Oosik

[SteelSlaver]

I was given a complete Oosik and want to use the small end for a couple hidden tang knives and the large end for some scales. Do I treat it like bone/ivory or what. Thanks Jim

 

[Keith_H]

Those sound expensive! I want to be given one!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Treat it like a somewhat brittle bone.Some is more fossilized and harder, but still works fairly easily. It works well with fresh belts and slower speeds. Avoid getting it hot. Also, don't let pretty young ladies handle it until it has had time to age, or a drop point hunter might turn into a bowie knife.
Stacy

 

[SteelSlaver]

Now thats funny right there. LMAO. Thanks for the advice. I will also keep my bowie away from ugly old women. Kieth, I spend over 10 years commercial fishing in Alaska. I still get a few presents. But you can get some Oosik from Boone Trading, for a fair price. I went out and visited these people and they are a very nice couple, with lots of interesting items besides knife related stuff. Great supply of ivory, he told me he got involved in ivory when he was in his teens and must be early 50s now. . Jim

http://www.boonetrading.com/Pg26.html

 

[Keith_H]

Ok, It just doesn't seem that the walrus would give it out easy