Buying Horn In China

[Growley]

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.

[pipedreamer]

If thats Rhino horn they will confiscate.Illegal from poachers.The chinese have few scruples.Your pipes don't need it.IMHO.

[Growley]

If thats Rhino horn they will confiscate.Illegal from poachers.The chinese have few scruples.Your pipes don't need it.IMHO.

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.

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.

[Vermont Freehand]

I say ship a small amount declared as hobby supplies, my orders from Chinese horn distributors have always arrived in the mail

[caskwith]

It wouldn't be Rhino at those prices.

[e Markle]

Bring me back some Rhino horn!

...and a baby panda while you're at it.

[Alden]

Bring me back some Rhino horn!

...and a baby panda while you're at it.

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.

[pipedreamer]

Well if your gonna do it, bring me back 2 rhinos and one jackalope,have a good time,,John.

[andrew]

Bring me back some Rhino horn!

...and a baby panda while you're at it.

I polish my pipes with baby seal and panda fur.

[Yak]

Deleted as irrelevant.

[Sasquatch]

Bring me back some Rhino horn!

...and a baby panda while you're at it.

I polish my pipes with baby seal and panda fur.

The baby seal thing is a secret, Andrew.

[Sasquatch]

Oh, and Brian, you're definitely fucked. I'm thinking 10 years for smuggling that shit.

[Nate]

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

[pipedreamer]

With you guys around , I can't raise my pets to full size.Not good giving away all those secrets.

[pipedreamer]

Btw What do you do when a rhino blows his rear horn?

[Growley]

...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!

[Ocelot55]

Safe travels Brian! Hope to hear from you soon!

[Alden]

...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.

[pipedreamer]

SAfe travels my friend.

[Tyler]

Chicken