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Originally Posted by dana_w
Thanks ashoka. I haven't seen enough examples of tortoiseshell to know. Can tortoiseshell be over an inch thick?
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Tortoise she'll can be "welded" into a thick mass and carved into handles, etc.
I think it's tortoise shell. I've examined a lot of it over the years. Horn, while also having the translucence of tortoise shell, does not have the color or richness.
Both are favorites of the dermis rid beetle larva. I get rid of them by wrapping them up in plastic and deep freezing for several weeks or longer. You will want to wax the blade well first for moisture protection.
After it thaws, (slowly!), I like to inject mineral spirits into all holes.
Bugs hate this stuff, as it causes instantaneous breakdown of their nervous systems. If you want to do a test, throw some on an active wasp nest. Besides being a little adventurous, it quickly and dramatically works. Even a spray bottle with mineral spirits will work on a swarm coming after you if your courage is up for it. They will fly through it and drop like rocks! Of course you have to wait until the las second to do this or the mist will dissipate, leaving you with some painful reminders...
Think of it like a duel on a small scale.