Perfect Fit Convertible - Mammoth Ivory

[woodpens]

This is one of the few Mammoth Ivory pens that I made that did not develop any cracks. The color is a little more tan than much of the ivory I have turned. I think the laser engraving worked out well. I bought the ivory from Banyan Bay for $75 for 5/8" blanks. I don't sell ivory pens like this anymore due to the likelihood of cracking. I only sell ivory in the form of inlays now.

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[Rudy Vey]

Jim
this is a great looking pen in one of my favourite kits!! Is there any chance the Ivory may shatter if the pen is dropped on a hard floor?? Is the engraving a laser engraving?
Rudy
SE MI

 

[Gregory Huey]

Jim
I do the same, Just could'nt make one that did'nt crack and I have tried to turn them evey way I know. Made one for a guy in Washington state, when it left her no cracks by the time he got there it had a hair line crack in it. I guess I need to use the alternative stuff.

 

[Tom McMillan]

Really nice pen Jim---engraving looks great too!! Nice work!!!

 

[tipusnr]

Great job! I won't even try to work in material like that...my hat's off to you.

 

[KKingery]

Beautiful work!

 

[jkirkb94]

Very nice craftsmanship! Glad to see no cracks! Kirk[8D]

 

[btboone]

I like the laser engraving. Big surprise there. [] Nice touch with the hand written letters as a backdrop.

 

[timdaleiden]

Jim,

Very nice pen of course. I am curious about a few things. First, does it smell like antler to turn? Second, has anybody ever tried have these blanks professionally stabilized? It's such a shame to lose such an interesting material.

 

[PenWorks]

Very fine pen Jim. Great job turning that material. One has a tendancy to nut up on those pricey blanks!

Anthony

 

[btboone]

That's an interesting point Anthony. Out of curiosity, about what does a blank of mammoth ivory run?

 

[Gary]

Nice work, Jim. The engraving really sets it off!

 

[DCBluesman]

That is an amazingly beautiful pen. The cracking is a significant issue with both the mammoth and with elephant, walrus and narwhal ivory. The first person to figure out a way to keep these natural materials from cracking is going to make a fortune. Do you keep your pen in a humidor? According to a friend, he keeps his ivory pen in one and it has not deeloped any cracks in 3-4 years.

 

[woodpens]

Originally posted by Rudy Vey
<br />Jim
this is a great looking pen in one of my favourite kits!! Is there any chance the Ivory may shatter if the pen is dropped on a hard floor?? Is the engraving a laser engraving?

Thanks, Rudy. There is a strong possibility of cracking if dropped on the floor. You've got to be careful with this stuff. The engraving was done by laser.

 

[woodpens]

Originally posted by timdaleiden
<br />Jim,
Very nice pen of course. I am curious about a few things. First, does it smell like antler to turn? Second, has anybody ever tried have these blanks professionally stabilized? It's such a shame to lose such an interesting material.

Tim,
Ivory doesn't smell nearly as bad as antler. It does have a similar smell, but it is faint in comparison to antler. There would be no penetration during the stabilization process. The problem does occur when there is a change in temperature or humidity. The humidor idea does work, but this pen has survived in a variety of locations, all of which are in Alabama.

 

[woodpens]

Originally posted by btboone
<br />That's an interesting point Anthony. Out of curiosity, about what does a blank of mammoth ivory run?

Bruce,
The price is about $75 for two half blanks. That's enough for one pen. They also sell slabs that are goood for inlays.

 

[jwoodwright]

Wow! Great Pen. Great Material...[]

 

[dougle40]

Great looking pen Jim but just a little out of my league , price wise that is !!

 

[btboone]

Kinda reminds me of working with platinum. Try not to screw up! Cha Ching!