[ithacaartist]

Gentlemen:

I want to set aside the original grips, chips notwithstanding, and slap a unique personalized pair of grips onto my soon-to-arrive shooter when I take it out for exercise.

I have a segment of boar's tusk and think that it would make a great set of grips, if large enough. I also work with horn a bit and also consider making a set of grips from it, though I suspect it might not be as stable as the boar's ivory.

Anyway, it might be better for another accomplished artisan to actually make the grips for me with material I'd prepare and supply. Other materials at hand include black walnut, birds-eye or tiger maple, black locust, and, in particular, hornbeam (ironwood). A clear piece of ironwood has fine, close grain which I think would take checkering extremely well; and it's among the densest of the North American hardwoods. (also thinking of turning a piece--into a North Mecklenburg Slugger baseball bat, but that's another story)

Any thoughts from other forum members?

David Parker