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Pearl

I just won a bid for another pearl handled knife. That makes two pocket knives with black pearl handles. I also have an older knife that may or may not have pearl handles and one knife with faux pearl.

With close to 200 knives, you'd think there would be more pearl in the collection. But for some reason every time I see a pearl handled knife I reminded of the words of Gen George S. Patton: "Only a pimp in cheap New Orleans whore house would on a pearl handled pistol" I remember when I bought the 5 inch toothpick with fake pearl grips, my daughter commented... "That looks like a pimp's knife" She had never seen the movie Patton.

Like Patton, I seems to prefer Ivory. Of course I can't afford ivory, mammoth or otherwise, and have interest in support the illegal trade of ivory, so I settle for white smooth bone or imitation ivory (when it looks good).

The two genuine pearls are black lip. I also have a couple abalone. I'm not sure if it was Patton or something else, but pearl just doesn't do it for me.

Does anyone have a handle material that is fairly popular that just does nothing for them. I'm guessing the answer is "Yes". I'd like to hear what it is. (I'm guessing more than one person will be turned off by White Smooth bone!)

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on November 23, 2011 at 23:53

Actually, there's not really any handle material I completely dislike. Some of the unusual or "fancy" handles that some companies come up with that many people go bonkers for I can't stand. Or handles that they try to do "cute" things with like have animal tracks on the handles drive me nuts. But as far as basic standard handles, I pretty much like them all, both natural and imitation.

Contrary to what my wife says, I'm easy to please.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on November 24, 2011 at 9:00

I like white smooth bone, poor mans ivory. Theres some imatation ivory that looks good too.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 24, 2011 at 15:23

Tobias,

I love smooth white bone. We also are not overly thrilled with the pearls, too fragile. Least favorite of all time? Orange G10.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on November 28, 2011 at 16:56

"(I'm guessing more than one person will be turned off by White Smooth bone!)"

I agree with Robert, smooth white bone is a good poor man's ivory. In fact as much as I like pearl, I'd rather have smooth white bone. It has a nice simple classy look, to me.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on November 30, 2011 at 8:10

Pearl handle knives can be very collectable. Fight'n Rooster knives are known for their high quality pearl handles. I guess pearl is not a user's knife handle.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on November 30, 2011 at 9:21

I've always seen it as good material for a Sunday go to meetin' knife. But even then, I prefer other materials.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Sack on January 16, 2012 at 10:18

I was about ready to purchase a rough rider black pearl muskrat. Your comments have me wondering if i should look for a diffent handle material.

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by Robert Burris on January 16, 2012 at 10:28

Pearl handles on knives is suppose to be top of the handle line for a given modle. Some people just don't care for them not manly enough or something like that. I know some are quite collectable in certain brand knives. Jack, I would get the handle material that I enjoyed not just the fashion of the day. Good luck with your choice, please let us see it when you get it.

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on January 16, 2012 at 10:32

I've got a Blck Pearl whittler and MOP of pearl stockman by RR. both are fine knives for the money. I prefer the look of black pearl over white. It has nothing to do with the quality of the knife it is personal preference of handle material. If you like pearl, I say go for it. If you have no pearl and want to find out if you would like it, then I say the Rough Rider Black pearl would be a good place to test the waters. The knife is relatively inexpensive with a pearl full of fire. Below is my BP whittler (bottom) and a smooth tobacco bone canoe-whittler lock-back. Both a re great looking and well constructed knives., I just prefer bone to pearl.

hope this helps, Jay.

Jay Sack said: