Here are some detailed shots of it. I was trying to find out more about my knife and came across some interesting things about it. I can make mistakes so please check me on this. I'm guessing elephant cementum for the handle and 440C for the blade steel. It measures 8-1/8" overall with a 3-3/4" blade.
That little spot is where the handle was charred but did not melt, a key indicator that it is either bone, ivory, or cementum rather than plastic or synthetic materials. There are no Schreger lines visible so this did not come from the dentin portion of the tusk. It has a porous but polished surface. Under high magnification you can see some inclusions and the pores are much smaller than would be evident in bone. Under a UV light to me it appeared more yellowish which is consistent with cementum as opposed to dentin as well. However, elephant cementum is significantly rarer than traditional ivory in knife handles so personal selection of this material suggests craftsmanship adding to the uniqueness of this knife. Although there are no known markings on the blade beyond the maker's mark, the following observations provide strong clues about the steel type: 1). Magnetic Response. The blade is manetic, indicating it contains a significant amout of iron and is likely a stainless or high-carbon steel. 2). Corrosion Resistance. There is no visible patina, oxidation or rust despite the knife's age. This strongly suggests a stainless steel composition. 3). Grinding and Construction. The blade has a hollow grind, resembling the style seen in Anza and Buck knives especially the featured gimping along the spine. 4). Historical Context. Given the handle material is cementum and was likely built before 1989, 440c (Buck) stainless would be a good guess as to the material. [
