Work in Progress....Ivory Handle Question

[Dave Kelly]

Working on this and wasn't sure if I made a mistake on the handle so I temporarily assembled the unfinished knife to post pics and ask for your help.

First time using ivory for handle material (fixed blade) and wanted to try leaving the ivory higher than the spacers then radius down to the spacer. I'm so used to trying to make sure everything flushes that I wasn't sure how I liked the look of this but I'm OK with it now. I've heard even stabilized ivory moves so I'm doing this in case the ivory does shrink it's less likely to leave a sharp edge.

Think I made a mistake though, I didn't leave the top or bottom higher just the face. I've never seen what happens when material moves, does it just swell in thickness or does it also swell in all dimensions.

The photo kind of shows the slight radius face and the flush top and bottom......please ignore the guard and spacers, not sure yet if those are going to stay.

Thanks for any help,
Dave

 

[Keith Montgomery]

It can swell or shrink in all dimensions.

 

[NickWheeler]

Dave,


First of all... gorgeous knife! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I leave it proud on all sides by 0.010" and then radius the edge. All it takes is lightly buffing with pink rouge on a stiff wheel to knock the sharp edge off.

I wouldn't say you made a MISTAKE though. Since you've got it flush on top and bottom, I'm sure it's just dandy

 

[Dave Kelly]

Thanks Keith!

Thanks for the very helpful info. Nick :thumbup:

Dave