Buffalo hooves

[Woodbutcher]

So I was traveling, in the course of my daily business, about 2 hours or more from home. I arrived at my destination, a very nice log building, off the main road. As I entered the building I noticed a pickup truck off to the side. It had a buffalo in the bed, to be butchered. Not something seen every day.
Bright idea, "what are you going to do with the hooves"? "You want 'em? We just throw 'em away".
Now I have 4 buff feet, little bit of hide, bone, tendon, and hooves. Great stuff for knife handles, and so forth. Hooves don't wear out easily so I'm happy.
Got back to the shop, after the trip, and unloaded, put things where they belong. These parts here those parts there, and so forth.
Of course there's always some one making sure everything is done the way they want it. I had to explain what the parts were, where they went, the normal annoyance.
"Hey, what's in this box"?
"Oh, those are just some parts for me, I'm taking them home"
"What are you taking home? What kind of parts"
"Well, they're four feet from a buffalo"
"Oh really! Let me see what..AAAAGGGGHH!!!
I did try to explain that the buff didn't need them any more, but to no avail. Some people just don't get it! I do believe that you gentlemen understand, however.
Any way, to my question. Is there an easy way, or some method to get the hoof away from every thing else? That's some pretty tough stuff inside, holding that hoof material! Is it just hammer and chisel, or what?
I figure to just let the leg bone dry. And those two smaller round black parts up behind the foot. I don't know what they're called, or what to use them for, yet, but I'm open to ideas.
Once the hoof is removed, it's to be used for a scale type knife handle, and maybe tips for a wood bow.
Three of them are in the freezer now, in a plastic bag, and I'm working on the first one.
May I have your thoughts on my project?
Thank you. Woodbutcher

 

[bingo1952]

Put them in a pot and boil. The hoof will then slide right the foot proper.

 

[agill]

I can't answer your question, but I enjoyed the story behind it. :rotf:

 

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you Gentlemen.
Runnball, please tell me, is this something that I should do outside, to preserve my hide? Bad odors could have a serious effect on my well being! These things are fresh, but...??? Does it take very long? Just boil it till it slips off, is that it? What, 15 minutes to a half hour, maybe? Won't hurt the hoof, right? Boiling would loosen the joint cartlege to help take things apart without hurting the bone for later use, right? I didn't think of this. Thank you!
Flint hunter, you would have been in serious trouble if you were there to see it!
Woodbutcher

 

[BadHeart]

Don't know about how long it takes to boil them. But, to preserve your hide boil all animal parts outside. The smell stays in the house for a while. Don't ask how I know this. Good luck and have fun.
Frosty

 

[mazo kid]

Boiling (outside) is the quick way to get your parts separated. I just let mine stay outside until the hooves and dewclaws separated from the connective tissue/tendons. Be aware that this is a very "aromatic" way of dealing with the removal of hooves, etc. so keep everything a ways from your house and downwind. Emery

 

[Robert Egler]

Boiling (outside) is the quick way to get your parts separated. I just let mine stay outside until the hooves and dewclaws separated from the connective tissue/tendons. Be aware that this is a very "aromatic" way of dealing with the removal of hooves, etc. so keep everything a ways from your house and downwind. Emery

That's an understatement!
I'd suggest staying upwind. Maybe the next county upwind. :wink: