Antler care

[Legendary_Jarl]

Hello there. I have these antique German knives. The top one could be as old as WW1 and the one in the bottom from the 50's. What do I need to do to properly care for the antler used for the handles of these knives?

I'd appreciate any tips.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

A coat of paste wax or neutral paste shoe polish, buffed, is all you need on the handles. Do not use oil.

 

[Trubetzkoy]

I've seen lots of people recommend mineral oil, especially if the antler seems to be rather dry and prone to cracking. Though I'm not an expert, I've used this method on several antique/vintage knives and I can at least say it hasn't done any damage:

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Mineral oil soaks into bone and softens it. Never use it on bone.

 

[Sibyrnes]

Hello there. I have these antique German knives. The top one could be as old as WW1 and the one in the bottom from the 50's. What do I need to do to properly care for the antler used for the handles of these knives?

I'd appreciate any tips.

Those are some beautiful knives. With the top one being over a hundred years old in that condition it looks like antler doesn’t need much special care

 

[Trubetzkoy]

Mineral oil soaks into bone and softens it. Never use it on bone.

Wouldn't that be exactly what you'd want if trying to prevent further shrinking and cracking in an antique (if that happens to be the condition of the piece, of course)?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

No. It's not going to swell back up. It will just discolor and get softer.

 

[Trubetzkoy]

No. It's not going to swell back up. It will just discolor and get softer.

Thanks!