Another Afar gile

[TVV]

I really like your new gile Yuri. The blade may have been ground aggressively, but the fittings are very nice. Are you sure the hilt is bone? Is it possible that it may be some kind of horn?

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by TVV

I really like your new gile Yuri. The blade may have been ground aggressively, but the fittings are very nice. Are you sure the hilt is bone? Is it possible that it may be some kind of horn?

Thanks TVV

I began to carefully study the handle and now I’m not sure that it is bone. But I'm confused by the cracks on the back of the handle. Could such cracks appear on the horn handle? My knowledge is not enough.

Regards, Yuri

[Ian]

Pertinax, I can say with some confidence that the hilt in your first post is not bone. My guess is wood (or perhaps horn)--the grain/fibrous nature is quite pronounced. Perhaps others more familiar with horn in that area can give you a more specific answer.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Pertinax, I can say with some confidence that the hilt in your first post is not bone. My guess is wood (or perhaps horn)--the grain/fibrous nature is quite pronounced. Perhaps others more familiar with horn in that area can give you a more specific answer.

Hello Ian,

Looks like some sort of blonde horn to my eyes!

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

Hi Detlef,

I'm inclined to agree, although rhino or giraffe horn would be exceedingly uncommon on a gile. If it is either of those horns, the value of the knife increases considerably. The cracks seen at the butt end can be found on horn that has dried out, and then cleaved along longitudinal lines in its structure. The same is true for wood of course. I suspect the material needs some TLC with application of a light oil to improve its state of hydration, and perhaps close those cracks a bit.

Pertinax, if this is horn you have a valuable piece.

[Martin Lubojacky]

I believe we can see a knot from branch at the location indicated and that it is therefore wood

[Ian]

ML, you could be correct. Hard to say. What you have circled is a small hole in the hilt that is darker than the surrounding area. This looks like a fairly old and much used hilt, and I think it would take a careful direct inspection to know exactly what the hilt is made from. Maybe even a hot wire in a discreet area to see if it smelled like burning wood or hair.

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

I believe we can see a knot from branch at the location indicated and that it is therefore wood

Martin you're right.

I took a hot needle and conducted an experiment on the handle. To my regret it turned out to be a tree. How I wished it was a horn or a bone! But I wasn’t too upset, gile is very interesting and worthy.

Regards, Yuri