Bear Jaw Knife - ? on Fittting the Handle

[Razz]

I'm making up a bear jaw knife for a prize at our local shoot and have a question for those who have made one or have one. What is used to fill the gap between the jaw halves when you fit them together? There is no way they can be sanded flat without removing the rear molar on each side. I could sandwich in a piece of wood, but not sure if that is the way to go.
Thanks
Razz

 

[LRB]

I don't think I understand. Wouldn't you use a hidden tang with that? What two halves?

 

[mazo kid]

Wick is right....no two halves, at least on mine. I traded for it some 25+ years ago and unfortunately it is packed up with most of our possessions so can't look at it. IIRC the tang is fitted into the hollowed out jaw bone and riveted with two copper rivets. It might possibly be epoxied as well, just to snug things up a bit...hard to say without checking it out. Emery

 

[Razz]

Wick,
I removed the lower jaw from the skull and split it at the front, so the right and left halves fit next to each other. Well almost next to each other. I figure I need to file them flat, but they won't match up perfectly. Yes the tang of the knife would be hidden or buried somewhere in the middle of all of this. I hope this explains my question better. If not I can take a picture of what I have so far and draw it out. Will take me a couple of days to get it on the board though.
Thanks,
Razz

 

[JamesG]

You well want to mae it a hidden tang, when you put the tang of the knife in the jaw bone you going to have to make it a tight fit, unless you can fit a guard on the blade. the handle has a rawhide wrap.good luck and show us when u done.

 

[wulf]

I fitted the blade directly into "ONE" jaw. The
correct way is what you are interested in..A guy
I know made a patch knife with two jaws from a
yote. He used a thin wood filler and lashed all
the parts together with sinew..very bulky and I
prefer mine as single jaw bone..If asked I will
send you a picture of both a bear and a yote blade
I made...

 

[Razz]

Wulf,
I would like to see pictures if possible.
Thanks,
Razz