Bone/Mammoth Scales

Gliden07

Gliden07

Well-Known Member
Are there any tutorials on using this as handle material start to finish. I was thinking of trying some bone for a handle. But I've never used it and don't know how to.
 
I don't know of any tutorials but I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Proceed boldly my friend, nothing to worry about. In short, use sharp tools and abrasives, work cool and keep cool when buffing. Never get any of it wet.
 
Mark how do you split these for scales? I know most bones/tusk have a hollow in them. Do you fill that with Epoxy?? I really love the Mammoth Tusk but want to make sure I have somewhat of a clue prior to ruining it (obviously due to the expense)!!
 
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Gliden07 said:
Mark how do you split these for scales? I know most bones/tusk have a hollow in them. Do you fill that with Epoxy?? I really love the Mammoth Tusk but want to make sure I have somewhat of a clue prior to ruining it (obviously due to the expense)!!
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I could be more helpful if I had pictures.

It's clear that all materials will differ and that some same materials will need to be handled differently depending on the character of each. Generally, mammoth tusk is not hollow but it will have interior cracks most of the time.

Here's what I do on both mammoth ivory and bone. Map out the cuts on the outside to take advantage of the parts of it that have the best colors, textures and integrity. Remember to cut them so that you have matching pairs. Also remember to cut them extra wide because the cuts will actually radiate from an imaginary center in the middle of the arch. In other words, the inside of the scale will be narrower than the outside and you will need to square it off. Plan on cutting the scale wide enough so the inside surface will be wide enough when it is squared off.

Next cut the scales to proper thickness. Be sure to leave enough material for sanding flat. Now sand the backs flat, then square off the sides.

If there are voids in the back that need to be filled, lay the scales down face down then using blue masking tape, tape around the perimeter of the scale with about 1/2 inch of tape extending above the inside surface of the scale. Mix up some epoxy with some of the dust from sanding the material and pour the mixture onto the scale. If you have a vacuum stabilizer use that to remove all the bubbles from the epoxy. If you don't have a vacuum stabilizer you can tap the scale flat on the table under it to encourage the bubbles to rise to the surface. After the epoxy cures, sand the backs flat again, finish all surfaces to size and fill any new voids that open up.

Now the scales are ready to put on the knife, and now you know everything I do about preparing scales for knife making.

Good luck, hope I was helpful. Any more questions, just ask. Mark
 
Quit the process!! It is beautiful material though! I like the way the Molars look too. I did watch a video on that the prep work and handling of material was crazy!! Thank you Mark i appreciate your expertise on this. I will try this!!
 
Gliden07 said:
Quit the process!! It is beautiful material though! I like the way the Molars look too. I did watch a video on that the prep work and handling of material was crazy!! Thank you Mark i appreciate your expertise on this. I will try this!!
Click to expand...

You bet, happy to help. If anything was not clear enough, let me know.
 
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