Bone and Horn

[lpcenter52]

I'm going to be making a new knife, and was wondering how durable/water proof bone and horn are. I'm going to be using them in the kitchen. Should I just treat them like I would wood? Or should I treat them differently? Thanks in advance.

 

[BrownBear]

As with all good knives, stay clear of the dishwasher.

 

[omarick1948]

We have a couple bone (antler) handled knives we have used in the kitchen for years and had no problems! Just wash in soapy water by hand and dry!

Rick

 

[Rifleman1776]

Very durable. Good advice to avoid the dishwasher. Handling and using is good for the materials. An occasional rub with mineral oil is also good.
With use, might only last a couple centuries. After that you will have to make new ones. :wink:

 

[Claude Mathis]

Be forewarned. Regardless of the handle, the dishwasher will dull your knives.

 

[Stophel]

Bugs will eat cowhorn, and mice will eat anything. Store them safe from critters. :wink:

 

[Rickey Brown]

Sage advice by all

 

[Boomerdog]

We have an Ulu with a moose antler handle. After several hand-washings with common dish detergent, the antler started to "dry-out" and crack. I gave it a couple of coats of spar urethane to seal it a few years (4-5) ago, so far so good. Boiled linseed or mineral oil applied as needed should work as well.

 

[gmarc]

Bone and horn are more uniform in density than antler. I have used each and prefer horn and bone to antler.

Horn polishes up very nicely....I have a horn-handled straight razor that has kept its polish over many years of use.

Keep any decent knife out of the dishwasher, hand-wash and dry them.