Knife handle finish

[lakota]

I put together a small patch knife with a small paring knife blade and a a piece of deer antler for the handle. What do they use to get the shiny smooth finish on antler handled knives?

Scott.

 

[wildeagle]

Lakota, howdy bro. Just my two cents, this is what I've done. I try to get as much surface dirt and grime off that I can before I polish.I use a white jewlers rouge to get a shiny finish. Avoid creating much heat as it takes very little to yellow your antler. A small amount of "scorching" creates a nice contrast. I don't no the trade name of the rouge I use, it's a large block I've had for a long time. It seems as if the compound creates a clear layer that handles a good bit of abuse. I think if you get the surface clean and free of dust, grit, dirt smudges, ect, it helps to create a nicer finish, your milage may differ, just my .02 cents, hope it helps. Wild Eagle

 

[paulvallandigham]

You are going to need access to a power buffing wheel, to buff that antler, using jeweler's rouge. These things can be bought from some of the better hardware stores, or from the larger On-line suppliers. Harbor freight would be one place to look. Woodworkers is another. You can polish antlers by hand, but its long and difficult. You can also spray them with a good acrylic lacquer to get that shiny look. Make sure you can put a razor edge on that paring knife, that will hold the edge. Some of those blades have pretty soft steel, and will take an edge, but not hold it with any real use. Before investing your time, and a good antler to make a handle, make sure your blade is what you want. You can buy patch knives for less than $15.00. Check the suppliers, here, like Dixie Gun Works. See the member resources in the index page, and click on the " Links".