Dagger with wavy blade

DaveA · 5th March 2015, 05:03 PM

Interesting knife!

Some materials that are slightly translucent will refract light at different wave lengths based on the angle of lighting. Without going deep into the physics, this property is due to the manner of arrangement of crystalline molecules in the substance. Quartz is one example. Some types of bone also have this property. I think the layers in your hilt are probably made of alternating bone and quartz.

There appears to be quite a bit of info about this phenomenon on the net, but nothing I've found in a quick search lends itself to ease of use in identifying materials based on color change. If I come across anything useful, I'll post it here.

Dave A.

blue lander · 5th March 2015, 05:49 PM

Thanks! That actually makes alot of sense. When the material turns gold it seems to be coming from slightly below the surface of the material.

Robert · 5th March 2015, 06:03 PM

Hello Blue Lander, Sorry for taking so long to answer your question, but after looking at your last photo I was thinking that the sections making up the hilt on your dagger look more like alternating pieces of bone and horn. Or possibly just bone where the pieces have been alternately stacked and the grain on the open end has taken on more color from age and being handled just like wood will do.

Best,
Robert

5th March 2015, 05:03 PM	#1
DaveA Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 415	Color change based on angle of view Interesting knife! Some materials that are slightly translucent will refract light at different wave lengths based on the angle of lighting. Without going deep into the physics, this property is due to the manner of arrangement of crystalline molecules in the substance. Quartz is one example. Some types of bone also have this property. I think the layers in your hilt are probably made of alternating bone and quartz. There appears to be quite a bit of info about this phenomenon on the net, but nothing I've found in a quick search lends itself to ease of use in identifying materials based on color change. If I come across anything useful, I'll post it here. Dave A.

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5th March 2015, 05:49 PM	#2
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	Thanks! That actually makes alot of sense. When the material turns gold it seems to be coming from slightly below the surface of the material.

5th March 2015, 06:03 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Blue Lander, Sorry for taking so long to answer your question, but after looking at your last photo I was thinking that the sections making up the hilt on your dagger look more like alternating pieces of bone and horn. Or possibly just bone where the pieces have been alternately stacked and the grain on the open end has taken on more color from age and being handled just like wood will do. Best, Robert