What size?

[akivory]

I am having some scales cut over seas from Siberian mammoth ivory.It is a lot easier to get it out if it is cut. I want to keep it simple so I am having two sizes made.What size should I have made one for folders and one for full tang?
Chuck

 

[Peter Atwood]

Hi Chuck,

I'm no expert but I'm going to guess maybe 4"x 2" for the scales and maybe 1/8-1/4 thick. I have no idea what size for fixed blades. I could often use pieces as short as 2 1/2" in length and 1 1/2 wide for folders so don't waste the smaller ones especially if they have character! Let us know when you get them. Are you going to scan and post them on your site?

 

[Kit Carson]

Chuck,
I tend to make larger folders and 3 1/2 x 1 3/8 will cover my largest standard model that has bolsters.

 

[akivory]

In the past ten years I have sold most of my ivory wholesale in bulk.In one year I sold Rick Field over four hundred pounds of bark.Because of the low price of gold I am not able to get much from the miners.I make three or four trips a year to remote Eskimo villiages but I am paying a lot more for it.I make most of my living as a sculptor carving ivory and whale bone.In the past about a third of my income was from ivory.I would like to sell directly to the makers but I have not had time to develop the computer and marketing skills.The best way to buy ivory is at shows but I am not interested in being away from home that much. I am able to sell all my carvings for a good price but with a family it is never enough.I hope to start posting some ivory in the exchange section of this forum soon.
Chuck

 

[allan lanigan]

I think most of the knife supply houses use the 5 inch by 11/2 they probably get the most input from makers,for myself it works out well shorter pieces 3 5/8 work well for knives with bolsters,and the leftovers work well for spacers ..