


A little more clean up his payment and away it goes. Jim
 
Nice Jim.

I thought I'd comment that the crack that can be seen in the handle at the front pin wasn't caused by Jim. There were some tiny cracks in the ivory that are sometimes what you deal with when working with mammoth ivory. They were already there and add character to the handle in my opinion.
 
Show me something that old that ain't got a crack or 2. Actually what it is is a slight separation of a very inner growth ring. It is on both sides but, now very well sealed with thin superglue. I was surprised to find anyone with that large and thick a piece that was in such great shape. Thanks again Scott.
 
Thanks for the complement and yes there is a way. I can make another. I don't have anymore interior mammoth like that. I am sure another piece could be found, or I do have some outside bark mammoth and also some hippo ivory. I can also go with about any wood. Email me at imviall@hotmail.com and we can get together on it. Jim
 
OK - I'm the customer that ordered this knife and I thought some comments would be appropriate.

I "met" Jim here when I was looking for someone to make a knife for me. I collect small dirks made in Sheffield, England from the 1830-1940 time period but I wanted something similar to carry, but double edged knives are a no no to carry here in Massachusetts. Also I have a friend who is a good artist with pen and ink and I convinced her to try scrimshaw. After showing her some examples on line she became excited by the possibilities so I wanted a knife she could do for me.

So what I gave Jim were the outlines of what I wanted. Dagger shape, ivory handle suitable for scrimshaw, single edge, blade under 4", and thats about it. I have to say that what I envisioned and what he delivered, although being within the specs I gave, are two completely different knives. I prefer to let the knifemaker create more than fitting his creativity into my mindset and in this case I was amply rewarded. I am used to blades that are more small and delicate, this one is (within the size limits I gave him) stout and sturdy. If used in self defense instead of a small puncture it would inflict damage all out of proportion with it's blade length.

When held in the hand it feels "right" and the knife contains a certain raw power that doesn't come across in the pictures. It's an intangible thing hard to put into words but I would have confidence using this blade for any task. It feels like it would cut through a car door, an oil drum, or tear a gaping wound in man or beast.

As to the rest Jim delivered faster than expected, was great to deal with on phone or e-mail, and I would not sell it today for twice what I paid him. Quality is very good, fit and finish are in line with the design, and for some reason his prices are still low. I doubt that will last.

We are rethinking out approach to scrimshaw. Originally I have planned a half nude girl ina corset, something refined and delicate, but given the knife I have asked her to do something more primitive and raw and earthy in feel. Again I am just sending it to her to let her hold the knife and create without too much direction (she mainly does nude females and I can live with that) so I willse what I get and post pics.

To say I am pleased is an understatement!!
 
Thank you. Both for your appreciation and for allowing me the opportunity to create something like this. I enjoyed the project very much and am glad your happy. If I made anothe like it it would be twice the price. LOL. I have another project going now. Check out my Oosik fighter project. Jim
 
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