Any advice on what solution to boil them in or scrub them with?

Kevin, I have used something like oxyclean on several occasions. Make up a fairly concentrated solution and soak the tusks for about an hour. If they are really crusty on the inside you may have to repeat the process. Once in awhile a little touch with an old tooth brush is needed but not very often. I usually am able to just rinse the tusks good after an hour and am done.

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

to keep them from cracking fill them with 2 part epoxy or bondo.
dean

Another way I've used for pig tusks to stop them from cracking is to stuff them with cotton wool till about 1/4 inch from the top pour in some cooking oil and seal to the top with candle wax. I've had tusks last 2 years so far without drying out.

Bakes, That sounds like a good idea. All I have done in the past is just soak them in mineral oil about every 12 months. I do the same thing with canines from bears etc. I have only ever had one crack. But your method seems much better in the long run.

Mike

I pack about 2 cotton balls in them. You have to tease them apart then I use a satay stick to pack it in.

The oil comes through the tusk and gives it a nice sheen as well.