From the discussion above about care for ivory handles, I was left with the feeling that ivory is not a wise choice for a handle unless you plan to keep your knife inside a ZipLock bag and in a room with a humidity control contraption. Not exactly my idea of the life of a good knife.

How do you guys feel about your Bose knives with ivory slabs? How would an ivory handled pocket knife fare if used on a regular basis as you would use a stag handle knife? Is ivory strictly for show? Just wondering. Thanx.

I can only speak for myself, but I have a 3” Ivory TearDrop on my desk that has been there for a little more than 5 years now, used almost every work day…it has not moved or checked on me at all…it has yellowed a bit…

Anyway the ivory has worked out well for me….even though it’s in an air-conditioned atmosphere…the cold winters and the humid summers do have an affect on things like that…….I have noticed more movement in some woods than the ivory.

As far as outside use, I would think the more extreme the more problems.

Hmm, that's pretty good considering that the a/c could tend to dry out a material such as ivory. I've noticed the Micarta on some Randall knives I have that turn dry looking living in an a/c environment for a prolonged period of time.

I think the biggest problems experienced with ivory is the difference between the climate in which the knife is made vs the climate in which the owner resides.

If the knife is made in the midwest, then shipped to a very dry climate such as Las Vegas, the lower humidity will draw the moisture from the knife and cause the cracking, shrinking, etc. If the knife is made in the same climate in which it is used, there is less of a chance of that happening.

I know that Tony made me a back pocket knife several years ago that I have owned, carried and used consistently since I received it and the only thing it has done is change color (darkened) and shown a small amount of shrinkage which decreases based on the season. It has been a fine piece and a great user. Stag, wood, bone and other natural materials (except for pearl) will move as well in varying degrees.

Again, the key is really the diversity between the climate the knife is made in versus the climate that it lives in long term.

I hope this thread makes everyone want to sell their ivories to me

I have a ivory Randall model 19 that I use a lot! I believe that a ivory user no matter if folder or fixed has less chance of cracking as you use it so much that the oils in your hands keep the ivory moist. I think that this will also change the color a little. If ya want ivory but stress on it cracking try fossil ivory. JMO.

As for should ya get ivory or not: Like I always say the next best thing to playing & winning is playing & losing, beats looking through the fence every time

See ya, Chief

Actually, I see most of the problems with ivory knives coming from the knife *NOT* being used. Using and carrying an ivory knife really helps keeps it humidified (moisture from your sweat) and oiled (from your hands) and protects it over time. I've seen a lot of very old knives that have obviously been extensively used and carried with ivory handles that are in great shape. Rubbing a bit of mineral oil or orange oil or peanut oil into the ivory from time to time is a good idea too -- but letting it just lay up and dry to death is a bad idea.

I am not an expert by any means but I love ivory! Some makers know how to work it and some don't. Tony obviously knows ivory. Recently my ivory gardener was shown here and you saw that after three years of carrying it, there are no cracks or checks and I don't really expect any. My ivory BP likewise has no problems after being carried most of the Summer. Folders or slipjoints have fairly thin scales which is in our favor bigtime on ivory. Thick sections of ivory like on hunting / fighting knives are a whole different ballgame. Depending on the maker, you can rub them, baby them, mineral oil them, handle them, air condition them, moisturize them and they may still blow up on you. If you like it, buy it and use it. That's what they were made for. I will never buy ivory handles from some makers again but I will continue getting ivory Boses as long as I can and they will put up with me.

Allan

Well, my ivory Bose traveled from frigid Indiana to the depths of the very humid tropical rain forest and it's just fine. It sends best regards.

Lets see a Picture.....

How long has it been there?