Pink Ivory?

[Pelallito]

Hi All,
I did a search for Pink Ivory and got three hits. I still have questions.
I just got a block that I want to make into a handle.
What procedure and finish would you use and why?
I was told to boil it in wax to stabilize it. My question about that procedure is how will epoxy attach itself to that wax? I have never heard of that before, either.
I have also been told to use a UV protective water based poly.
I want to do it right the first time. I want a finish that will not allow the original color to change.
I am probably asking for something impossible.
I wrote to WSSI just now, and I am sure he will give me good advice about the possibility of using his process to stabilize it.
All info happily accepted.
Thanks for the help.
Regards,
Fred

[David Broadwell]

Fred,

First, Mike at WSSI is going to advise you to have HIM stabilize your block of wood. That's what he does, and if you are thinking that he might tell you how it's done he's not.

I've never used pink ivory wood. Back 20 years ago with it was the hottest wood to hit the market (at least for a couple of months) I didn't jump on the band wagon. What I've read and have been told is that the finishing technique is similar to other very hard and dense woods, sand it finely, buff it, and give it a nice waxing with something like Renaissance Wax. It's dense like cocobola, African blackwood, etc. and penetrating finishes won't penetrate, and top coat finishes probably look terrible. It will oxidize to some extent like cocobola, ironwood, and most species of rose wood. I don't know what temperature wax boils, but I'm sure it's pretty high. You get wood, ivory, and a lot of other natural materials we use for knife handles that hot and they will fail! I have used water based wood finishes on furniture and don't like them - you have to spray the first coat so the water doesn't raise the grain. I suggest you just polish it and live with the natural patina it will take on.

David

[Frank Niro]

I have used pink ivory several years ago and fotunately went with the finishing suggested by David. It worked very well. Frank

[Pelallito]

David and Frank,
Thanks you both for your replies and help. I admit I was very nervous about boiling the PI in wax. I will follow your recommendations. Now I have to get back in the shop and get started!
Regards,
Fred

[David Broadwell]

Happy to help, Fred. Please post some pictures of the knife when it's finished.

David