Boar Tusk Handle Problem

[Bruce in Eastern CO]

Good evening all,
I want to use a boar tusk as a handle for a (black powder shooting) patch knife, but there is a problem.
The tusk is 4-6 inches, and its hollow most of the length.
I wish to fill it to add strength.
Is there a product (and applicator) that will allow me to fill the entire cavity with an ivory colored epoxy (or something similar) that I can carry all the way to the open end where I will also use it under a bolster to fix the blade in place? If so, what is a source for the material?
Thank you for your assistance.
Bruce

 

[peter nap]

Hello Bruce. I use a lot of sheep and cow horn for both knives and cane handles and have the same problem with the hollows.
I use West System epoxy and color it using white powdered chalk and adjust the color with paint tint. Do small amounts at a time and kep track of your formula. When the dried color is right, mix enough for the whole job. If you don't want to fool with mixing, white Marine Tex will come close.

 

[TimWieneke]

Bruce,
Since this is a blackpowder patch knife, why not stay traditional? You could fill the hollow with melted lead-free pewter. Just file some ridged into the tang of your blade and then bell out the tooth a bit at the bottom of the hollow. Put the tang in place, heat your pewter, then pour it in. You'd be surprised how well it holds. Foil HVAC tape makes a nice mold for pewter if you want to made a little bit of an integral bolster with your pewter. Just make sure you pour everything at once and evenly as possible.

Tim

 

[J. Neilson]

I normally use Devcon 2-ton or Pop's 15 min. epoxy and color them I use white Testers paint. I just mix a small amount at a time to "match" it up to the tusk. I fill the tusk with the epoxy when assembling the knife.

 

[Bruce in Eastern CO]

Thank you.
This is the information that I needed, and you've given me options to explore.
BTW, the thumb skinner is beautiful! Thanks for the picture.
Bruce