Powder Horn Carving

[DanChamberlain]

Started my horn and have gotten roughed in flats for an octagon neck. Is this all flat file work, or is there knife work involved in finishing this aspect of the neck? Seen a lot of horns, but never really read a tutorial on the subject.

Appreciate any replies and photos if you have them.

Dan

 

[Flintlock58]

See if you can find a copy of "Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn by Scott and Cathy Sibley.

 

[BrownBear]

Sibley uses a file, followed by sandpaper or scraping, IIRC. I don't remember any mention of knives or chisels for this particular job.

 

[LRB]

A small gouge can be used for engrailing, but most everything else would be file work unless you get into the real fancy stuff a file cannot do.

 

[Black Hand]

Started my horn and have gotten roughed in flats for an octagon neck. Is this all flat file work, or is there knife work involved in finishing this aspect of the neck? Seen a lot of horns, but never really read a tutorial on the subject.

Appreciate any replies and photos if you have them.

Dan

Scrape with a single-edge utility blade to get a smooth finish....

 

[DanChamberlain]

Thanks all. Surprisingly, it's starting to come around. It's my first horn and I suppose I could have just gone with a round neck. It may not be perfect, but it will be fun.

Dan

 

[yeoldcraftsman]

Be forewarned. It can be addicted.

Happy horning.
Gary

 

[fatboy]

My first horn I did a flat octagon neck . I used files sandpaper and a shoe knife sharpened real well it can be alot of fun I only did a few . I need to do some more some time.