Nice Dozier on A. G. Russell's site

I like it the knife, :thumbup: but I don't like ivory scales on a full tang, too fragile for my taste. They crack at the pins just by looking at them. I like ivory in hidden tang construction only.
 
I really like the design. Over the years I have seen quite a few full tang knives with ivory handles that have not cracked. Some of these knives are quite old. It definitely does happen, but I still like full tang knives with ivory handles.
 
If it is older, well aged ivory, it is fairly stable. If you can keep the heat down when shaping and finishing the handle, and very slightly enlarge the bolt, or pin holes. I have over the years worked quite a bit of Ivory. The new Ivory, especially milk tusk, is prone to cracking and checking. With a little care. Peanut Oil. Mineral Oil. A good wax, such as Renaissance wax. It really isn't much problem. Sudden, and drastic hot, and cold, and or drastic humidity changes can be hard on it. Many don't like to fly to shows with Ivory. But with just a little care, It is a beautiful material. Many would argue that fine checking in older ivory adds to it's character. Mike
 
Very nice piece. Elephant ivory seems to be a little more problematic than other ivories in regard to checking and cracking. However, since the knife is sixteen years old, with a little care the ivory should maintain it's current condition.
I was on a smaller screen, so when I pulled up the site initially only the $1,79 showed. So momentarily I thought "what a deal". :confused:
 
Ivory cracks even when it's still attached to the elephant!
It is the nature of the material, it adds character.
Plain, white, clean ivory is . . . boring.

Don't fret over ivory cracking. It is a natural, live, material.
 
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