Processing natural handle material

[Brian V Russell]

I have some walrus ivory in tusk form, and was was wondering if anyone has any advice on the "optimum" way to get the most handles from it. I know there's one hidden tang handle in there, but how to slab the rest without wasting any is a mystery.

Brian

 

[Reg ELLERY]

You have asked a very hard question. The only tip I can give is sometines off cuts can be used up to make a spacer or combination handle. Scandinavian/ Norwegen knives use bone or horn as the front guard, then a wood handle behind.

Naturally there are the minature makers.

I recently used the ivory strips of old piano keys as liners under an ebony handle slab. You could not see a lot of ivory but you know its not plastic fibre. It gives the owner a talking point.

Good luck with the cut up.