Hippopotamus Ivory on a gunmetal Sierra

[terryf]

Last weekend I posted a bunch of raw material that I got from a friend of mine. Amongst this was a hippo tooth (ivory) which I decided to give a bash. It was full of cracks which I had to first stabilize before I turned.

Extremely hard, cuts cleanly but dulls tools within seconds. Terrible odour, smells like you're at the dentist! Very fine dust when sanding.

Btw, ivory is not banned in South Africa and the law states that Elephant ivory that weighs less than 1kg and/or is less than 30cm does not need a permit. Hippo ivory is not prohibited by law and is not governed.

Here's a couple of pics.

 

[PaulDoug]

You made a beautiful pen. Very unique.

 

[Jon-wx5nco]

That is just awesome!

 

[Jim15]

That's a great pen.

 

[DurocShark]

Love it!

 

[terryf]

Thanks guys - looking at the pics now I see theyre pretty mediocre to downright awful - will have to stop the quick snaps and get out the light tent!

Thanks again for the comments, much appreciated.

 

[bitshird]

Your pictures are way better than mine. I think your pen is beautiful, I guess the smell is from the dentin in the tooth, Too bad Cav isn't around much, being a Dentist, he would love to see a pen like this.

 

[workinforwood]

Very nice Terry! I'll have Ken Ferrell meet you down by the river with a pair of pliers tomorrow at 9am. :laugh:

 

[PTownSubbie]

Nice pen Terry! That stuff looks differently than I would have thought. I have never turned any material like that.

 

[boxerman]

Very nice pen.

 

[Craftdiggity]

Very nice. That Ivory is awesome looking on that kit.

 

[terryf]

Thanks for the kind words.