A Khyber 'type' knife with Ivory (?) handle.

[katana]

Originally Posted by Rick

I feel the same about these scales ; W.I. was used in both ways .
This seems to be an example of the dentine facing out .

Thanks Rick

What I find curious is the fact that Walrus Ivory seems to be held in such 'high regard'. The Walrus Ivory would have been traded / transported from the arctic circle....a considerable distance (bearing in mind, there would not be many other important commodities from that region) suggests, to me , 'increased cost'.

Is there a particular reason....fashion? one-upmanship ? With so much elephant Ivory available in the mid 19th C , could Walrus Ivory have been more expensive ? desirable?

Regards David

[Rick]

Originally Posted by katana

Thanks Rick

What I find curious is the fact that Walrus Ivory seems to be held in such 'high regard'. The Walrus Ivory would have been traded / transported from the arctic circle....a considerable distance (bearing in mind, there would not be many other important commodities from that region) suggests, to me , 'increased cost'.

Is there a particular reason....fashion? one-upmanship ? With so much elephant Ivory available in the mid 19th C , could Walrus Ivory have been more expensive ? desirable?

Regards David

Hi David,
I believe Walrus Ivory/Fishbone as some call it was considered to be talismanic in nature ; therefor the high demand .