pearl scales

S

SlyOne

Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
163
I'm interested in older style folders- many of which had pearl scales. Are there any similar materials today?
 
Mother of Pearl is available check the exchange for knifemakers supplies and equipment. Culpepper's also carries some nice MOP as well
 
The artificial MOP is pretty much junk: The real stuff is for me a super material to use and see finished.
jnnpearlinlay has good pearl for sale in A and AA grade. What I call large pieces don't seem to be available anymore. Culpepper won't ship to me in Canada anymore. KI was fortunate to find these people who have not been on Ebay long. To see some of my work in pearl, go to Customknifegalleryof Colorado.
Frank
 
Frank,

Culpepper is local to me, so if you ever want me to pick out some pieces for you and send them, assuming there aren't any legality issues, let me know.




MOP is in my opinion, an excellent handle material. It's easy to work, easy to finish, feels absolutely great in the hand, is extremely stable and just looks phenomenal. I only started using it recently but I'm in love. Compared to ivory and stag, it's a dream to work with.
 
MOP is often considered a High Art material, but it is also a beautiful general use material for folders. The difference in grades is really stunning, so pony up the extra bucks for the better grades.


Sand with fresh sharp belts and avoid heat. You can shape it on the belt grinder with 220 and 400 grit belts. Take to 1000 grit or higher by hand. Buff with white rouge lightly and avid heat. It will shine like opalescent glass. The 3M polishing paper packs that go from 400 to 8000 are perfect for hand finishing MOP and you won't need much or any buffing.
 
I tried the cheap stuff once....what a waste of time and money...worth the extra money for the higher grades...avoid heat!!!!!
 
Years ago they showed a shop in the Philippines- guys working mother of pearl. The dust was supposed to be hazardous. On the sanding, inlet shield, drill for pins- my other concern with the real stuff is whether it is prone to breaking, chipping? I agree- nothing like the real thing. I checked the Culpepper- I didn't know you could still get it. Any tips on working with it appreciated.
 
All dust is bad to breath. MOP dust is not toxic. It is mostly calcium carbonate. It is bad to breath because the fineness of the particles and the shape of the particles.

Wear a good respirator and clean up everything when done.
 
Hi javand. Thank you on that offer.It's usually so easy to transfer funds, I might one day write you a note for help. Yes, MOP to me is the very best as you and Stacy have said. I have four folders right now I'm completing with MOP for the scales, AND I hope to get one myself as an EDC.
Frank
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
This thread has photos my very favorite knife in it.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1082418-Little-suprise-on-the-porch

I treasure it greatly. I drop it in my pocket ( in a custom soft leather pouch provided by Frank for it) when I go to a show and you wouldn't believe the bulging eyes of other knifemakers when I pull it out to cut some tape or paper. :)
Click to expand...

A Very Fine Example of Frank's Masterful Art Work...and truly a fine gesture of the person he is....:thumbup:
 
I'm some feeling overwhelmed but terrific after reading the last few replies !! Thanks to all !
Frank
 
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