Mammoth tooth scales

[dcmeckel]

I have never tried making knife scales out of mammoth teeth and would like to know what to expect. What is the best way to cut it, can I sand it and if so will heat transfer from sanding have any adverse effects on the tooth? Will super glue and or eooxy hold it well? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Wow is this stuff expen$ive!
David

[Bladepeek]

I take it from the lack of response, I'm not the only one who can't afford mammoth tooth?

[Lin Rhea]

I avoid it, not because of the cost. I dont like to use any material you have to baby. Tooth is brittle and hard on tools for it's net worth. I use a lot of ivories,antlers, horns, and wood, both stable and some I have to stabilize but tooth is not a good material for knife handles. If you'll notice, most tooth handles are in a metal frame. That's because it needs to be held inside that frame because of it's tendency to fracture and it's lack of any toughness. By the time you get it all fenced in with metal frame work, it's too heavy. It's a heavy material in a heavy frame.  Out of the question for my knives. That's my opinion.

Use carbide bits drill slow, and yes super glue will be used in liberal amounts. Some people use it and are successful.

[dcmeckel]

Thanks Lin, think I'll pass on this project.I sent Old Yellers knife to Scott for a leather sheath.I'll ask him to post pics.Thanks again,
David

[skullworks]

Contact Charles Turnage. He sells it and is very helpful with how to work it. Nice guy too.  http://www.fineturnage.com/
I have worked it and it can be very infuriating to work with. I pretty much avoid it now.

[trubltrubl]

well I am having a bow built by QUARTERMOON LONGBOWS (Bert Frelink is the Bowyer) that I have mammoth tusk I want to use on the tips.....NOT tooth...

Would it be brittle like the tooth

[Ray Hammond]

Yes tusk I'd bet. You'll be fine as its likely a tip overlay I'd bet

[Lin Rhea]

Mammoth tusk is wonderful material to work with. There's a world of difference between the two. No worries.