Interesting Dagger For Comment

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by S.Workman

In any event, you ought to search through this forum for some info on flushing out your potential stowaway. He may be long gone, but the dust they leave behind wicks moisture into the horn, and thats not good. Plus, he could still be in there, munching happily on your horn hilt. I would start be gently picking at the hole with a toothpick, then spraying it out with keyboard duster.

This dagger has been in the collection for over ten years. Nothing has changed in the way it looks, and I haven't seen any residue from resent activity. I hate messing with it, but I'll consider your suggestion.

Originally Posted by S.Workman

Also, are you sure that the tang doesn't go through? That looks suspiciously like a peened over tang at the end in your picture.

I'm not sure, but I don't think so. The recessed oval area you are talking about is off centered and seems to be made of the same material as the grip. It could be that it is a hole that has been filled, but it doesn't look like a peened over tang to me.

Then again, the blade is fastened to the grip somehow.

[ashoka]

looks like tortoiseshell to me. Would be totally appropriate for the quality/age/origin of the knife

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by ashoka

looks like tortoiseshell to me. Would be totally appropriate for the quality/age/origin of the knife

Thanks ashoka. I haven't seen enough examples of tortoiseshell to know. Can tortoiseshell be over an inch thick?

[Shakethetrees]

Originally Posted by dana_w

Thanks ashoka. I haven't seen enough examples of tortoiseshell to know. Can tortoiseshell be over an inch thick?

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.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

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.

Thanks for your comments Shakethetrees. I wish the photos were a little better.

I own an excavated Berber Sabre. Its grip is made from layers of cow horn glued and pegged together, so I've seen something like what you are talking about.

The daggers handle really looks like it is one piece. There is no visible evidence of layering that I can see.

[Bob A]

Tortoiseshell has been used as a veneer over wood, which is what this looks like to me. Nice touch of additional elegance for an already attractive dagger.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Bob A

Tortoiseshell has been used as a veneer over wood, which is what this looks like to me. Nice touch of additional elegance for an already attractive dagger.

The end of the grip looks very wooden to me too Bob A, see my first post in this thread. But the grip also looks to be of one piece. I wish the photos could show it a little better. There is nothing like having something in your hand and a good tactical flashlight.