Recommendation? Bone for handle.

[Ian Fifelski]

I found this bone in my woods awhile back and bleached it. It looks perfect for a large knife handle and it feels nice in the hand.

I am wondering what I should do to use it? Do I leave it as it is and just drill a hole for a tang and glue her on? Is there any prep or coloring or anything you would suggest? It is hollow (not an antler) should I pour something in as a filler?

I still don't have imgur so here is a link to my site page : http://www.barefootblades.com/Bladeforums-example.html

Thanks all
Ian

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Deer leg bones make cool handles. They look really good when dyed with a tan or light brown dye like Fiebing's.

Clean out any loose pith and fill the whole cavity with epoxy when attaching the blade.

You may need/want to seal the bone with thin CA. Obviously, do this after any shaping and dying.
Apply a liberal coat and let it set up. Put on rubber gloves and rub in the CA. Wipe off excess and let sit for five minutes. Take a paper towel and dampen with acetone, debonder, or fingernail polish remover. Work the surface well and wipe off excess again. Let dry several hours and repeat as many times as needed to get the surface you want. Final clean-up can be with 0000 steel wool or a fine scotch-brite pad.