Bleached Elk Horn

David Gladden · Mar 4, 2001

I have a sun bleached elk horn that I would like to make a handle out of. It has some cracks and some crazing. Is there anyway or to restore it? Or should I just hang it on the barn?

Thanks, Dave Gladden

Bruce Bump · Mar 4, 2001

Use it with the cracks. On some knives the handles look good with cracks. Ivory costs more with the proper cracks showing. Bruce

R Dockrell · Mar 4, 2001

One of the more popular questions on this forum has been how to dye or restore old antlers. Easy solution find a local taxidermist that specilizes in mounting shed antlers. I have a taxidermist about 1/2 mile from me and I just drop of old antler sections for dying at his convenience when ever he is doing his next project. Every so often I just leave a box of fizzy pops at his place in payment.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html

WinDancer · Mar 4, 2001

I have some antler that I am going to send in for stabalizing. You might consider that before completeing a knife with it.

Dave Evans
Tenino, WA

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TJ Smith · Mar 4, 2001

You could use a few coats of super glue to seal up some of the cracks. If you really don't want the old bleached out piece send me a picture. I have some that has some brown on it yet.Maybe we can trade
Take Care
TJ Smith

[This message has been edited by TJ Smith (edited 03-04-2001).]

Bruce Evans · Mar 4, 2001

Heck ...... A little liquid shoe dye and some super glue will fix you right up....It gives the handle that old look or can dress up that fancy piece....I have used allot of antler like this over the years with great results....
Bruce

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Bruce Evans Handcrafted Knives
The soul of the Knife begins in the Fire!!!!!
Member of,AKTI#A000223 and The American Bladesmith Society

Possum · Mar 4, 2001

Howdy There...!
Have used alot of bleached elk antler and love using it. Have used pieces that where white they were so old. Just make sure that the pieces that you want to use a strong enough for the handles. I take them down to the slab thickness I need and then fill them with superglue. If you want them to look older don't put anything on them and when you shape and finish them by buufing the compound will get in the crack and age the slabs. Good Luck...!
"Possum"

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Thomas Clegg

Ken M · Mar 5, 2001

David
That can be the prettiest handle you've ever made.Dye it with feibings russet, let it dry,then fill the whole surface with super glue to fill the cracks. The more uniform the cracks , the better it looks. Now sand the whole surface to at least 400 (600 is even better) leave as many of the filled cracks showing as you possibly can,and buff. The result will be very similar to old ivory. try this on a piece to see the results , you'll like it

David Gladden · Mar 5, 2001

Gentlmen
Thank you all for your help. I'll take all advice into consideration and give it a try.
I can always count on the people at this forum to help me solve my dilemas.

Thanks again, Dave Gladden