My father uses bone for both carving and scrimshaw work. He soaks them in a weak lye/water mixture for a few days. That cleans the bone and prepares it for his work. Then he cuts it to shape on his bandsaw and sands it smooth. After he has cut it he polishes it with increasingly fine grit with the final polish being toothpaste.

I have a belt buckle he made for me 22 years ago. He scrimshawed Old Ironsides (the Constitution) on to it. Last year I had to have him renew the design. I have not been kind to that buckle and it has held up fine. He hasn't made me a set of bones yet. I have to renew my request I guess.

PM me and I'll give you his address if you want to talk directly with him.