Slightly off topic, but then again maybe not

[sheathmaker]

Ivory has been front and center and on everyone's mind for quite some time now. Headline news in some cases. Lots of comments about poaching, illegal commerce etc, and how none of this will save a single Mammoth, and it's true…..it won't.

But even more disturbing is the fact that many people don't realize or maybe even care that the Micarta tree is very close to extinction. In fact the Westinghouse variety is already extinct!!!

Different from the Ivory and the Elephants, the extinction of the Micarta tree is almost insured (if it has not already happened) not by poaching and illicit commerce but by global warming. Some say that continued use of forges contributes to the warming (but I am not ready to join that camp yet).

I am concerned, however, that so few people realize the uncertain future of Micarta, and that's why I'm sharing this with you. If the Micarta tree is already or soon will go extinct, then What's next????????
my educated guess is that it could be G10 or even Carbon Fiber.

Just something for you guys, Knife makers and collectors alike to ponder.

Paul

 

[JParanee]

Well needed mood uplifter in light of the tragedy that has landed on the DesRosiers lap

Thanks Paul

On to your concerns

Everyone knows that I'm a huge advocate and admirer of fine Micarta

In fact I'm a huge proponent of its use on anything from bow risers to knife handles

We can only hope thru modern technology we can recapture its beauty in a synthetic product

Happy New Year Pappy

 

[r connally]

Very few people know that Micarta is from the latin meaning My Cart. In ancient times the donkey was used to carry loads over long distance and varied terrain that was too heavy for humans. The trade routes had ruts from donkey hooves and were covered in donkey dung, causing sickness in the traders that traveled the routes.

As Micarta is actually from the shins of the donkey it was also known as Ass Bone in ancient times. Who woulda thunk?

Thanks for the smile Paul and Happy New Year all.

 

[Ben Seward]

I'm in downtown Little Rock with my arms wrapped around the finest specimen of a black linen micarta tree you ever laid eyes on...got to save this beauty from the encroachment of vile human pigs! I love me some micarta
Happy New Year!

 

[SharpByCoop]

I hear ya' Paul. I'm told the Chinese are already disallowing Micarta on both sides of a handle. 'One slab only'.

On a good note: Brass farms have made quite a comeback. We haven't seen good quality brass in a while, but that is changing.



Coop

 

[JParanee]

I only wish the MUSSO Bowie had a micarta handle vs the Blackwood handle that adorns it ...... It will surely crack any moment......pure scrap wood

 

[BenR.T.]

I hear ya' Paul. I'm told the Chinese are already disallowing Micarta on both sides of a handle. 'One slab only'.

On a good note: Brass farms have made quite a comeback. We haven't seen good quality brass in a while, but that is changing.



Coop

Hopefully we see a strong brass and dyamond wood revival.

 

[RogerP]

I only wish the MUSSO Bowie had a micarta handle vs the Blackwood handle that adorns it ...... It will surely crack any moment......pure scrap wood

I'll trade you all the micarta you can carry for that crappy wood-handled knife. And I know you can carry a LOT. Consider this a standing offer.

Coop - lol on the brass farms!

 

[Kohai999]

Rest assured, should Micarta become extinct, it's bastard inbred cousin Kirinite, aka MOBB(Mother of Bowling Ball) is ready to carry the torch!

Some examples:

Burgundy Micarta

Kirinite.

(Photos courtesy of USA Knifemaker Supply)SAVE THE MICARTA TREE, what about the children???

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Paul Savage]

BUT JOE! as a splintered piece of useless wood it is then elevated to that life saving tinder you need to start a fire in the jungles of who knows where, providing you remembered your ferro rod....... but thats another story isn't it?

 

[Jason Fry]

I bet the MOBB is behind the whole micarta banning conspiracy.