A question about elephant ivory

[Oberyn Martell]

It was to my understanding that the exporting and sale of elephant ivory had become illegal. Is the ivory that is used in cues precut ivory shipped or received before these laws passed, or was there some kind of repeal of that law? I was just curious as i was watching a program on endangered species on discovery channel the other day hehe.

[Oberyn Martell]

Also as a side note, i noticed that ivory on this site was referred to as either elephant ivory or estate ivory. What is the source of estate ivory, does come from a different animal or is it articficially created?

I think estate ivory is pre-ban era ivory and is legally for sale. Also, note that estate ivory would actually be good for makin cue parts given its age. You simply can't cut it off the pachiderm and shape it into a joint. It's just like wood.

[Sid]

Yea, Ivory was banned for import back in the 80's. Estate Ivory is Ivory that has been in the country since before the ban and is ok to use. Makes it a little more precious as there is no more to be had once this is gone.

[Oberyn Martell]

Thx guys, its interesting to learn that ivory had to season just like wood hehe.

Ivory, like wood, has a grain. The grain yellows and becomes more prominent with age. Legally obtrained ivory is available. The caution, however, is that it is fragile and can split readily while being worked which is why it no longer is used as a butt cap.

[Oberyn Martell]

Ive seen a few custom cue websites offer ivory butt caps as an option when redoeing or making a complete custom cue. Is the ivory they use aged properly, or is it simply fragile ivory that they put on as the cap regardless of its hardness?

[Kokopuffs]

How many players have you seen stuff the butt of the cue into the floor! Ivory by its nature won't tolerate such abuse. Regardless of age, ivory is too fragile to "bang" around. It's been known to spontaneously split due to temperature changes. It's best suited for decoration (diamonds) and ferrules; ivory softens the hit.

[Oberyn Martell]

hehe i c what u are saying, pool can be an emotional game and it would really stink to break a 200+dollar butt cap because i missed a shot or somthing lol.

ivory is still fully avalable from legal sources. in game parks they are now removing tusks, horns and alike to stop poachers killing the anamal. the trouble is the demand is so great the price is higher than poached ivory!

I've heard that the people at Southwest Cues don't like to put ivory in their cues for ethical reasons. Not a bad call on their part. Ivory is nice for ornamentation, but inlays do nothing for a cue's hit. I'm perfectly happy with an Aegis ferrule and a linen or micarta joint sleeve and butt cap.

[Kokopuffs]

Just the other day I watched someone shooting their $3500 cue that has a long ivory buttcap. During the shot the buttcap struck the rail and was chipped. :cry: :cry:

It's going to cost upwards of $300 to replace the damaged buttcap with another piece of ivory. The real question is can you afford that expense?