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03-05-2014, 11:45 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
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Questions on working with mammoth tooth.
I recently bought a pair of mammoth tooth knife scales and I have done a little research and found a few interesting ideas and also raised a few more questions. First, do i need to put bolsters on the knife to protect the mammoth tooth from being damaged and to stabilize it? Second, I heard of a technique where instead of drilling the the scales to insert the pins, that you drill part way through the scales and use the epoxy as the pins to hold the scales on, is this a good idea or a bad one? Any help and other tips would be appreciated.
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03-06-2014, 09:02 AM
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Founding Member / Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wauconda, WA
Posts: 9,840
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I've never used mammoth tooth but I have used a lot of ivory. Personally, whenever possible I always use professionally stabilized materials. Stabilizing goes a long way towards protecting the material from just about everything.
If you are considering using bolsters just because you want to protect the scales then I submit you probably shouldn't be using those scales. In other words, if you anticipate putting the knife in situations where the scales could be damaged from normal use and that possibility bothers you then those scales are not appropriate for that knife.
Using glue for pins is OK for a knife that will sit in a display case but I wouldn't do it on a knife that will see real use. Further, I wouldn't do it on a knife where I was already worried about the scales getting damaged. If the scales pop off the knife there is a good chance they will get damaged....
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03-06-2014, 05:08 PM
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Steel Addict
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Chandler, Oklahoma
Posts: 238
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One thing you need to start with is epoxy them to a fiber backing to help them stay together. Bolster will help protect the molar.
Use new drill bits and a couple of strips of tape on exit side to keep it from break outs. I would pin all the way through using a softer nickel silver so the pin will spread easier.
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03-28-2014, 07:41 PM
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Enthusiast
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 78
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use of mammoth tooth
having been a knifemaker for 40 plus years, I have only had one run in with mammoth tooth for scales. (a pocket knife for the missus) The stuff, even stabilized is a bear to work with. It tends to crumble and break apart. I would not recommend using it except by the most skillful maker. Granted it is less expensive than tusk but in the long run tusk is the way to go.
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Tags
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art, bee, bolsters, display case, drill, epoxy, folding knife, glue, handle, ivory, knife, knife scales, knifemaker, mammoth, mammoth tooth, materials, newbie, pins, pocket, pocket knife, scales, stabilizing, tips |
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