Preparing Antler for Knife Handle

[ronnie_kennedy]

I am starting to work on my first handmade knife. I had a couple of deer heads i found while out fishing and have removed the antlers from the skulls. First question is how to remove the extra material where the antler joined the skull. I cut it off with a hacksaw, but would like to clean it up a bit at the bottom of the main beam that i will be using for the knife handle. Also, since they were out in the sun, they are bleached considerably. Is there a way to "stain" the antler back to a brown color? Also thinking of using one of the tips off of the rack as a holder to attach my muzzleloading tools (turnscrew, vent pick, flint knapper, etc.) from. I'm sure someone on the forum has done this. Any suggestions as to how to do it?

 

[fatboy]

You can use a saw ,sander or files and sand by hand to get things where you want it. You can use wood stain Early American, Walnut oil based or leather dye med brown let dry real good top coat with some boiled linseed oil or tung oil just to help seal it or another option heat it hair dryer or heat gun and rubb beeswax in to it let dry and buff down with a rag. Do some searching on here and you can find some nice examples of things made with antler

 

[lonehunter]

Extra material on the crown? Here ya go! http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/254269/post/950057/hl//fromsearch/1/
Or you could file and sand it smooth. As was said about stain, I use leather dye, But everybody has their own favorites, Tip, If you heat the antler first it will take the dye better, or some like to toast it with a torch!

 

[Birdman]

first n :surrender: foremost Ronnie WEAR A DUST MASK working with bone n antler is fun but can be harmful too, :nono: the dust can get in your lungs n cause problems and yes even working with it just this once COULD cause a problem, better safe then sorry in the future--also if yer gonna use power tools sanding n grinding-do it outside cause its gonna stink :redface: - n ya don't need the good woman unhappy with ya ,,happy wife happy life :bow: :grin: LOL just a thought YMHS Birdman

 

[Rifleman1776]

Already stated, any woodworking tools can be used to shape yer antler.
The (supposed) dangers of the dust are unproven. However, and dust is no good a mask is advised. The stink is unavoidable.
To return the antler to a natural color, I prefer a more natural way than those posted so far. I simply rub or soak the antler in Neatsfoot oil. Looks like it should afterwards and will help preserve the antler for the long haul. Very easy to do. BTW, I see no difference in using pure Neatsfoot and the kind with silicone added. I know that is heresy to some. But, as I said, I see no difference in results and have been using both for decades.

 

[fatboy]

Yes you do need a dust mask or even a respirator for sanding grinding handle materials because they can make you very sick some of those are more modern materials that cause illness. I didnt use to worry about it but have changed my mind

 

Ronnie,
Depends on what you want the crown to look like when you are done. Files, rasps etc are good but a dremel tool with the right burr will get into the crevices and cavity. Go slow and cautiously because they can do as much damage as good, very quickly. I use potassium permanginate to color antler. Looks natural and lasts. If you use it, ignore the purple, it dries brown.
Mark

 

[Rifleman1776]

Yes you do need a dust mask or even a respirator for sanding grinding handle materials because they can make you very sick some of those are more modern materials that cause illness. I didnt use to worry about it but have changed my mind

While a mask is never a bad idea I have never seen any definitive information on what kind of sickness or illness antler dust causes other than respiratory problems that can come from any dust. I am on several forums that deal with turning and this subject comes up frequently. Go with the mask if you wish, it hurts nothing.

 

[MSW]

Yes you do need a dust mask or even a respirator for sanding grinding handle materials because they can make you very sick some of those are more modern materials that cause illness. I didnt use to worry about it but have changed my mind

While a mask is never a bad idea I have never seen any definitive information on what kind of sickness or illness antler dust causes other than respiratory problems that can come from any dust. I am on several forums that deal with turning and this subject comes up frequently. Go with the mask if you wish, it hurts nothing.

I found a bit of antler which I might end up turning, and I'll wear a respirator for my own peace of mind, (I'm sure I inhale enough crud to sink a battleship at the mill) but thanks for the clarification.

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

i have found that a dremel tool with a grinding wheel attachment works great on the crown area. I have it nice and smooth. I think i am gonna repurpose an old knife i had around the house and put the blade into the mainbeam handle i am making. I am also going to make a smaller knife out of a section of one of the points to go along with it. Then a double sheath to match. They are coming along great. Thanks for all the help and info.

 

[lonehunter]

You do know that you are reqired to post pictures when finished? :wink:

 

[ronnie_kennedy]

:wink: Will do lone hunter....right now i have the antlers ready to accept the knife blades. I have one blade for my knife and am looking for a smaller blade for the matching one. I am making a set for my buddy that introduced me to black powder shooting as a "thank you" gift. He has a couple knives that he would like done, one was his fathers. I'll post some pics as i go. :thumbsup:

 

[fatboy]

Yes please post pics like to see what have done