Knifemaking Supplies

Both hobby and professional knifemakers will find that their requirements for special materials can be met. If you are searching for steel, damascus (carbon, rust-free, Swedish, powered, patterned), exotic woods, grip materials (mammoth, wart hog, giraffe bone, narwhal, hippo teeth), mosaic pins, finished ground blades, or even finished Danish colored blades just ask. Photos and prices will be supplied. Further, your technical questions will be refered to working makers who provide advice and guidance.

Wart Hog Tusks

In Nambia these items are called 'love teeth". The farm workers find the skeletons of wart hogs in the field. They take the tusks into the city on friday night and sell them to the local souvenir shop- The receipts from this exchange are then taken to the pub. the money is exchanged for beer and women, Hence, "love teeth".

The tusk can be used in its natural state, polished or the outer thin enamel can be sanded down to bring out the ivory-like color and structure.

Great for knife grips, corkscrew grips, basis for scrimshaw work.

If you can tell us the approximate size you need, a few can be sent on approval.

Cleaners & Wax

Nothing starts discussions quicker than a statement that using a specific product is best for the job. The following products have proven their worth in our store and workshop over the years.

Wax

The Renaissance Wax, in my opinion, is one of the finest and easiest to use compounds for gently cleaning and preserving the surface of both metal and natural surfaces. The manufacturer maintains that it is absolutely 'natural' and will not react with any material. We agree.

Used for removing any 'simple' surface scratches and dirt. Then when polished (hand-rubbed) a superb wax remains on the object. Knives, grips, and jewellery are all treated (time permitting) with this product. Great when individuals "inspect" a highly polished blade or a Damascus blade. Just a wipe with a cloth and the fingerprints and oils are off.

A small tin appears to last almost forever.

Cleaner

From the same fertile mind that developed the above wax, there is also a cleaner that has earned respect from collectors, dealers and museum restoration people. Regardless if you are polishing a pitted blade, a decoration, or patiently bring out the color of a enamelled broach this product has proven to be more user friendly than other polishing compounds we have tried. It works slowly, takes lots of rubbing (but little pressure), but the end result is impressive and it seems impossible to do any damage to the item worked.

Cleaner #2

For those who want to get serious surface oxidation and scratches out "quick: & dirty" there is a tube of fine cleaner/polisher which is highly respected in the antique jewellery and silver trades. For the 'normal' antique shop a tube of Weawo seems to last for years.

Oil

The "Ballistol Spray" of fine gun oil from Germany has earned a place in many retail gun dealers stores, shops, tool boxes and at home. Also used by knifemakers and dealers. If you do not have the time to wax, a light spray of this oil will protect knives, weapons, tools and locks for a long time. It can be used for all small, fine jobs around the workshop and home.