What does the color of ivory "mean" ?

macmiddlebrooks

macmiddlebrooks

Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
536
Here's a pic of a Halfrich baby rounder I've got incoming. Can you please tell me what the "coffee with lot's of cream" colored elephant ivory denotes? I've only ever seen eggshell white elephant ivory or the darker mammoth ivory. Thanks for your time. Sorry about the giant size:o

395243330.jpg
 
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Question to the viewing audience - am I the only one who hates it when forced to scroll to see an image? It might be something the poster hasn't realized. Or maybe I am just being picky.

Best,

Bob Betzner
 
betzner said:
Question to the viewing audience - am I the only one who hates it when forced to scroll to see an image? It might be something the poster hasn't realized. Or maybe I am just being picky.

Best,

Bob Betzner
Click to expand...

Absolutely the worst thing one can do on a forum!:eek:

The color comes from ivory cut near the outside surface, or the bark of the tusk.
 
I would rather it be this size, but he did say he was sorry so I'm willing to cut him some slack. :cool:


395243330.jpg


macmiddlebrooks, if you will edit your post and put this http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL782/4063224/14968341/395243330.jpg between the image brackets it will be fixed.:D

I don't know what the color of the ivory means other than I like it better than just pure white. But then to me ivory doesn't start
looking good until it has a lot of age on it, turned yellow and has a few cracks.
 
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Harry, thanks for letting the poster know what to do. I wasn't sure how to explain it! Sure helps the viewing.

As far as color of ivory, I've always understood that the processes of handling (oil from the hands, etc) and atmosphere (expansion, contraction, aging, contact) are the primary reasons for the darkening to occur, but believe there must be more than one expert in the audience who really knows precisely. 0h, I believe the cut of the piece also plays a role. By the way, great little cutter, there. And the color of the ivory on it is really attractive.

Bob
 
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Hmathews said:
...to me ivory doesn't start
looking good until it has a lot of age on it, turned yellow and has a few cracks.
Click to expand...

Yeah, or still has a little meat and hair in the cracks...love that outrageous bark ivory.

That is a fine looking knife and the ivory is very nice, by the way. :)
 
The minerals in the earth/surroundings which ancient mammoth, mastodon and walrus
ivories are exposed to for thousands of years play a large part in their color.
Different minerals/elements influence different colors.
 
Kevin Jones said:
The minerals in the earth/surroundings which ancient mammoth, mastodon and walrus
ivories are exposed to for thousands of years play a large part in their color.
Different minerals/elements influence different colors.
Click to expand...

I believe his question was about elephant ivory, Kevin.

Bob
 
betzner said:
I believe his question was about elephant ivory, Kevin.

Bob
Click to expand...

In deed it is, however I thought some who are not as knowledgeable as you may find
my post regarding ancient ivory interesting. Especially since the general topic of this
thread is ivory and there's always folks visiting this forum who are new to custom knives.

I expect some may not distinguish between elephant and ancient ivories and reason for color
variations between the two.

By the way Bob. If you drop down a line often as you type then folks don't have to scroll to
read your posts on these threads which are elongated by wide photos.
 
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mac, that's a really nice knife you have there and I think Don Hanson gave the answer you were looking for as to the colour variation in elephant ivory. We've seen some really nice darker elephant ivory on the forum of late - I quite like it. The really white stuff is very nice, too.

Roger
 
Yeah, I've been told that his folders are really nice little slipjoints overall. And all I can do is repeat myself when I say what pretty ivory it is.

Best,

Bob Betzner
 
Pic resized, thanks Harry! Also thank you guys for the info, I'm very appreciative. Can't wait to pocket this little guy.
 
Kevin Jones said:
In deed it is, however I thought some who are not as knowledgeable as you may find
my post regarding ancient ivory interesting. Especially since the general topic of this
thread is ivory and there's always folks visiting this forum who are new to custom knives.

I expect some may not distinguish between elephant and ancient ivories and reason for color
variations between the two.

By the way Bob. If you drop down a line often as you type then folks don't have to scroll to
read your posts on these threads which are elongated by wide photos.
Click to expand...

I missed this post, sorry.

I seldom post much anymore, Kevin, so am not a "perfect" poster. If I understood what you were trying to say in your above comment, maybe I could learn from you.

Best,

Bob
 
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Hmathews said:
I would rather it be this size, but he did say he was sorry so I'm willing to cut him some slack. :cool:


395243330.jpg


macmiddlebrooks, if you will edit your post and put this http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL782/4063224/14968341/395243330.jpg between the image brackets it will be fixed.:D

I don't know what the color of the ivory means other than I like it better than just pure white. But then to me ivory doesn't start
looking good until it has a lot of age on it, turned yellow and has a few cracks.
Click to expand...
What H.Mathews said- Love the yellowing/creamy look with stress cracks. That is right up my alley.
 
I've watched the cream in several knives get darker with age and with use. This one, for instance, came to me much whiter than it is now and the grain has become more visible over time. As Don (the king of all things ivory) alluded to, bark ivory is more yellow with more visible grain
DSC00600.jpg

DSC00602.jpg


These show a bit of a comparison between the ultra white and yellowish...the difference is much, much more obvious in person
DSC00740.jpg
 
Not having worked with ivory, all I know is that I love the color on this knife. I'd rather have a knife showing individuality than conformity. Jess
 
I think the creamier color is right below the surface of the bark. The white white is more of an interior color.
At least that is what I have seen when I used it.
 
I have been told that even interior elephant ivory is not that bright white unless it has been bleached and that can cause a series of issues later. Ivory, is, "ivory' colored. The bark is exposed to the elements even when it is still attached to the animal and pretty much allof the ivory available in the US has been off of said beast for at least 40 years and usually much longer after being "used for its intended purpose" by the critter for many decades. Imagine if you didn't brush your teeth for 40 years and then let them sit around for another 40-100 after you died. :D
 
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