A Khyber 'type' knife with Ivory (?) handle.

[katana]

Hi Ilias,
thank you for the information on Ivory I am fairly certain that this is Walrus Ivory. Looking from the pommel end you an see two layers, the outer is the harder layer visible from the sides and then there is an inner layer which is more of a creamy yellow and appears softer. These two layers follow the 'curve' of the slabs suggesting they are cut sections of the Walrus tusk.

Kind regards David

[Rick]

I feel the same about these scales ; W.I. was used in both ways .
This seems to be an example of the dentine facing out .

[katana]

Originally Posted by Rick

I feel the same about these scales ; W.I. was used in both ways .
This seems to be an example of the dentine facing out .

Thanks Rick

What I find curious is the fact that Walrus Ivory seems to be held in such 'high regard'. The Walrus Ivory would have been traded / transported from the arctic circle....a considerable distance (bearing in mind, there would not be many other important commodities from that region) suggests, to me , 'increased cost'.

Is there a particular reason....fashion? one-upmanship ? With so much elephant Ivory available in the mid 19th C , could Walrus Ivory have been more expensive ? desirable?

Regards David

[Rick]

Originally Posted by katana

Thanks Rick

What I find curious is the fact that Walrus Ivory seems to be held in such 'high regard'. The Walrus Ivory would have been traded / transported from the arctic circle....a considerable distance (bearing in mind, there would not be many other important commodities from that region) suggests, to me , 'increased cost'.

Is there a particular reason....fashion? one-upmanship ? With so much elephant Ivory available in the mid 19th C , could Walrus Ivory have been more expensive ? desirable?

Regards David

Hi David,
I believe Walrus Ivory/Fishbone as some call it was considered to be talismanic in nature ; therefor the high demand .