Thread: ivo covrd tang - hmmm, how did they do it

I've been thinking about how the J Rodgers craftsman did this and am interested in others opinions.

As for the Mfg Info - I think it was burned or seared in with a hot brand. Under the scope it looks like other samples I have where folks got crazy with the 'hot pin test.'

As for the tangway - I think the way was bored out with a round drill bit, then squared with a tiny scraper. I haven't thought of another way to put a rectangular hole in ivory- I imagine a flat, stiff wire with sharpened hook end. Not the best pic, but you can see the way is off-center. The tang is also off-center relative to the blade the same degree, so the craftsman skillfully squared the tangway to match.

Its a greater shaver. I've got a microfastener at pivot for now so I can take apart and inspect.

I wish I could offer some help but I cannot. I always thought they were two piece with edges left at a 90 degree angle from filing to cover top and bottom of the tang, resulting in two L shaped pieces.

But I do believe I have read at some point that both knife makers and razor makers could indeed use a single piece of ivory for the tang very early on in razor and knife making. Perhaps burning was their process.

I am sure one of more knowledgeable members will help out here.

Originally Posted by lz6

I wish I could offer some help but I cannot. I always thought they were two piece with edges left at a 90 degree angle from filing to cover top and bottom of the tang, resulting in two L shaped pieces.

But I do believe I have read at some point that both knife makers and razor makers could indeed use a single piece of ivory for the tang very early on in razor and knife making. Perhaps burning was their process.

I am sure one of more knowledgeable members will help out here.

I think they did it that way also Bob. I have some that have just a flat piece on each side of the tang too. I believe they did it all three ways. Two flat pieces, two L shaped pieces & the one piece hollowed out. it's amazing the ways they did she things back then.

Back in those days it was all done by hand and they had all the time in the world to do it. I have a razor with the tang covered in MOP. Probably a similar thing to yours.

BTW BigSpendur, I took your advice and got the Cape Cod polishing cloths for ivo and just like you said they give mirror polish. The product also claims to leave a protective film on metal- I wonder if you have taken advantage of this for razor steel or if it is formulated for silver ? It certainly turns a rag black on carbon steel and gives it a shine....

I have re-fashioned a couple of tangs using Acrylics and used exactly the process you assumed they used

I drilled a round hole then used Files to square it up and fit the tang, it is almost the exact same process you use when fitting a Rifle stock to an action.. Scrappers and Special Files and you slowly remove material until it fits

Originally Posted by KenG

BTW BigSpendur, I took your advice and got the Cape Cod polishing cloths for ivo and just like you said they give mirror polish. The product also claims to leave a protective film on metal- I wonder if you have taken advantage of this for razor steel or if it is formulated for silver ? It certainly turns a rag black on carbon steel and gives it a shine....

I originally used them for polishing watch cases. They are really a Swiss Army Knife of polishers. They work on everything including straights though I wouldn't rely on it to impart a protective coating of any kind. They work better than any metal polish and if you spend the time with them you can really bring a dull razor bak to almost new looking condition.

What is a cape cod polishing cloth? Or better yet , what's on them? Tc

http://www.capecodpolish.com

They are pretty tight lipped about what's in them. A state secret I guess. Whatever it is it works.