How To Could bone be used as a bolster material, and would it effect weather I can peen the tang or not?

[Leonpetrou]

I've never made a knife before and I'm putting together a puukko with a stacked birch bark handle, and I'd like to use bone for the bolsters on either side. My question really is, when I'm peening the end of the tang, does it matter that the bolster is not made of metal? Would it shatter because its bone?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I have tried to find am answer before posting on here but I had no luck.
Thanks

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Bone and ivory are common guard/bolster/butt cap materials for a puukko. If the tang is properly annealed, and you use a washer on the butt cap, peening is not a problem.

 

[Leonpetrou]

Awesome news, thanks I'm new to this stuff so your help is appreciated

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The standard material for puukko is reindeer antler.