This hand made cigar holder divot tool is made from an elk antler shed. Elk (Cervus canadensis) are the largest members of the red deer family, also called Wapiti from the Native American Shawnee meaning white or pale deer, in reference to their pale colored rump. In fact, Wapiti is the preferred name used by scientists because the name "elk" was mistakenly applied to the animal by the early colonists in reference to the European Elk, which is actually more closely related to the North American Moose. Elk are noted for the impressive size of their antlers - grown only by the males, called bulls - which are regrown each year and reach spans of over 6 feet in just a few months.
At just over 2-1/2" in length this is a compact tool, perfect for cigar smokers who want as little in their pockets as possible. The cigar cradle is almost round, 13/16" in diameter and 1/4" deep, capable of securely holding large cigars 62 ring gauge and up, although the slightly shorter length probably limits it to cigars under 7" long. Weight is 8.11 grams. For some reason I wasn't able to take photos of this piece that didn't make it appear to have a flat finish, but it actually has a very nice glass-like polish
This tool has been designed to be used with a pushing motion as opposed to a lifting motion. Research performed at Kansas State University has shown that repairing pitch marks using a pushing motion is much kinder to the sod's root system, enabling greens to heal faster and is recommended by the Golf Course Superintendents Association.
