Axis Antler question

[panch0]

I was given a fresh rack off a buck killed in November 2010, and have had these hanging up under a roof outside since then. How long does it usually take for these to dry out and be fit for knife handles? Thanks!

They are about 7/8" to 1" in diameter

 

[godogs57]

I generally give my antlers a year or so before I start thinking about using them. I also rough cut them to their approximate size and shape beforehand so it will accelerate the drying process.....also any warps, twists, etc can be dealt with after drydown and there won't be any surprises.

 

[panch0]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[A C Richards]

I did the same on a set of elk antlers I had. Let them dry almost 2 years, not that they needed it but that is how long it took for me to get to them again. A year is about right in a dry place.

 

[tryppyr]

Another thought... you can stabilize antler, if that's of any interest to you. I had it done and I liked the results. It does change the color, but I think most folks prefer their antler to have a more golden color, so it probably isn't a bad thing.