Caring for horn handles

[altin]

I have a number of traditional folders with polished handles made of horn (probably cattle). Living in the desert I worry some about them drying out and cracking. I was wondering if there are recomended ways of keeping horn from deteriorating due to drying.

 

[UffDa]

I had a shrinkage problem when I moved from the left coast to Aridzona. I have been useing camellia oil on wood , horn and antler. It seems to have solved the problem and it doesn't get rancid.

You can get pure camellia oil from some of the woodworking supply companies like Highland.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

I advise using a coat of paste wax occasionally.
Camellia oil is flower-scented mineral oil. Unscented can be bought at any drug store as can powder-scented (Johnson's Baby Oil.) I'm not sure oil is a good long-term solution. Horn is basically laminated hair, and oil could theoretically cause delamination, rather than prevent it.
Bill

 

[acourvil]

I think he's refering to real camellia oil, from the cameillia (sometimes called sword oil). I guess you could call that form of vegatable oil, but it's not mineral oil. It's also used as a hair and skin care product.

 

[UffDa]

I think he's refering to real camellia oil, from the cameillia (sometimes called sword oil). I guess you could call that form of vegatable oil, but it's not mineral oil. It's also used as a hair and skin care product.

Yes, real camellia oil has no scent. There are lots of things you can use. Baby oil would probably work. I bet hand lotion would work. I'm was just telling you what works for me.