Questions about working fossilized ivory

[David43515]

I`ve made field-grade knives for years with Micarta, and occasionally various woods and moose antler. But I`m working on a dressier present for a friend and I`m seriously thinking about using fossilized ivory for the handle. Now I plan on working it as little as possible in order to save the natural texture and pattern. But I`ve never used the stuff before and am seriously wondering if I`m biting off more than I can chew. Does anyone know how well the stuff drills and grinds? will a file even touch the stuff? Can I saw it with a regular metal cutting blade on my bandsaw? Does it grind like hard bone/antler, or is it really rock-like? Will regular drill bits cut it or should I expect them to walk? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[DEllis]

Fossilized is a misnomer, it has not been turned into stone, but stained with minerals after some time buried in the earth. It cuts fine with standard tools. Just work it like any other natural handle material. Don't over heat it.
Darcy

 

[Frank Niro]

The above is true. I will add a couple of other helpful tips. Look at the ivory carefully. Try to visualize it with the surface ground off. Most often unfamiliar users will want to use too fine a belt to grind with. If just burns the ivory. Try to remove material from the bottom of the scales and get it very close to finishing height. If you don't you will end up removing that pretty outside top . If you see cracks you can strengthen the material by applying some CA glue on both sides and leaving over night before starting on it. Receiving the ivory with the cracks , marks , and other detrimental things (?) is very common unless you buy the very, very, best which has a terrific price and can still have unwarranted problems inside. Don't hesitate to do lots of hand sanding for finishing and a light buff with no scratch pink will make it look as special as it is. Frank

 

[tryppyr]

Fossil ivory is one of the easiest materials to work. So easy, in fact, you may have a tendency to overwork it.. Take your time, follow the advice above, an you will do fine.

 

[David43515]

Thanks for the good tips guys. I had this image in my head of it being pretty stone-like and wasn't sure it was in my skill set. But I've wanted to try it for years. And I guess I will.