Mother of Pearl cracks

[dhannon]

Got my hands on a piece of MOP for a folder. There is a very small hairline crack. My research to date notes that MOP is quite stable and should not react to changes in temperature or humidity like bone and ivory. My question: Will hairline cracks be a problem for blade handles in MOP? Seems to be a surface crack and does not look like it goes through the piece. Can I expect the crack to propogate once it's on a blade?

Thanks for the help...

Dan

 

[Bruce Bump]

Mother of pearl is the most stabil natural handle material I can think of. I wouldnt however put it on a knife if there is a crack in it. You said it looks like a surface crack, just grind it out and look close. If its gone go for it.

 

[dhannon]

Bruce,

Thanks. I'll take the surface down a touch and see how deep this goes.

Dan