Buffalo Horn

[Keppy]

Hello
It's been some time ago, but I post some pictures of a buffalo horn that most of you here thought was in pretty bad shape to try to make a horn. Well I put sometime into it but as I got further into it I have to say it was bad.

So I figure I would cut the tip off and make a measure for powder. Now the grain is very rough even at the end and I didn't know that it was solid the last 6 inches. Which is ok I can drill my holes and use bee's wax for fill to come up with right combination for a measure. Now my question, is there any way to smooth out the course grain or its best to leave it. And what do you put on it afterwards if anything. I figure on putting it on a leather string. I have an antler I made a powder measure out of that I really like.

Thanks for your thought in advance.
Hacksaw

 

[Brasilikilt]

Hey Hacksaw

Buffalo horns are very fibrous!
My best suggestion is to get a medium coarse rasp and work the horn down as far as you can, and then use some kind of scraper to smooth out the rasping marks.

It helps alot to tightly wrap a section of broom handle with some kind of cloth surrounded with duct tape sticky side out and shove it into the horn. Secure the broom handle into a bench vise, and that should keep it steady for rasping and scraping.

Good luck!

 

[Boomer 500]

I also have 4 horns that I have not tuched yet.
I have no idea where to start.
I think i have to boil them first.
A big job I think.
It was a great xmass gift from my brother in law vet though.

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Guys, the best tool to work your bison horn is get a 'hoof rasp'. It will be the best efficient tool you will get. I finally got one from ebay (type in 'hoof rasp') in the search (all categories) and you will find a couple of sellers that list used ones that will still be quite sharp. I believe they will only be around 8 - 10 bucks and better yet is they are models Safe Edge. I'm more than happy with the one I got and what used to do all day to work them now only takes me minutes take them down before I scrape. You will definitely be happy. Good luck and happy horning.
Gary

 

[Brasilikilt]

Eagle Eye

I have used hoof rasps (I love using it for wood!) and find that they tend to be very wide and flat....makes it tricky to work on a curved horn.

That's why I recommend a finer rasp which tend to be smaller and have one convex side. You can get those 4 in 1 rasps that have both flat and convex sides with rough and fine teeth.
I think they're great!

 

[George Kevil]

When I have a very course shaped horn I first drill the spout.Then put a tap in that fits the hole and mount it in a vise .Then I take a draw knife and scrape and pull it into a useable shape then use a scraper or light files. It doesn't take lone to scrape one down.
George

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Brasilikilt

Yes, a smaller sharp rasp like the 4 in 1 does a nice job in the inside curve of the bison. I also just got a smaller hoof rasp (not as wide) that should fine as well.

Gary