antler coating

[beyondmyken]

I am making a hidden tang knife with a large deer antler shed. I have read about using super glue as a finish but some custom bowmakers use epoxy diluted with acetone and brush this on their bows. Has anyone tried this with a knife handle? Thanks for your time.

 

[TJ Smith]

I don't think super glue would be to good. Sooner or later you are going to have to sand out some imperfections. I Have tried the acetone and epoxy on wood handles. You have to have it very thin with no runs. some heat helps to.
On my horn handles I just use minwax paste wax finish and then run a bristle brush over it to get a little shine. I have a 3 inch jewelers wheel with medium stiff bristles.
Here's one with deer horn and purple heart.

Take Care
TJ Smith

 

[Bruce Evans]

Look in the archives under "stabilizing" or "antlers"
There are allot of threads that will give you allot of great ideas her from how to stain or dye th antlers to stabilizing them and finishing them.
Bruce

 

[TJ Smith]

Got to thinking about the super glue on horn last night. I had a handle about ready to bond on the stick tang of a blade. This is a piece of Elk horn. went out and put super glue on with an acid brush.
It came out pretty good looking with no runs or sanding to do just tone down the shine a little wax it and done.I used loctite super glue as it doesn't dry to fast. Will post a pic when done .
Thanks for the tip.
Take Care
TJ Smith