Trade it to me...(Third Option)
Capt. Chris

I appreciate the trade offer Captain, but it’s staying with me for now. I got it at a good price so I am more than ok with the crack. Without the crack I would have had to pay a lot more.

I am going to keep it as is. If I had sent it in for re-handle, I would of used Warther’s resin ivory.

Quite often, scrimshanding (with the proper scene) can all but totally "hide" ivory's damage. A waterfall, river, etc...
Just Sayin',
Capt. Chris

Eric,
I was glad to hear you say that, like me, you “really like the drop point hunter.” And that you plan to keep it and, I hope, use it. The best thing that you could possibly do with that blade with the crack is to continue to fill the crack in with special fillers that you can only find from the adventures that you take it on and all the fun times & memories included. That special mixture packs best in cracks, holds better than anything and means the most when passed on to others.
This crack-filling mixture, however, can only be learned through experience

Duke, That sir is excellent advise. The DPH is a true RMK classic!

I probably would not use it, as they have some good collector value. Get a #28, same thing as DPH but has border patrol handle, if you really want one with a user.

I've (and others) have use a product for sealing cracks in woodwork and metal.
Called " Captain Tulley's creeping crack cure"
Go on, laugh it up, but it does work well.

ENSURE crack dry, and apply directly to crack.it will apply like milk and wick inwards. Several small applications are better.
Dries clear.
Just a thought...

Joe, I have all the RMK users I can justify. Since deciding to not re-handle I am now looking to secure the handle not for use but for the long haul as a collector piece. I have found someone who can do this right and have submitted the knife for that end. I will post pics when knife returns.

Needful things, I have not heard about Captain Tulley’s cure. Sounds easy. I have always wanted to visit NZ. My Mom went and said it was the most beautiful place she ever vacationed.

Eric -

the thing that might concern me is being as the crack appears very narrow, the "repair" may require that the crack be opened up a bit to accept whatever material he is using. Personally, I think that would exacerbate the situation as far as the aesthetics are concerned. In other words, it will make it more noticeable. Rod suggested using some compressed air to get the dirt out. I imagine that would improve the appearance dramatically.

My guess is the crack could be relatively stable, like a small stress crack in concrete. It moves, but doesn't adversely affect the structural integrity in many cases. Like was previously mentioned, may not worth the effort unless it was to fall off which seems unlikely.

I don't recall seeing any major failures with ivory like the handle fell off, lost a piece, or chipped. I would say only perhaps from impact might that happen.

The knife is excellent, this piece would have fallen off if it had not been held by the tube at the back. I had AG Russell's knife, a small ivory droppoint, it had a similar crack, sorry the photo didn't survive, the piece behind the crack fell off. Possibly due to a change in moisture?

Compressed air may or may not help, the dirt can definitely be cleaned out with pressurized water, such as Karcher, but it is necessary to wrap all the other parts of the handle with something like electrical tape stronger so as not to damage the handle. And then use in crack a little epoxy resin for jewelry, it is durable and almost invisible, but it is better to pre-experiment on some separate piece of a broken bone to see how it will look.