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This divot tool is made from the leg bone of a giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). The species name of 'camelopardalis' derives from the early Romans who named it from a combination of Camel and Leopard.
Weighing in at upwards of 3,000 lbs and a height of 16-18 feet the leg bones of a giraffe undergo tremendous leverage stress and have developed accordingly, making it arguably the hardest, densest bone you can find. I don't know how it rates on the Moh scale of hardness, but from working with it I know it's harder than Warthog Tusk and perhaps equal to Hippo Tusk. In an unofficial "clink" test, it sounds with a relatively high pitch, not unlike glass or porcelain, which allows it to take an exceptional, glass-like polish.
This particular tool is made from giraffe bone that has been dyed under high heat in a vacuum, a process which creates unpredictable and, oftentimes, spectacular patterns. The dyed bone is often used in the making of custom knife handles. Because the raw pieces are somewhat small and oddly shaped, this tool is noticeably shorter and stubbier than my normal tools, something that might appeal to those wanting a tool that takes up minimal pocket space. Despite its smaller size this piece loses nothing in functionality.
Overall dimensions are 2-1/4" long, 3/4" wide, and 9/16" thick.
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