Thread: What shaving gear on your list ?

Yes, Bruno, I think I must be after some of that "look at my handle" machismo.

I like ivory. Like you, though, I don't approve of animals being recklessly slaughtered solely for this precious material. But if its harvest is regulated and we keep a close eye on population I don't see a problem with it. Animals kill one another for selfish reasons and most often keep the balance. If humans are capable of doing the same, let 'em.

Besides, maybe this particular (deadly) hippo lost his tooth while gnawing on some poor little kid? Heh heh. You wouldn't feel so bad about it then, would you? Also, how do you feel about mammoth ivory? Do you list this pre-historic beast in the "any ivory" category?

b0000urns, that amber idea is actually really cool.

As the maker of the ivory brush in question, I can tell you that hippos are very plentiful in Africa and are culled yearly. Compared to the other animals that produce ivory, hippo is by far the most common and least restricted.

The animals meat is used, the hide is used and many of the tusks are used for local artwork, to be sold to tourists. Remaining tusks are registered, sold to large scale importers and assigned certificates in accordance with international and national laws. Even to get the portion of hippo tusk from the USA to canada, I had to apply for a permit.

Ivory trade and regulation is different from one country to the next. For instance, in Canada, both Narwhal and Walrus are harvested in limited numbers by native populations. They are hunted via traditional means and the hunts are overseen by government agencieswhich take stock of the number of animals harvested to ensure that quotas are respected. These whales and walrus are taken for the food and material they provide and nothing is wasted. Most of the ivory is used locally by native craftsmen and a small amount of ivory is sold, mostly through native run art supply houses. Both of these species are far too remote to be considered for poaching and have stable populations, with quotas being set yearly.

People tend to associate all ivory with the horrible practice of elephant and rhino slaughter widely seen in Africa. I agree that this practice, with the ivory harvested from the animals with chainsaws, hacking the face apart and leaving them to rot is disgusting. I don't and won't support the current trade in ivory, though around 99% of the current illegal ivory trade is in trinkets sold to tourists, rather than large pieces of raw ivory for craftsmen.

For those who think that all ivory is the same and that hippo and elephant ivory are identical, I'll happily provide photos and documentation to prove the opposite.

Elephant and mammoth ivory are similar, but can still be identified individually. Walrus, hippo, warthog and narwhal all have very individual characteristics. There are several other ivories available but they are so rare that they are not worth mentioning.

Regarding amber, I've found a source for Copal amber, or pre amber, but it's about $150 per piece, raw, and would end up costing about $300 or so. It would look beautiful and I'm always on the hunt.

Thanks for reading...

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

Yes, Bruno, I think I must be after some of that "look at my handle" machismo.

I like ivory. Like you, though, I don't approve of animals being recklessly slaughtered solely for this precious material. But if its harvest is regulated and we keep a close eye on population I don't see a problem with it. Animals kill one another for selfish reasons and most often keep the balance. If humans are capable of doing the same, let 'em.

Besides, maybe this particular (deadly) hippo lost his tooth while gnawing on some poor little kid? Heh heh. You wouldn't feel so bad about it then, would you? Also, how do you feel about mammoth ivory? Do you list this pre-historic beast in the "any ivory" category?

b0000urns, that amber idea is actually really cool.

You are rightin that regard. My problem is with illegal poaching, which is causing serious problems for species like rinoceros and the elephant. Poachers shoot them, saw off the ivory let the beast go to waste.

I have absolutely no problems with using ivory from animals that are already dead, like a mammoth (I even admit that this would have me yearning for one)

The big problem with ivory is that you can't tell the difference between the two. And because it doesn't add to the shaving, I simply do not care for ivory at all.

Originally Posted by Bruno

The big problem with ivory is that you can't tell the difference between the two.

While elephant and mammoth ivory look similar, they are easily identified. To those unfamiliar with them, they may not be able to tell the difference. The key is the angle of the Schreger lines.

In regards to any other type of ivory, be it Rhino, Walrus, Sperm Whale, Narwhal, Hippo and Warthog, they all have individual characteristics and are all easily identified.

"The Identification Guide For Ivory and Ivory Substitutes" was originally developed for the wildlife law enforcement community. It's a great book with lots of pics and diagrams. Give it a look and you'll be able to indentify ivory properly.

Originally Posted by Bruno

You are rightin that regard. My problem is with illegal poaching, which is causing serious problems for species like rinoceros and the elephant. Poachers shoot them, saw off the ivory let the beast go to waste.

As Matt already mentioned, hippopotamus ivory is strictly regulated and he had to apply for a specific permit to get a few fragments into the country. My purchasing an ivory-handled brush is not contributing to illegal poaching in any way.

I have absolutely no problems with using ivory from animals that are already dead, like a mammoth (I even admit that this would have me yearning for one)

I have absolutely no problem with it either.

The big problem with ivory is that you can't tell the difference between the two. And because it doesn't add to the shaving, I simply do not care for ivory at all.

If you mean distinguishing the difference between legal and illegal ivory (pre-ban and post-ban), it can be difficult to tell, sure -- if you're totally ignorant of the regulations, that is. Pretty much any piece of ivory you find in North American antique shops is going to be a relic from a bygone era. Either decorative carvings or over-priced, dried-out tusks, which were likely souvenirs from Victorian hunting expeditions to the Dark Continent.

On the other hand, if you happen to come across some tusks in a market in Zambia, you pretty much know what you're getting yourself into.

As for ivory "adding" to the shaving ritual, I suppose that's a matter of personal preference. For someone who hasn't done their homework, I could definitely see it grating on their nerves. "Where did this come from?! What have I done?!"

For someone who has done their research and gone about their ivory shopping in a legal, and therefore humane way:

Blade Wielder stands before his bathroom mirror, holding his hand-crafted, Canadian-made ivory shaving brush, which has just produced a lather no synthetic instrument could ever replicate. After applying the warm, rich and fragant cream to his youthful face, he realizes that his new acquisition makes him feel wealthier. The irony is not lost on him, of course, and he smiles to himself, remembering the hefty sum he paid for his new toy. And then another realization passes over him: the rare, one of a kind brush he holds in his hand has truly taken his shave to another level.. Then, suddenly, the handsome figure in the mirror taps the glass and says, "You, sir, are the picture of elegance and class!"

nicely said, now I want one. Only I think I will go for that Amber... once my lotto ticket pays off.

No shaving stuff... I got enough of that, as it is.

Maybe world peace...

My apologies for bringing the thread back on subject, rather than rant about ivory.

Originally Posted by urleebird

My apologies for bringing the thread back on subject, rather than rant about ivory.

Maybe I can use Balrog horn or Orcs teeth..we slaughter those by the dozen down here...

Gary

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

So how do you like that razor so far, Josh?

My wife says its beautiful, but I havent seen it yet, so I wouldnt know.

Originally Posted by JLStorm

My wife says its beautiful, but I havent seen it yet, so I wouldnt know.

Everybody else has seen it too, and yeah, it looks pretty good!