Working with Ivory

Patrickknives · Dec 11, 2009

Friend gave me a slab of real Ivory, real elephant type for scales on a folder. I have not worked with ivory before. What is the best method to cut, shape and finish? I plan to have the scales completly finished and screw onto knife,

John L · Dec 11, 2009

Work them pretty much the same as any natural handle material....with one large exception...do not let heat build up. If you grind pins or screws off and they dissipate heat to the ivory ....cracks now...or cracks later will appear. Buffs beautifully.

argel55 · Dec 11, 2009

As you grind it lay it on aluminum to help disapate the heat away from it. Most I have worked I first shaped with 50 grit then worked files and sandpapaer by hand.

sharpeknives · Dec 11, 2009

Keep cool. Don't get in a hurry. Do not cool in water. You will love it.

Phil Dwyer · Dec 11, 2009

Here's some good info on working with ivory and fossil ivory....

http://www.boonetrading.com/WorkingInstructions.html

Frank Niro · Dec 11, 2009

Patrick. I have wrote good information in the knifenetwork under folders. Its a sticky at the start of folding knives. Frank

Phil Dwyer · Dec 12, 2009

Here's the link to the thread Frank referred to. Lots of good info there. http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41454

Craigb · Dec 12, 2009

Ivory is nice and congratulations on having a friend like that! Keep it cool and work slow with fresh belts, bits etc. Farmer Phil posted a good link for working ivory. Look at the information Mr. Niro posted. I believe it is under mammoth ivory or something like that.

Craig

jim moyer · Dec 12, 2009

I use a 45 degree dove tail cutter on my milling machine to flatten on both sides.