Thanks for the kind words, Y'all.

Importation of elephant ivory into the United States has been banned since 1989, except under very specific circumstances. The ivory on that piece did in fact come from an elephant that died a very long time ago. It is a wonderful material. I like mammoth ivory and walrus also, but elephant ivory is the "whitest" and most stable, dimensionally. Plus it will look great with Wally's "uber formal" black and white kilt/jacket combo.

Of course it is "pattern welded steel" and not "damascus", really, but the popular convention is to call it that anyway. Being friends and colleagues with both mess'rs Verhoeven and Pendray, I am familiar with the terms and their meanings. "Genuine damascus" is another animal altogether. But this is not the venue for that discussion.

I like hand made stuff. I like making stuff that people value. Seemed a perfectly made match in terms of a trade, to get a kilt from Wally. The pictures of his work have all looked great, and I am sure I will be happy too.

I will post pictures of the kilt, but since I am leaving tomorrow for the Boundary Waters to go on vacation, it may be a couple of weeks before that happens.

Glad you like the knife, and thanks again for all the kind words !