Thread: Fixing warped ivory.

Yes, it does look like the shape you want from a wedge pinned set. What did it look like before it was un-pinned?

Many online sources advise not to get Ivory wet, yet some say soaking in distilled water for days will soften, so it can be bent. Some, advise soaking in a mild acidic solution.

I have had good luck with just hot water, from the tap, wood shims, (tongue depressors, popsicle sticks and coffee stir sticks, all available from a craft store) and clamps, on pinned ivory scales, to straighten slightly warped scales. They are after all razor scales, and intended, to get wet.

If you try to heat and bend, do so repeatedly, looking for small correction at a time, they will not bend like hot horn.

Bolting together is a good idea, if they are warped, it won’t be much. I would bolt them together making a wood substitute or the blade tang and try hot water, wood shims and clamps, leave the clamps on for a couple hours. Then let dry for a couple days before pinning.

Do post your technique and the finished results.