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Storing precious handle materials in unprotected shop?

javand

javand

Joined
Oct 17, 2010
Messages
2,424
Since I've recently become obsessed with fossil handle materials, I wanted to ask the question: Is it safe to store mammoth, walrus, oosik, etc. in my uninsulated shop during the winter? I've currently been keeping them inside, considering the crazy humidity that's normal here, wood can absorb it just being exposed to the air, but that's not a huge concern comparatively, and I can keep them in tupper.

I know the fossil ivories come out of permafrost, but that's very cold and dry right? What about fall and winter conditions and temp swings in the SE? Am I going to have more concern with thermal shock taking them outside to work them from being inside most of the time in a warmish and dry environment? I don't think I can setup a grinder inside for handle work, as much as I'd love to.


Thanks guys, I don't think I could bear having a major crack show up in a $200 piece of fossil ivory just from environmental change..
 
Use mineral oil and if they're that valuable, "Lock them up".
 
Fossil ivories are pretty stable stuff. They aren't likely to crack form the air conditions. I would be more worried about the mice eating them in the shop.

I store ivory and my premium woods in the "shoe box' size plastic storage bins. It makes it easy to find and store things. They are sold in packs of 12 for $10 at the local big box store. Buy $50 worth...it is one of the best ways to neaten up a cluttered shop, as well as making it easy to find things. When working on a knife project, I drop all the items needed for that knife in a box...and don't have to look around saying, "Where the heck did I put the handle block I saved for this knife?"

Most cracks come from improper cutting , grinding, and polishing. That is the real enemy of ivory.
 
Good question:)
I'm glad to get the answer too. I have been wanting to do something with Mammoth tusk.

Thanks ,
Mark
 
Mineral oil doesn't do anything for ivory.
It will soak into the porous dentin of some mammoth ivory, ruining it.
 
Thanks for the box for each knife tip. I like that. I seem to be getting more absent minded and spend to much time searching for that piece I just had
 
Thanks all, and especially Stacy for abating my fears. I hadn't even thought about the mice, but that definitely makes sense. Honestly any kind of rodent or small animal that wanted to could get into the shop, it's like 100 year old hillbilly construction at it's finest(worst).


I'd been planning on the plastic bins, and you're right, I need AT-LEAST $50 worth. It's a nightmare in there.
 
I don't get into the "mineral/baby oil" debate, but any ivory soaked in oil will be ruined in my oppinion.
That is as much a wives tail as putting oil/Vaseline on opals to prevent cracking. It doesn't work, and does more harm than good.
 
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