I've seen some beautiful knife handles made with mammoth ivory scales. I have a whole bunch of questions.
Are these scales made from the bark of the ivory tusk?
What part of the tusk makes the best scales?
How difficult is it to find a piece of ivory suitable for scales about and inch and a half wide by five inches long and one quarter inch thick?
How difficult is working with ivory?
Should the ivory be professionally stabilized?
I've never worked with mammoth ivory before. I've think I've found a source, but I sure would hate to screw up such an extensive piece of handle material. Comments and advice would be appreciated!
Jim
Are these scales made from the bark of the ivory tusk?
What part of the tusk makes the best scales?
How difficult is it to find a piece of ivory suitable for scales about and inch and a half wide by five inches long and one quarter inch thick?
How difficult is working with ivory?
Should the ivory be professionally stabilized?
I've never worked with mammoth ivory before. I've think I've found a source, but I sure would hate to screw up such an extensive piece of handle material. Comments and advice would be appreciated!
Jim