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05-27-2022, 09:16 PM
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Simulated or Imitation Ivory Grips, Advice?
I have long appreciated a blue 1911 with smooth light-colored grips. These days, real elephant ivory is out of the question. Some sources offer other types of tusk, but the prices are high and legal ownership can be complicated. I'm thinking of trying some simulated/imitation/synthetic ivory grips. I've identified a few sources and wondering what the forum might have to say about them. Hogue's look pretty much like white plastic. Others seem more realistic.
So far this is what I've found:
Colt Simulated Ivory Pistol Grips | Boone Trading Company
Kirinite Ivory 1911 Grips
Pearlized Polymer, Engraved Ivory Polymer and Scrimshaw - Government, Commander & Clones - 1911 Grips - Handgun Grips - Hogue Products
I'm interested to hear your opinions on "fake" ivory grips.
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05-27-2022, 09:21 PM
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My choice for a light grip is wood, American holly to be exact. The Culina's make very good grips in this wood which look fantastic.
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05-27-2022, 09:26 PM
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I have Boone's simulated ivory grips on my Gold Cup...I'm very pleased with their appearance.
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05-27-2022, 09:47 PM
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Have several pairs from Boone Trading. I think they look good. Their "American Ivory" grips look closer to ivory than the regular ones.
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05-27-2022, 10:00 PM
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You might think about elkhorn from bgmntman on this Forum.
I'm sure he could do pistol grips; his work is amazing.
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1911haulic, Imissedagain, JH1951, JohnRippert, kev74, Krogen, krsmith58, ladder13, Mr. K, RobertJ., Rpg, Shoebox1.1, StrawHat |
05-27-2022, 10:11 PM
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One of my USFA Single Action revolvers has one piece Tru-Ivory grips. Are Tru-Ivory grips still being made? They look very good.
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05-27-2022, 10:16 PM
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Look at Altamont, they have several designs of fake ivory, some white and some aged, smooth or with designs. reasonable prices.
Please Wait... | Cloudflare
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05-27-2022, 10:34 PM
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I have had very good luck with Boone's simulated ivory grips. They are very reasonable cost wise, fit well and they are quite fast with their service.
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05-27-2022, 11:28 PM
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Got this set for my 1911.
Cape Buffalo horn.
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05-28-2022, 01:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STCM(SW)
Got this set for my 1911.
Cape Buffalo horn.
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those are some beautiful grips. i thought buffalo horn grips were black with lighter colored grain patterns. black or white, i like em. thanks for sharing. krs/kenny
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Too good
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05-28-2022, 09:04 AM
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Thanks, guys! I sure appreciate the responses.
The gorgeous grips shown here opened my eyes to alternatives. I hadn't considered American Holly or Elk Horn. Decisions, decisions . . . . Beemerguy53's pic shows exactly what I planned. My Gold Cup is the designated beneficiary of whatever I decide. I was leaning toward Boone's and then I saw ISCS Yoda's photos. Then STCM(SW) and sjbrdn added some more great pics.
Lots of great ideas! 
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05-28-2022, 09:39 AM
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'Resin ivory-S' is a nice sub for real ivory.
It has the color & the lines of the real elephant ivory.
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05-28-2022, 11:08 AM
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I have American Holly on a couple, love it.
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05-28-2022, 11:20 AM
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Giraffe bone - these (at least) are a very affordable alternative
FULL SIZE 1911 Giraffe Bone grips | eBay
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05-28-2022, 11:34 AM
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To each his own as they say.
Never cared for the glitz and bling look.
Nicely grained factory wood for photos and rubber for the range sessions are my choices.
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05-28-2022, 11:39 AM
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One of my 1911's has a pair of BUFFALO BONE GRIPS, The other has a pair of BUFFALO HORN GRIPS. Both Asian imports, & reasonably priced - I like them a lot.
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05-28-2022, 12:39 PM
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I put custom Ajax (ivory polymer) grips on my Colt 1911 for a reasonable price and they fit great.
In Argentina we have several artisans who can make scales out of bone or horn, but the prices are high.
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05-28-2022, 02:06 PM
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I'll second giraffe shin bone grips. Good combination of look, feel and price.
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05-28-2022, 06:03 PM
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Bison bone made a nice substitute on my 1911, and caribou (crafted by our own Bigmtnman) really lights up the room on my Chiefs Special.....
IMG_1962.jpg
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05-28-2022, 07:08 PM
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If you Like the look of Ivory , and wish to pay
a moderate price no reason to not try some synthetic Ivory .FWIW , the polymer is stronger and more durable than the real thing .
The other exotic alternatives are also fine looking , but a different $$ range.
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05-28-2022, 07:48 PM
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Elk grips are still affordable and available right here on the forum. If you ask for no bark, they age nicely and look almost ivoryish. I like bark myself.
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05-29-2022, 08:27 AM
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10-12-2023, 06:37 PM
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Follow-up to my post back on May 2022 . . . . Where did the time go?
I got off my duff and ordered a set of Boone Trading's American Ivory grips for my Gold Cup. These aren't their standard imitation ivory, but are a notch above. To my eye, they look like real elephant ivory. The workmanship is impeccable. They feel great in the hand. I can't wait to shoot the pistol.
It was a pleasure to deal with the owner of the company. I am very happy with the product and the customer service.
Here are a couple photographs:
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10-12-2023, 06:43 PM
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Looks awesome, Krogen!
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10-12-2023, 06:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lihpster
Looks awesome, Krogen!
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Thank you! It was your tip on American Ivory above that pointed me in this direction.
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10-12-2023, 07:22 PM
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Another Imitation Resin Ivory you might like is Dave Walther's. For comparison here is a Randall Triathlete I re-handled using the S-grade ivory. It is as close as you can get to the real deal.
Resin-Ivory™ Finished 1911 Grips
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10-12-2023, 08:36 PM
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I like Holley as well .THIS IS A SET I MADE
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10-12-2023, 08:44 PM
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i HAVE ALSO MADE corian 1911 GRIPS ,YES the counter material they work well and don't become slick when damp from sweaty HANDS ,Have used stark white and off white
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10-12-2023, 09:05 PM
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Who of the forum grip makers takes orders?
Unless I am mistaken, at least one does not. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
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10-12-2023, 09:06 PM
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Has anyone tried the VZ grips in G10 High Polish? $75.00 is not a bad price for their grip in Ivory. Looks good on line and reviews posted are good.
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10-12-2023, 09:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jag312
One of my USFA Single Action revolvers has one piece Tru-Ivory grips. Are Tru-Ivory grips still being made? They look very good.
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They made some great looking grips. USFA used them as a provider. Shame they went out of business.
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10-12-2023, 10:50 PM
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I have some elephant ivory grips. Used to have more, but sold off several sets over the years. Down to two, which I intend to keep.
I also at one point, maybe 15 or more years ago had some sort of imitation ivory grips which both looked and felt different. I sold those after I owned them maybe a month or so. Disappointing.
I am intrigued by holly as a substitute. The photos look very nice to my eye, and I like that it is a natural material.
I also think that "American ivory" above looks quite nice. I looked it up to see what its composition is, what the material is, but did not see any details.
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10-12-2023, 11:05 PM
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I have some simulated ivory grips from Arizona Custom Grips for a Ruger Blackhawk. They are really good looking grips that are tough as nails called "magna tusk." Unfortunately, I think they only make grips for single action six guns.
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10-12-2023, 11:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Onomea
I have some elephant ivory grips. Used to have more, but sold off several sets over the years. Down to two, which I intend to keep.
I also at one point, maybe 15 or more years ago had some sort of imitation ivory grips which both looked and felt different. I sold those after I owned them maybe a month or so. Disappointing.
I am intrigued by holly as a substitute. The photos look very nice to my eye, and I like that it is a natural material.
I also think that "American ivory" above looks quite nice. I looked it up to see what its composition is, what the material is, but did not see any details.
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You might try contacting David Boone directly. I found him to be an approachable, congenial guy. I think he'd be willing to talk with you about American Ivory.
Contact
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10-13-2023, 12:36 AM
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Krogen,
Grips look great!
No pictures but I have Boone Trading's simulated Ivory grips on one of my older J frames.
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Last edited by UNCLE PAULY; 10-13-2023 at 12:41 AM.
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10-13-2023, 12:47 AM
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Camel, giraffe and buffalo bone are great looking alternatives to ivory. Here’s some giraffe bone on my DW ECO.
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Last edited by CH4; 10-13-2023 at 12:51 AM.
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