Watch out for faux horn handles on budget vintage blades

Last month I picked up a knife at a flea market in Lancaster that looked like a real nice old hank of stag or horn. Paid $40 for it thinking I got a steal. After one normal evening of slicing apples and opening a package, the handle developed a sticky tacky feel and the color started rubbing off on my hands. Turns out it was just molded plastic with a printed finish. I've since learned a quick acetone test on an inconspicuous spot pays off before cash changes hands. Has anyone else had a fake horn handle fall apart on them?

2 comments

2 Comments

wendy_carr1mo ago

Faux horn handles" sounds like the punchline to a bad magic trick where the rabbit leaves sticky residue everywhere.

sageburns1mo ago

You got me, I used to think horn handles were a cheap gimmick. But @wendy_carr you made a solid point. Now every time I see those things I just picture a sticky mess.