What is this handle material?

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Boji
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What is this handle material?

Post by Boji »

I'm thinking Mammoth Ivory, custom knife made about 15=20 years ago.
IMG-5328.jpg
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ea42
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by ea42 »

Definitely ivory.

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Madmarco
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by Madmarco »

Boji wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 3:46 pm I'm thinking Mammoth Ivory, custom knife made about 15=20 years ago.

IMG-5328.jpgIMG-5329.jpgIMG-5330.jpg
Looks like ivory to me too Boji. ::tu:: One heck of a nice knife whatever it's made out of. 8)
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by Boji »

Or maybe Walrus Ivory?
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Gunsil
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by Gunsil »

Definitely not walrus ivory. The example shown has the distinctive grain of elephant ivory, walrus ivory has no grain. Elephant and mammoth/mastodon ivory are similar and exhibit the same grain characteristics but the latter two often are not as white as elephant due to being greatly aged. Hippo and warthog ivory also have no grain although they are not as commonly used as walrus or elephant. The knife in question looks like elephant ivory to me. Walrus tusks do have a somewhat pithy core and on thick walrus ivory knife handles on fixed blades and many walrus ivory carved objects one can see this core material often called "tapioca" by collectors. Elephant ivory when cut across the tusks shows a mandala pattern and when cut along the length shows the grain like on the knife here. Here's an example of a walrus ivory handle showing the "tapioca" center.
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Boji
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by Boji »

I do now believe it is elephant ivory after contacting a person who knew the maker.
My previous experience with elephant ivory was in round beads for jewelry which the patterning shows differently.
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Re: What is this handle material?

Post by Gunsil »

Boji, here is an example of elephant ivory cut across the tusk. You can see the mandala pattern which is seen on elephant ivory beads and carvings. When cut lengthwise the cross hatch/mandala pattern shows the wavy lines like on your fine knife.
F5E68494-BC7E-4664-A4C7-F66F9BFA1473.jpeg
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