- Joined
- Dec 28, 2011
- Messages
- 1
Hello my fellow knife-junkies!
I HAVE read previous posts regarding the flattening of horn material for handles BUT I keep finding some "arguments" on the best way to do this.
I was told to soak the horn in hot water for 30 minutes then put between two pieces of heavy flat steel to dry.
BUt then see others stating that if done so this way, the horn will revert back to its original shape.
I see another suggestion to use "dry heat" no more than 250 degrees F, for about 30 minutes and the do the same pressing between 2 pieces of steel.
I REALLY don't want the horn to revert back to being rounded, nor do I want to stink up my entire house by putting this in the oven at 250 degrees.
CAN I use a heat gun on the horn to achieve the softenning and the put it between the steel to let it dry flat?
Does anyone have a better idea?
Would it really damage the horn to soak it in hot water? (I'm really scared to do this one.)
ANY HELP would be GREATLY appreciated!
P.S. -The horn I am using appears to be of the long-horn steer variety. Each horn is about 20 inches in total length and about 3-1/2" in diameter at the base. &The thickest part appears to be about 3/16" - 1/4" thick.
They are a beige color w/white striping throughout. Very smooth & shiny. I have no idea what the actual species this came from but long-horn steer of some sort is my best guess (not sure if that matters.)
Thanks very much, in advance for any & all input!
-GraffQueen
I HAVE read previous posts regarding the flattening of horn material for handles BUT I keep finding some "arguments" on the best way to do this.
I was told to soak the horn in hot water for 30 minutes then put between two pieces of heavy flat steel to dry.
BUt then see others stating that if done so this way, the horn will revert back to its original shape.
I see another suggestion to use "dry heat" no more than 250 degrees F, for about 30 minutes and the do the same pressing between 2 pieces of steel.
I REALLY don't want the horn to revert back to being rounded, nor do I want to stink up my entire house by putting this in the oven at 250 degrees.
CAN I use a heat gun on the horn to achieve the softenning and the put it between the steel to let it dry flat?
Does anyone have a better idea?
Would it really damage the horn to soak it in hot water? (I'm really scared to do this one.)
ANY HELP would be GREATLY appreciated!
P.S. -The horn I am using appears to be of the long-horn steer variety. Each horn is about 20 inches in total length and about 3-1/2" in diameter at the base. &The thickest part appears to be about 3/16" - 1/4" thick.
They are a beige color w/white striping throughout. Very smooth & shiny. I have no idea what the actual species this came from but long-horn steer of some sort is my best guess (not sure if that matters.)
Thanks very much, in advance for any & all input!
-GraffQueen