There are many types of mother-of-pearl knives on the knife market. They come in all sizes and colors, each with its own shape and form. Whether you have a knack for collecting knives or are just curious about owning a mother-of-pearl knife, it’s definitely worth it! Before you make up your mind, you can read this article.
1.What is mother of pearl？
Just like anything else in the world, the ocean produces different species of pearl oysters, each with its own unique properties. The various pearls produced by pearl oysters are also one of the more common organic jewelry. For a long time, the shells of pearl oysters have been collected and used to make knife decorations or knife handle pieces.
Unusual, right? I think so too. However, when we tried to read more about this pearl, we learned that mother-of-pearl describes the hard yet smooth coating that ultimately forms the pearl. It is used in making jewelry, decorations, other crafts, etc. Compared with other materials, it is an organic and natural material with a wide range of uses. But first, we must discuss its composition and original purpose.
2.Ingredients of mother-of-pearl
Mother-of-pearl can be found in the shells of molluscs such as snails, conches, oysters, clams, scallops, mussels and abalone. It is described as a natural material composed of 95% calcium carbonate and minerals. Before it was used to make knife handles, jewelry, and other things, it was first used as protection for molluscs from their natural predators.
This high calcium carbonate content makes these molluscs unable to be eaten or chewed by their enemies. Furthermore, if you look closely, these mineral components are arranged in small hexagonal plates covering the inside of the shell, and these plates have small gaps. These are then filled, binding the materials together to form something impenetrable.
3.What is a mother-of-pearl knife?
While this should go without saying, it is a knife with a handle made of mother-of-pearl. There is no single style when it comes to this knife as it is easily sharpened and shaped to suit personal preference or needs. Additionally, it comes in various shapes and sizes.
If you haven’t realized it yet, it also comes in other colors. Although white is the most famous and common, it comes in many colors, such as silver, black, grey, yellow, red and teal. However, these are rare, so the price is naturally higher than your typical mother-of-pearl. Talking about the price range, it depends on the type of mother-of-pearl and its use.
4.The value of mother-of-pearl
If you’ve spent a lot of money on jewelry made from pearls, what if it came in a larger, wider shape? While mother of pearl is considered valuable, I wouldn’t say it’s the most expensive material you can find. In some cases, people can buy it at affordable prices. This is because the supply of pearls is quite abundant compared to other materials like gemstones or diamonds.
That means it’s not the hardest to find, but it doesn’t mean it’s cheap either. In some places, mother-of-pearl is sold wholesale by the kilogram, with prices ranging from $9 to $19 per kilogram (rare varieties sell more expensively), depending on the situation. Interestingly, Europe is one of the places where mother-of-pearl is most in demand. People there use it to make jewelry, buttons, and even various crafts.
In short, in terms of price range, mother-of-pearl can be placed in the middle. Sometimes you can get it for cheap, sometimes you’ll pay a lot of money for it. In addition to the markets you seek, you should also try to haggle with knife manufacturers or stores.
5.Advantages of having a mother-of-pearl knife
If you’re wondering whether a mother-of-pearl knife is worth buying, we think you have to know the pros and cons of owning one. First of all, owning this knife is a guarantee that you will have something that you can use for a long time. Since it is known to have a solid, impenetrable surface, you can use it for a long time.
Additionally, this also provides an excellent option for those who want to own something classy and expensive. Although it is affordable to a certain extent, its appearance automatically exudes elegance due to the metallic sheen. Not only does it have the advantage of being beautiful, but it can also be used like any other knife.
For example, a mother-of-pearl knife can also cut and slice things. It also works wonders when it comes to poking holes or even trimming the surface of certain materials. Its only advantage is that you can make it stylish and add extra value.
6.Disadvantages of Owning a Mother-of-Pearl Knife
Of course, if there are advantages, there are also disadvantages. Some disadvantages of owning a mother-of-pearl knife are: First, it tends to be slippery due to its slickness. This is because the material is naturally smooth. While it can be ground into something with a better texture and a tighter grip, it’s often difficult to find knife handles that do this.
The second disadvantage of owning a mother-of-pearl knife has to do with your financial resources. As far as budget is concerned, this is not the cheapest knife on the market. However, considering the amount of time and effort that goes into making this knife, which also depends on what kind of mother-of-pearl is used, the hefty price of this knife is justified.
For example, there is something called black mother-of-pearl. Generally speaking, many people are accustomed to pearls being white. If there is such a thing as rare animals or exotic foods, then there is also a rare and exotic mother-of-pearl, the early black mother-of-pearl. This originates from the seafloor of Tahiti near Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.
7.Are abalone shells and mother-of-pearl the same?
It is well known that abalone shell and mother-of-pearl are often used to make handles on knives, which is why people mistakenly think they are the same. However, there are some differences that one should pay attention to in order to differentiate between the two. First of all, abalone is defined by Westerners as a marine snail, which is famous for its beautiful appearance and delicious taste.
In contrast to the mother-of-pearl of molluscs and snails, some mother-of-pearl are not edible and are not known for their beautiful shells. The second difference is that mother-of-pearl shells are more uniform in color than abalone shells. Simply put, abalone shells have brighter shells, with a rainbow of blue and green colors, and a wider range of colors.
The third difference is in structure. Abalone shells have breathing holes and structures near their exterior, while mother-of-pearl shells have breathing holes on the inside. Another worrying difference that must be noted is that harvesting large abalone shells is limited and rare compared to harvesting mother-of-pearl, so mother-of-pearl knives made from abalone shells are more expensive.
This is because overfishing harvests so many that yields are low, so harvesting them is illegal. Finally, although mother-of-pearl varieties are abundant and abundant, wild large abalone is rare and difficult to find. This may be related to the early differences, that is, its low production level, resulting in wild large abalone shells being particularly rare as knife handles.
8.Are mother-of-pearl and pearls the same?
Many people mistakenly think they are one and the same, but there are some differences. First, natural pearls are difficult to find, whereas mother-of-pearl is plentiful and relatively easy to find. Another difference is that mother-of-pearl is very susceptible to foreign matter getting into the forming material, which is rare during the pearl forming process.
When it comes to the quality of its shaping and polishing, mother-of-pearl is preferred as it is more suitable to be formed into various shapes and designs according to the preferences and requirements of the future owner. When it comes to similarities, both can create a wide variety of jewelry and crafts. Although the shape of mother-of-pearl is often indeterminate, pearls are usually teardrop or round and not valuable as knife hilts.
9.What motivates knife makers to use mother-of-pearl for knife handles?
Of the many materials a knifemaker can use, why does it have to be mother of pearl? Or, how could they even consider making a knife out of it? In addition to the beautiful effect of using flexible and durable materials, it also has a deeper meaning. For knife makers, using mother-of-pearl can help them create elegant products.
With an elegant knife, many things are possible. In addition to having a lifetime of wealth, it also brings joy to its owner. Because there are so many types of mother-of-pearl to choose from, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. You can first consider the size, color and design you like. Some people collect knives and keep them throughout their lives, so why not buy something well-made?
With a knife that has the perfect balance of metallic luster and elegant appearance, you’ll have an extra item that you can keep for a lifetime. Just like jewelry, mother-of-pearl knives can be customized, but at a higher price than usual.
10.The uses of mother-of-pearl knife
First Aid: Many situations requiring first aid involve a knife or knife. This is used to remove any thorns, splinters, or even cut bandages and open bottles. You never know when an emergency may arise, so having a knife is always handy. Although rare and extremely unlikely, people may be faced with a situation where they have to use a knife to remove something on the spot.
Self-Defense: Originally, knives were not meant to be used as weapons, but you never know when you might find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself. When you take the time to read it, you’ll learn how to best deter or slow down any potential threats you may encounter. As a future or current owner, remember to always be responsible. A knife can be both harmful and helpful, depending on how you use it.
Survival: Perhaps for camping, fishing, and other adventures you experience from time to time, having a mother-of-pearl knife can make every moment special. For example, camping. Making food, cooking food, and even setting up a tent requires some cutting. How can you do this without a knife, right? It even comes in handy when making a fire!
Furthermore, when it comes to fishing, it can be used to remove fish hooks, cut fish, and cut lines. You can use it to slice or peel, or open a can when you’re craving a snack. In short, knives are a great replacement or backup tool for many things. Remember to be careful as you may get hurt!
Letter and Box Opener: As cute as it sounds, a mother-of-pearl knife could replace your letter opener. With just one swipe, you can open your boxes and envelopes! Additionally, it can be used to cut through any wires, cables, or other tangles that you think should be cut.
Other features: Of course, that doesn’t stop there. When your resourcefulness and creativity come into play, there are even more ways to utilize your mother-of-pearl knife. When it comes to leisure or activities, you can train yourself to play by twisting and spinning the knife. Besides, you can also use it to cut edges or trim the ends of some loose cords or things.
In the more unlikely event, a mother-of-pearl knife can be used for engraving, target throwing practice, or simply kept and displayed. How you use your knife is up to you, so remember to think wisely before using it somewhere or with someone.
11.Final thoughts
All in all, here’s pretty much everything you need to know when it comes to mother-of-pearl knives and mother-of-pearl in general. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, that’s okay! Anyone who finds themselves indecisive can take some time to think. Personally, we encourage you to think carefully about whether you want to own one. When you are able to answer your own questions, this can lead you to become a more responsible owner and can help you use your knife wisely. Among the many types of knives, there is always a type that resonates with you. While it may seem unusual to start buying and carrying knives, the reasons are more important. Remember to be responsible and consider how it affects others.