Thread: Is it wrong to try to get my hands on some of this?

Ivory trafficking surpasses drugs in Africa: experts | World Breaking News | News.com.au

Since I am living here in Thailand would it be so wrong to try to source a little of this slightly illegal ivory for making scales? If I did they would be for my own personal collection and never be sold. Should I ask around to see if anyone here can help me get a little of this stuff?
Or do you consider that any razor with scales of pre-ban ivory must be old and special where as if you could make current ivory scales would it be like a cheap knock off?
What are your thoughts?

Personally I would not try to locate any of this knowing that is is post banned. You could end up on the wrong side of the law, buying banned items is a crime also.

Good point. I don't want to end up in a Thai Jail. I'll respect the elephants and think more about horn scales. But it makes me wonder, does the rise in illegal ivory have anything to do with the increasing popularity of straight razors?

First: The ivory itself, from a moral point of view: You need to consider what type of enterprise you would be supporting. The guy trafficking in it at a local level, the smuggler bringing it in, the corrupt officials letting it out, the poachers who kill elephants, gorillas, and other majestic, beautiful, and many endangered creatures. The guards who might be shot for trying to stop them. Is your love of ivory worth this?

Legally: You might be on the WRONG side of the law. Do you want to be there?

Second: Razors: I don't care about ivory. I do care about nice antique razors. I have some very old ones and I love them. A new razor with ivory wouldn't be worth any more (to me) than with any other premium scale material.

Some people will, of course, disagree with all of this.

After giving it some more thought I think it could be a bad idea. I don't think I would want a razor that I couldn't show off to everyone here without causing myself serious problems. I definitely won't do it. And I don't really want a dead elephant on my conscience.

I just want to clarify, it was just for a moment when my brain stepped outside for a breath of fresh air that I thought 'hmmm, ivory.' But I have no intention of working with elephant ivory and I can't afford that luxurious mamoth ivory stuff.
So it's cow and buffalo horn for me.

They make some really nice faux ivory too.....

Hi Nathan.
I think it's wrong. You're encouraging the slaughter of animals for nothing more than the tusks. I'm no vegetarian & i do enjoy shooting, but I've been on safari in Africa a few times & they are amazing, beautiful animals. Recycling old ivory i can cope with, not poached though. If you see the photo's of whole elephant herds killed & left to rot you may see where I'm coming from. That's my view mate.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Hi Nathan.
I think it's wrong. You're encouraging the slaughter of animals for nothing more than the tusks. I'm no vegetarian & i do enjoy shooting, but I've been on safari in Africa a few times & they are amazing, beautiful animals. Recycling old ivory i can cope with, not poached though. If you see the photo's of whole elephant herds killed & left to rot you may see where I'm coming from. That's my view mate.

Big +1
You're causing animal suffering and encouraging irresponsible hunting for what? A pretty shaving tool?

Don't do it. Elephants are far nicer alive.

In Europe it is forbidden to deal with.
If you have old stock* you may get papers and keep it but not sell.
They did that to decrease the demand.

*I have a narwhale tooth and a big complete tortoise I have often seen as scales in the past but there is no way you can offer this kind of material legally. Well and I would not want to cut it up, cause it is beautiful.