Rob,

Technically these "cracks" are "natural surface checks" since they do not penetrate into the the ivory. I believe the old pachyderm creates these when he roots around with his tusks. Some do not like them, but I think it adds character.

Now, this is a CRACK!

Unfortunately, I don't believe this crack came from the elephant rooting around. At some point, this ivory expanded and was forced to crack under pressure between the guard and the pommel. Same thing happened on my Rod Chappel knife. Love it still the same, though.

Ivory cracks are like scars!!
Chicks dig them!!
:-)Rocky

Don't have much to contribute here, just a Lil Nutcracker!

Crazy!!
That's a fine "nutcracker"!!!
:-)Rocky

Jim,

I'm surprised that the crack isn't closed tighter than that where you live!
it probably would here in Louisiana with the humidity.
Nice deep engraving.

Chief,

Here it is all closed up.

Ha now your just being mean ....flipping it over!
Very nice, did you have David engrave it or did it come that way?
You can't even see the crack, did it happen while you had it or did it come that way from a previous owner?

Chief,

I didn't flip it over! The Randall logo is always in the photos.

I had a luthier (look it up), who was an expert in ivory repair, fill the crack. Then I asked a scrimshaw artist to complete the cover-up.

Jim

Jim you are truly a man who loves his ivory........Hats off to you awesome job.