Antler shrinking from guard

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Loosearrow

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Apr 14, 2008
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I have an older fixed blade knife with a stag handle. There is now a space about the thickness of a sheet of typing paper between the guard and the antler. Is there something to fill the gap with? No way to tighten it up to the guard. I thought with use the handle might beging to spin around and that would be worse. Regards, Loosearrow
 
Mix some sanding dust with clear epoxy and let it seep into the crack.
While it may not match the antler color dead-nuts, it's better than an open crack.(?)
 
This must be due to water loss just like happens with dead wood. I wonder if you tried soaking in water if the handle wouldn't slowly expand. If you could then somehow seal it in might not shrink again during times of low humidity. I also wonder if there is some kind of stabilizer like is used on wood that might soak in and expand a little and then harden. I know the sanding shaving and epoxy will work I'm just trying to think of other options. Hopefullly some of the knifemaking experts here will know if this sort of thing would work.
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of natural handle materials. This is normal, and I suppose the best way to look at it is that it adds "character" to the knife.

There's not a whole lot you can do to remedy the problem you already have. If it's a valuable knife, a dentist can fill the crack with dental amalgum (just like he would do for a cracked tooth), but this can get pricey.

As far as preventative measures go, mineral oil will reduce the chances of cracking, but will discolor and soften the stag. Renaissance wax works pretty well too, but only if the knife isn't going to be handled on a regular basis - it wears off pretty easily.

Otherwise, just enjoy your knife and relax. Like I said, this is normal and not really anything to get too worked up about.
 
You can rehydrate by keeping the knife in a humid environment--I was reading a thread about it this morning. Stick a glass of water in a box and stick your knife in the box (don't get your knife wet)! The handle will expand as it absorbs water. Then you can wax the handle with neutral shoe polish to keep in the moisture and you're good to go.
 
Thanks guys for the into. Much appreciated. If I was to rehydrate the handle, I could possibly rust the carbon blade. Suppose I could grease it good. Regards, Loosearrow
 
Yup, you could use mineral oil or gun oil on the blade. Mr DeShivs above is staunchly against using mineral oil on natural handles, and admittedly, I now completely agree. Hopefully my stag-handled balisong will lighten as the oil evaporates!
 
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