Buck, Doug & Rod,
Thanks for your photos.
Buck: The "IM" stands for "ivorite micarta" and it is in Scott's handwriting. It is, most probably, the white crap used "after" the Westinghouse supplies were exhausted and prior to the "new" Ivorite, which is far...far better.
The Bearcamp #33 is similar to mine, i.e. the white crap. I cannot find the time to take photos of my setup right now as my photo ability is "torn down" right now, due to a commitment at the Randall shop yesterday. Soon, I promise.
Doug: Nice knife, as is Wally's. The more I study all of this the more & more one conclusion keeps popping into my head. How about this "Captain's Theory". There are "several reasons" for the Old Yeller turning...well...Yeller. We know that exposure to light and heat effect it. How about: Reason #2: It's made of "paper" and we all know that paper, unlike linen, turns darker with age.
If you find an old newpaper that has been left to the elements the damage is obvious. Take the same paper and preserve it in a tight container and un-exposed to light, etc. and it preserves far far better!
Just sayin',
Capt. Chris
PS: Yep...A good thread...CCS