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KnifeMaker Comment by Andy Larrison on April 22, 2025 at 7:51

That was a good question Kevin, and a great reply Lars.  I know they  were stabalized and encased in epoxy resin.  Like most materials I was wearing my respirator, but never thought anymore of it.  I'd asked a couple of other repair guys about working with this material and they never expressed any additional warnings.  I'll let you know in a few years.....But I really did like the outcome of this one.  I have enough to do another slip joint...just not sure what I'll put it on.

Comment by Kevin D on April 21, 2025 at 20:39

Excellent information Lars,

I was asking because I am very much ignorant of pretty much everything about it.  Cannot learn if you do not ask, right?

But I do like the looks of it a lot.

Comment by Lars Ray on April 21, 2025 at 20:09

That's a great question Kevin - I wouldn't have thought of asking.

So I contacted my daughter Morgan who is an RN and asked her. She tells me that cases in TX and LA suggest that it can, but those in FL say no. I think she told me that to fuss with me. Consider the demographic. 

Moreover - she says, leprosy is not transmitted to humans by touch. Rather, it spreads through prolonged, close contact with someone who has untreated leprosy, typically through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth (think COVID). Casual contact like hugging or shaking hands, or playing mumbly peg with your knife does not transmit the disease. 

Then she asked if I finally caught the one airating my yard and if I planned to eat it. I reminded her that while I may live in Texas, I am not of Texas - so No, I am not eating our neighborhood "dillo".

I proudly shared with her that it is a knife scale question. She then remineded me that any horn, bone, or shell used for any production (knives, jewellry, etc.) must be treated before use. So no - you cannot get leprocy from hangling the knife.

I know I can slepp better now knowing this. Whew!

Andy - permission to rip your photo to place it in my yard to show our critter his future if he continues to dig here?

Comment by Kevin D on April 21, 2025 at 17:54

I like the looks of the scales.  Is there anything special that must be done to eliminate the possibility of leprosy carried by 'dillos?