Hippo Teeth

[Andrew]

Has anyone worked with Hippo Teeth? The prices are much more affordable than other forms of ivory. I was wondering how workable it is.

Thanks

[Mike Ruslander]

Many have successfully used it for custom knife handles. It seems to perform well utilizing various media, (i.e. scrimshaw). I thought there was a previous thread on here about it. I'll have to look.

[Andrew]

You're right Mike. I don't use the search tool enough. Sorry Janel. : )

There is a string which states "Hippo ivory, unlike elephant, has an extremely hard and shiny enamel outer covering which has to be removed before working. Same with boar, but not on warthog which makes it easier to prepare for carving.

However the ivory underneath is fantastic. Very hard and fine grained. "

 

Solid info.

[Guest Clive]

You're right Mike. I don't use the search tool enough. Sorry Janel. : )

There is a string which states "Hippo ivory, unlike elephant, has an extremely hard and shiny enamel outer covering which has to be removed before working. Same with boar, but not on warthog which makes it easier to prepare for carving.

However the ivory underneath is fantastic. Very hard and fine grained. "

 

Solid info.

 

I think the above quote is a bit confusing... they all have enamel. Its just in hippo it is particularly thick and very hard which makes it a job to remove.. there are threads on this forum that discuss how to go about that.