Pearl handles

[rigwelder]

Can pearl handle be patched or replaced? I got a Super Nice Pearl handled dogleg pearl handle warncliff whittler the other day that has a piece missing. I'd list the brand, but i've slept since then and dont remember! Infact i traded my brother out of several nice old warne's! Got a e.c. simmons with two warne's blades.

[remington collector]

I think it would be near impossible to patch it good enough. Sure it can be replaced. Remington used to make a split pearl pattern, there was a piece of nickel silver seperating 2 pieces of pearl on each side. That might be an option if its broken near the center.

[rigwelder]

Its broken from the top pin to the bolster on the reverse side.

[knife7knut]

I've attempted to repair pearl scales by piecing in smaller parts and have never had much luck matching the color and/or the pattern.A WORD OF WARNING! If you attempt your own repair use a respirator(NOT a paper mask)if you are grinding the pearl as the materials in it are extremely toxic and will make you ill.That beautiful green color you see in pearl and abalone is arsenic.

[johnnierotten]

materials in it are extremely toxic

Very good info.

[tjmurphy]

I've attempted to repair pearl scales by piecing in smaller parts and have never had much luck matching the color and/or the pattern.A WORD OF WARNING! If you attempt your own repair use a respirator(NOT a paper mask)if you are grinding the pearl as the materials in it are extremely toxic and will make you ill.That beautiful green color you see in pearl and abalone is arsenic.

WOW!!! Didn't know that. Really good info.

[PA Knives]

I learned that the spliting of Pearl wasn't performed for beauty, it was done to save money by being able to use small pieces of pearl on the knives. Pearl was more expensive than the nickle silver spacers. To be honest, they do look pretty though. The German Companies did a lot of that at the turn of the century. Almost a sure give away of an early GERMAN knife is the extend nickle silver bolsters and split Pearl Scales.

[rigwelder]

Alex that was exactly what I was thinking!
Atleast I would like people to think I was anyway!

[Knife Nut]

Very informative thread. Thanks guys.

Paul