Buying Horn In China
Buying Horn In China
Hey guys,
I'm in China currently. I've been here for a week, and have a week left. Last night, while I was out on the streets looking at all the street vendor goods, I found that horn tips seem to be somewhat common for sale. I couldn't get what they were telling me they were for, but the lady kept picking it up and poking/rubbing my hand with it. Maybe some non-traditional medicine techniques??
Whatever their intent is, I'm seeing pipe making materials! I picked up two tips last night, about as big around as a quarter, and as long as three inches, for $5 bucks each.
I've not worked with horn, or even really looked into it, so I've got some questions I could use some help with.
1. Will this size be decent to work with?
2. Is that a good price?...assuming the horn is good and all that.
3. Will I get in trouble bringing horn back into the states?
Also, there was a giant piece I piece that was there. It was about as big around as my wrist, and 7" or so long. She said it was from a bull...but for one, the language barrier is huge, and two, who knows if she was really telling the truth, or just trying to sell me some sort of massive goat horn. What are your thoughts on something like this? I'd hate to get home and realize I'd passed up a great opportunity or something.
Thanks.
Brian.
EDIT:
Here are some pics.
I'm in China currently. I've been here for a week, and have a week left. Last night, while I was out on the streets looking at all the street vendor goods, I found that horn tips seem to be somewhat common for sale. I couldn't get what they were telling me they were for, but the lady kept picking it up and poking/rubbing my hand with it. Maybe some non-traditional medicine techniques??
Whatever their intent is, I'm seeing pipe making materials! I picked up two tips last night, about as big around as a quarter, and as long as three inches, for $5 bucks each.
I've not worked with horn, or even really looked into it, so I've got some questions I could use some help with.
1. Will this size be decent to work with?
2. Is that a good price?...assuming the horn is good and all that.
3. Will I get in trouble bringing horn back into the states?
Also, there was a giant piece I piece that was there. It was about as big around as my wrist, and 7" or so long. She said it was from a bull...but for one, the language barrier is huge, and two, who knows if she was really telling the truth, or just trying to sell me some sort of massive goat horn. What are your thoughts on something like this? I'd hate to get home and realize I'd passed up a great opportunity or something.
Thanks.
Brian.
EDIT:
Here are some pics.
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Re: Buying Horn In China
If thats Rhino horn they will confiscate.Illegal from poachers.The chinese have few scruples.Your pipes don't need it.IMHO.
Re: Buying Horn In China
I wouldn't know Rhino horn from Jackalope horn.... I'm guessing it's too small to be rhino, unless it's baby rhino, which if that's the case I'm certainly going to heck in a handbag.pipedreamer wrote:If thats Rhino horn they will confiscate.Illegal from poachers.The chinese have few scruples.Your pipes don't need it.IMHO.
In a quick search about the legality of bringing horn home, I found this article which shows that Americans apparently aren't doing so well in the scruples department either... http://100r.org/2013/05/u-s-grows-as-hu ... smuggling/ .
I guess I won't risk more than the two pieces I've already got, and hopefully they won't cause any problems.
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Re: Buying Horn In China
I say ship a small amount declared as hobby supplies, my orders from Chinese horn distributors have always arrived in the mail
Re: Buying Horn In China
Bring me back some Rhino horn!
...and a baby panda while you're at it.
...and a baby panda while you're at it.
Re: Buying Horn In China
I think that is Todd Banananard's red stain recipe. Grind rhino horn to fine dust. Add sea turtle blood. Dilute with baby panda tears. Apply with a bald eagle feather. Voila. Crappy looking pipes.e Markle wrote:Bring me back some Rhino horn!
...and a baby panda while you're at it.
Ryan Alden
http://www.aldenpipes.com
http://www.aldenpipes.com
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Re: Buying Horn In China
Well if your gonna do it, bring me back 2 rhinos and one jackalope,have a good time,,John.
Re: Buying Horn In China
I polish my pipes with baby seal and panda fur.e Markle wrote:Bring me back some Rhino horn!
...and a baby panda while you're at it.
Andrew
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
www.andrewstaplespipes.com
Re: Buying Horn In China
Deleted as irrelevant.
Last edited by Yak on Sun Dec 15, 2013 4:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Buying Horn In China
andrew wrote:I polish my pipes with baby seal and panda fur.e Markle wrote:Bring me back some Rhino horn!
...and a baby panda while you're at it.
The baby seal thing is a secret, Andrew.
ALL YOUR PIPE ARE BELONG TO US!
Re: Buying Horn In China
Oh, and Brian, you're definitely fucked. I'm thinking 10 years for smuggling that shit.
ALL YOUR PIPE ARE BELONG TO US!
Re: Buying Horn In China
Naw, those are definitely T-rex claws.
I'd say, if you're going to get some horn, look for pieces that are 'rounder' rather than 'oval-ier'. However it can all be used. That and look for pieces that have nice coloring and all that
I'd say, if you're going to get some horn, look for pieces that are 'rounder' rather than 'oval-ier'. However it can all be used. That and look for pieces that have nice coloring and all that
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Re: Buying Horn In China
With you guys around , I can't raise my pets to full size.Not good giving away all those secrets.
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Re: Buying Horn In China
Btw What do you do when a rhino blows his rear horn?
Re: Buying Horn In China
...I chickened out. I didn't buy any more horn, and left the two pieces I did buy at the hotel. Common sense and fear got the better part of me. I figured the risk wasn't worth it. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
I'm sitting in the Hong Kong airport now and only about 20 some hours away from home. I can't wait to get back!
I'm sitting in the Hong Kong airport now and only about 20 some hours away from home. I can't wait to get back!
Re: Buying Horn In China
Growley wrote:...I chickened out. I didn't buy any more horn, and left the two pieces I did buy at the hotel. Common sense and fear got the better part of me. I figured the risk wasn't worth it. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
I'm sitting in the Hong Kong airport now and only about 20 some hours away from home. I can't wait to get back!
I really wanted to say "Thats not Rhino horn" but I'd feel real bad for you if I was wrong and they locked you up... No reason to take a chance on I suppose.
I really hope the trip went well for you.
Ryan Alden
http://www.aldenpipes.com
http://www.aldenpipes.com
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Re: Buying Horn In China
SAfe travels my friend.