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Post by CraigC on Jun 5, 2016 12:16:06 GMT -5
I posted this on another forum and thought it'd make a good topic here. I've always been nuts about ivory but have never been able to afford it until recently (four sets and counting!). So I've had a lot of time to experiment with all the substitutes. I took a few pics showing some of the different materials that may be used as ivory substitutes. I left out most the cheap stuff that has no grain. On the left is the newer antique linear paper micarta from Sheffield Knifemaker's Supply. I've got several sets made from this stuff on SA's, DA's and autos. It's good looking stuff but no one would mistake it for real ivory. The "grain" is completely uniform and the "end grain" bears no resemblance to Schreger lines and should settle any discussion about what it is. The big draw to micarta is that it is probably the most durable material to make grips from. It's impervious to weather, nearly impossible to stain and it will never change color. (grips in pic are not one-piece but two-piece with a blind screw) In the middle is the real thing, a set carved by Paul Persinger. No explanation needed. On the right is BarS TruIvory. It's a synthetic substitute that comes closest to the appearance of ivory. It has subtle "grain" structure and only lacks Schreger lines. Problem with this stuff is that not only is the status of BarS in question but the material is not very durable.      |
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Post by CraigC on Jun 5, 2016 12:16:26 GMT -5
This is pic does the best job of showing what you get with the paper micarta.  Eagle UltraIvory is similar to TruIvory but the "grain" is even less obvious. It's impossible to pick up in a picture so I don't even try.  American holly is a wood that is often used as a substitute and it's a good one. It also yellows like ivory but it's a bit soft.  Smooth bone or stag were also mentioned. IMHO, they make beautiful "white" grips but no one will be fooled about what they are. These are smooth stag.  This is the newer micarta that has no grain whatsoever. I don't even care for the color.  |
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Post by rjm52 on Jun 5, 2016 14:37:03 GMT -5
Very nice grips...
I have a set of the Tru-Ivory on a USFA Flat Top Target .22 and they are very close to the real thing.
Bob
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don44
.30 Stingray
Posts: 153
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Post by don44 on Jun 5, 2016 15:55:55 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing.
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Joe S.
.401 Bobcat
Posts: 2,517
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Post by Joe S. on Jun 5, 2016 16:02:51 GMT -5
Good tutorial. Answered a couple questions i had.
Thanks.
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lah
.30 Stingray
Posts: 432 
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Post by lah on Jun 5, 2016 20:23:15 GMT -5
Never had a fancy set of stocks so take this with a grain of salt but to me the smooth stag is much more appealing than the others you show. Thanks Craig for the pictures.
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Post by ChiefTJS on Jun 5, 2016 22:17:14 GMT -5
I'm really wanting some of that Sheffield Micarta.
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caryc
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,055
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Post by caryc on Jun 6, 2016 16:24:29 GMT -5
I'm really wanting some of that Sheffield Micarta. I actually made those Sheffield Micarta plow handle grips for Craig. I've made several sets of grips for Craig so I think I can say this without irritating him any. I don't really like that stuff. It doesn't really polish well and it has what looks like dirty areas in it. By the way, he supplied the material to me. Sorry but it's just my opinion. Just because I'm a grip maker doesn't mean I know what looks best. People have their own opinions. I made those Holly grips on Craigs Bisley with the lanyard ring. Now that's what I call a pretty set of grips even though I may be a little prejudiced.  |
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Post by chris623 on Jun 6, 2016 16:46:57 GMT -5
Just for the sharing: I sold this Model 10 S&W months back. The folks at S&W said it had been a long time since they'd seen factory ivory grips on one in as good a condition.   Didn't shoot it at all, so no sense in keeping it. But that's what real ivory looks like. |
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Post by CraigC on Jun 6, 2016 17:14:44 GMT -5
I'm really wanting some of that Sheffield Micarta. I actually made those Sheffield Micarta plow handle grips for Craig. I've made several sets of grips for Craig so I think I can say this without irritating him any. I don't really like that stuff. It doesn't really polish well and it has what looks like dirty areas in it. By the way, he supplied the material to me. Sorry but it's just my opinion. Just because I'm a grip maker doesn't mean I know what looks best. People have their own opinions. I made those Holly grips on Craigs Bisley with the lanyard ring. Now that's what I call a pretty set of grips even though I may be a little prejudiced. Ha ha! I still say your XR3 "Colt style" grips are the most comfortable plowhandle grips I've ever handled. I use the dimensions to tell other gripmakers what I want. I don't think anybody likes working with the stuff. After John Culina finished the first set of N-frame grips, I asked him if we were still on speaking terms. He said he only cussed me a little. He did two more sets for me and several more for others but I paid more just for the labor than it costs for wood grips. |
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Post by BigBore44 on Jun 6, 2016 18:34:32 GMT -5
Craig
Not trying to drift the thread here but, what F-sight base is that on your 3 screw with the stag grips?
Also wondering, your Bisley with the Holly grips, is that considered a round butt Bisley?
Thanks
BigBore44
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Post by CraigC on Jun 6, 2016 19:23:03 GMT -5
Jim Stroh built that gun and it's his front sight. IMHO, the best looking in the business.
Yep, David Clements rounded the heel of that Bisley. I only like the heel rounded, not both corners.
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Post by BigBore44 on Jun 6, 2016 19:33:56 GMT -5
Jim Stroh built that gun and it's his front sight. IMHO, the best looking in the business. Yep, David Clements rounded the heel of that Bisley. I only like the heel rounded, not both corners. I'll have to agree with you on Both counts.... Good stuff right there... I've been thinking of having David give my Bisley FT a little work when I can afford it... BigBore44 |
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Post by abarxxmanfan on Jun 6, 2016 19:35:58 GMT -5
Don't laugh at me, but I really, really like the Ruger imitation (plastic) Ivory grips. They fit my hands perfectly. Here are 3 pairs:  They look great on polished stainless, brushed stainless or blued Ruger single actions. I have 4 more pairs for other regular Blackhawks and Bisleys. They can be brittle though, I shattered a pair on a SBH. I do have a pair of real ivory from John Suth that I got over 25 years ago for my first Blackhawk. Shawn  |
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Post by BigBore44 on Jun 6, 2016 19:50:53 GMT -5
Don't laugh at me, but I really, really like the Ruger imitation (plastic) Ivory grips. They fit my hands perfectly. Here are 3 pairs: They look great on polished stainless, brushed stainless or blued Ruger single actions. I have 4 more pairs for other regular Blackhawks and Bisleys. They can be brittle though, I shattered a pair on a SBH. I do have a pair of real ivory from John Suth that I got over 25 years ago for my first Blackhawk. Shawn LOL... naw j/k  I like the white Ruger's to. I actually have a set of white on my Bisley Flattop now. They needed a little fitting but, they are a WHOLE LOT BETTER than the ones that came on it from the factory! Those looked like Ray Charles fit'em, actually he'd probably have done a better job... Love the 94 too! My favorite of the Marlin line, well that and the 95's  BigBore44 |
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