So I figured I’d do a little show and tell about the grips I purchased recently. Gratuitous photo.
I’ve been long wanting a blued 1911 with ivory grips as I’ve loved the look from the first time I saw it. With ivory sales being what they are, I decided to look for other similar materials, such as bone/antler.
I didn’t have a budget in mind, but I figured they’d be anywhere from $100-200+ depending on the maker, quality, etc. With that in mind I got to Googling and started looking around a bit and I found a guy from Thailand who makes grips from water buffalo bones, all by hand. I looked around and while they looked nice, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, the price had me skeptical. The gentleman had multiple pairs for roughly the same price, all pretty much right around $35 plus shipping. Here’s the link to his page if you’re interested (not affiliated with the guy at all, receive no incentives for writing this, etc).
https://www.etsy.com/shop/smilegroup2004
Anyway, I figured for $40 give or take they’d probably be middling at best, but I figured what the heck, give it a go and see how you like them. I was also somewhat skeptical about ordering something from Thailand, mostly because I’ve not ordered too many things from international vendors. I figured worst case scenario I’m out $40 bucks or could order a nicer set later.
I placed the order and the grips were shipped within a day or two and I received them in about 2 weeks (coming from Thailand, though customs, etc). Once I received them I opened them up and was beyond pleased, I was absolutely thrilled. The quality was very good and the workmanship top notch. I actually had to press them into place to get them on the first time as they were that snug.
Some more photos showing the fit:
As you can see, no gaps, no rattling/movement/play (whatever you want to call it). Finish was perfect, smooth and symmetrical.
I managed to do a little digging and it turns out the guy put up a few YouTube videos a few years ago. Here’s one of him making the grips.
Anyway, just figured I’d share my experience as it’s been overwhelming positive. If anyone is looking for something similar, he’s worth looking into and buy with confidence. I just wish he did grips for other models...
Anyway, hope this helps someone and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
I’ve been long wanting a blued 1911 with ivory grips as I’ve loved the look from the first time I saw it. With ivory sales being what they are, I decided to look for other similar materials, such as bone/antler.
I didn’t have a budget in mind, but I figured they’d be anywhere from $100-200+ depending on the maker, quality, etc. With that in mind I got to Googling and started looking around a bit and I found a guy from Thailand who makes grips from water buffalo bones, all by hand. I looked around and while they looked nice, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, the price had me skeptical. The gentleman had multiple pairs for roughly the same price, all pretty much right around $35 plus shipping. Here’s the link to his page if you’re interested (not affiliated with the guy at all, receive no incentives for writing this, etc).
https://www.etsy.com/shop/smilegroup2004
Anyway, I figured for $40 give or take they’d probably be middling at best, but I figured what the heck, give it a go and see how you like them. I was also somewhat skeptical about ordering something from Thailand, mostly because I’ve not ordered too many things from international vendors. I figured worst case scenario I’m out $40 bucks or could order a nicer set later.
I placed the order and the grips were shipped within a day or two and I received them in about 2 weeks (coming from Thailand, though customs, etc). Once I received them I opened them up and was beyond pleased, I was absolutely thrilled. The quality was very good and the workmanship top notch. I actually had to press them into place to get them on the first time as they were that snug.
Some more photos showing the fit:
As you can see, no gaps, no rattling/movement/play (whatever you want to call it). Finish was perfect, smooth and symmetrical.
I managed to do a little digging and it turns out the guy put up a few YouTube videos a few years ago. Here’s one of him making the grips.
Anyway, just figured I’d share my experience as it’s been overwhelming positive. If anyone is looking for something similar, he’s worth looking into and buy with confidence. I just wish he did grips for other models...
Anyway, hope this helps someone and if you have any questions feel free to ask.