Name that handle material!

[Gr8wazu]

Has anyone else come across a handle material they're not quite sure what it's made of? This Robeson Shuredge has me perplexed. It looks and feels like a wood/bone hybrid (which I know isn't a thing). Any Robeson experts out there? Id love to see examples of other unique old handles as well!

[glennbad]

Wood putty?

[1967redrider]

How about hafted particle board?

[rea1eye]

How about hafted particle board?

That is exactly what I was going to say. Is is rough or did
someone put a liquid finish on it?

If not original material, it certainly is interesting.

Bob

[ThatWeirdKnifeGuy]

Looks like dried out bone to me...but then the shield seems to be a bit covered? So I'd second glennbad and guess somebody got creative with a rehandle job with wood putty. Or maybe resin with sawdust in it.

[New_Windsor_NY]

Any Robeson experts out there?

Just a thought....
viewforum.php?f=93

[Reverand]

I am also thinking of some creative use of epoxy mixture, although wood putty might also be it. Or wood putty mixed with wood/bone chips? Sawdust and glue?
I see no handle pins, and that partially-covered shield is a big clue that this was a home-made handle repair.
And compared to a lot of work that I have seen, it actually looks pretty good.
I would probably leave it as-is. With the blade wear it is not worth re-handling. Besides, if nothing else it is a great conversation piece!

[Gr8wazu]

Thanks for the responses. I'm with you regarding looking the particle board. In person, it does seem more like bone because there are no chips, which you'd see with particle board. Still weird though....

[jw517]

Box Elder burl.