Repurposing Old Ivory (picture added)

[The Government]

I was curious if any makers here had experience repurposing ivory handles from old knives, such as cake knives, butter knives, and that sort of thing.

I recently picked up an old Sheffield cake knife and I would like to reuse the handle for a personal project. (Im going to try and make a little letter opener)

As a side question, how would you go about removing the handle? The knife has a hidden stick tang that appears to be round.

Thanks for reading!

*Disclaimer- I do understand that Ivory is a controlled material, and establishing provenance is my legal responsibility.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Stick the tip in a vise, and heat the blade/spatula with a small flame unto you can twist/pull the handle off. Take your time and the heat will conduct up the tang and melt the cutlers cement glue in the handle. I do this regularly with old ivory and MOP handled table knives. Keep a wet rag close by to cool the handle if it gets too warm to grip bare handed.

 

[The Government]

Excellent! Thanks for the advise. Ill give it a shot after work.