materials question

[SilentJohn]

hello I would just like to ask what are the properties but more important the durability of these 2 materials

1. faux ivory

2. real ram horn

I am about to buy a knife and I am between 2 of the same knife just one with sim ivory and one with ram horn

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Well, for starters, one is a natural product and the other is a plastic stimulant.
Ram's horn will hold up pretty well if cared for. Faux ivory will abrade and wear fast because it is plastic.

The properties are:
Horn - keratin ( hair) - Tough, pliable, fairly water resistant
Faux Ivory - acrylic resin and powdered minerals - Brittle, easily abrades, usually water resistant.
Horn - good grip.
Faux Ivory - slick to moderate grip ( varies from type to type).

Value - Good ram's horn handle adds about $100 to a knife.
Faux Ivory handles generally lowers the knife's value.

 

[SilentJohn]

thanks , looks like i will be going with ram horn