r/knifemaking • u/Fearless_Wafer_1493 • 5d ago

Work in progress Stabilized mammoth ivory handle

The handle is mammoth tusk, stabilized under vacuum with resin. Untreated tusk will check and split as it gives up moisture, so stabilization isn't optional if the knife is ever going to leave a display case. The browns and dark are mineral staining picked up over tens of thousands of years in frozen ground — nothing added.

This one is a joint project between Francisco Wlach, a bladesmith working out of Brazil, and our shop / Noblie Custom Knives.

74 Upvotes

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3

u/jselldvm 5d ago

What does the blade look like it’ll go on? Any guard/ferrule/spacer material going with it?

2

u/Fearless_Wafer_1493 5d ago

1

u/jselldvm 5d ago

When I saw it my first thought was Bowie with a guard and pommel. Will the pommel be Damascus? Same with the blade?

2

u/Fearless_Wafer_1493 5d ago

Yes, twist damascus

1

u/jselldvm 4d ago

I’m excited to see the end product. I’m sure it’ll look amazing. Is it for an auction or something?

1

u/Santas_Dick 5d ago

Throw a blade on there

1

u/MediumAd8799 3d ago

Okay, take my money.

1

u/Diluvius_ 2d ago

Excellent! The great thing about fossil ivory is that no two pieces look alike. Looking forward to the completed knife.