Interesting Dagger For Comment

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by Fernando K

Hi;

Only for a guess, the turtle carapace was also imitated. There are numerous examples of folding knife with the handle imitation. I think I see a gap, as it has left an insect.

Affectionately. Fernando K

Sorry for the translator

I am not sure I understand Fernando K. Do you think the grip is made from a turtle carapace (upper shell), or some imitation?

The grip seems to be all of one piece, with two carved out raised areas and lines inscribed along the length of each side. There are a few holes, cracks, and blemishes.

[S.Workman]

Originally Posted by dana_w

I am not sure I understand Fernando K. Do you think the grip is made from a turtle carapace (upper shell), or some imitation?

The grip seems to be all of one piece, with two carved out raised areas and lines inscribed along the length of each side. There are a few holes, cracks, and blemishes.

I think he means that it is not real tortoiseshell, but an imitation. The only imitation for tortoiseshell is plastic, which I don't think this is because plastic doesn't crack in that way, and the blade is too old for plastic. Also, insects don't care for plastic, and it does appear that a horn worm (a beetle larva actually, I think they are) has been at this piece. Its the little hole that looks like it has dust or grains in it. Again, I can't be absolutely sure on my tortoiseshell thesis from a photo, but horn usually doesn't have the planar, angular color lines in it as this piece does. Color in horn is usually more like whorls or streaks. Of course, thats my understanding of buffalo or other bovid horn, perhaps this could be some kind of antelope horn or something.
Edit: on looking at your excellent photo of the grip, I think its cow horn, so I retract my tortoiseshell idea.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by S.Workman

I think he means that it is not real tortoiseshell, but an imitation. The only imitation for tortoiseshell is plastic, which I don't think this is because plastic doesn't crack in that way, and the blade is too old for plastic.

Well I don't know what it is, but it is NOT PLASTIC!

It does look like some cow horn that I've seen before, but this is more that an inch think at the base, and of a piece.

[S.Workman]

Originally Posted by dana_w

Well I don't know what it is, but it is NOT PLASTIC!

It does look like some cow horn that I've seen before, but this is more that an inch think at the base, and of a piece.

Yes, but there are some big cows out there. I bought a piece of horn that was 15/16" and more than 5" long to hilt a knife I made, although I am sad to say that I ruined it being clumsy. In any event, you ought to search through this forum for some info on flushing out your potential stowaway. He may be long gone, but the dust they leave behind wicks moisture into the horn, and thats not good. Plus, he could still be in there, munching happily on your horn hilt. I would start be gently picking at the hole with a toothpick, then spraying it out with keyboard duster. Also, are you sure that the tang doesn't go through? That looks suspiciously like a peened over tang at the end in your picture.

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by S.Workman

In any event, you ought to search through this forum for some info on flushing out your potential stowaway. He may be long gone, but the dust they leave behind wicks moisture into the horn, and thats not good. Plus, he could still be in there, munching happily on your horn hilt. I would start be gently picking at the hole with a toothpick, then spraying it out with keyboard duster.

This dagger has been in the collection for over ten years. Nothing has changed in the way it looks, and I haven't seen any residue from resent activity. I hate messing with it, but I'll consider your suggestion.

Originally Posted by S.Workman

Also, are you sure that the tang doesn't go through? That looks suspiciously like a peened over tang at the end in your picture.

I'm not sure, but I don't think so. The recessed oval area you are talking about is off centered and seems to be made of the same material as the grip. It could be that it is a hole that has been filled, but it doesn't look like a peened over tang to me.

Then again, the blade is fastened to the grip somehow.

[ashoka]

looks like tortoiseshell to me. Would be totally appropriate for the quality/age/origin of the knife

[dana_w]

Originally Posted by ashoka

looks like tortoiseshell to me. Would be totally appropriate for the quality/age/origin of the knife

Thanks ashoka. I haven't seen enough examples of tortoiseshell to know. Can tortoiseshell be over an inch thick?