Cost of antlers

scott kozub

scott kozub

Joined
Jan 1, 2018
Messages
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I was approached by someone who saw my knives and said he has a bunch of antler pieces he'd be willing to sell. I don't know how much yet. I've never worked with antler but would like to give it a try.

Any idea what you guys would pay?

Nice non burl wood only costs a few bucks for a handle. It's not till you get into the processed stuff like dye stabilized wood that gets expensive. I could always barter for a knife but that's quite a bit of money at retail price.
 
In Canada here, it is illegal to sell animal parts, unless you have a government permit.
If no permit, anlers can only be given away. Not sure of the laws where you are.
 
I did not know that. Good to know.

Would that include selling a knife with an antler or bone handle?
 
it depends on what it looks like. the most desirable stuff is a caramel or brown color. if its sun bleached white stuff, like sheds you find in the woods, its not as desirable.
 
Scott, your profile isn't filled out any so don't know what state you're in and laws do vary greatly from state to state. You mention antlers, what type can make a difference also. Here in Alabama it's illegal to use whitetail deer antlers for knife handles if you're selling the knives.
 
In Washington and Idaho elk antlers go from $5 to $8 a pound from what I've seen the buyers offer. Bigger brings higher $ per pound.
 
Yep $10 or less a pound. If I’m paying $10 I only take the premier stuff.
 
I got three Rubbermaid totes full for in exchange for a skinner.
 
Thanks Ken. Profile updated.

Thanks for all the info guys
Ken H> said:
Scott, your profile isn't filled out any so don't know what state you're in and laws do vary greatly from state to state. You mention antlers, what type can make a difference also. Here in Alabama it's illegal to use whitetail deer antlers for knife handles if you're selling the knives.
Click to expand...
 
Ahh, Canada - I have no idea what Canada's laws are, but seems like I've heard it's either legal or REALLY not legal. Better check {g} Thanks for filling out profile - I LOVE to click on those to see what part of the world folks are in. Sometimes it can change a response we might give to questions.
 
Bleached antlers are easily dyed with potassium permanganate or leather dye.
Whitetail antlers usually are not particularly desirable for handles.
 
I don’t mind sunbleached as long as they are not cracked. I definitely trade for them. Here in Cali we must use sheds, nothing off a harvested animal. Elk works very well for me I use a lot of it. This is a 4'x8' table, all elk sheds:

RscOl4k.jpg


Traded two kitchen knives for this pile.
 
here in Montana little bit ago I went into Petco and they have elk antlers for dog chews. They had one that was pretty nice about 8in long, pretty thick, nice brown color for $30 I think.
 
I ended making a deal where I'll make the customer an ulu with an antler handle and I'll get the lot of 30 pounds or so of antler. I'm sure more than i need for quite a while. I just need the boarder to open again so I can get my steel order and belts.
 
Im just surprised deer antler use is regulated in any state (except CA i guess, nothing from there surprises me)
 
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