Cow bone handles

J

Jefflynn

Joined
Feb 19, 2017
Messages
52
I have alot of cows bones. After sanding it looks like ivory. Whitetail and elk horn, have worked well. But i sanded some cow bone. Ribs and spine bones. Spine bones, up near neck are perfectly straight and good width. Has anyone tried cow bone slabs?
 
Many years ago and still used by many makers.It can be dyed with leather and cloth dyes if you wish. The bottom leg bone is the most dense and seems to be the best out of any animal.
Frank
 
Thanks Frank. I will try that leg bone. Wanted to keep it ivory looking. But if I like the way they turn out, I will dye some also. I ranch cattle and have a good supply. But that is not reason enough. I will test some soon.
 
I used them a lot in the past. Then I had three come back because the bone was splitting around the pins. I haven't used them much since that. They do look nice when polished.
 
Bone is no different than a lot of material in that riveting will cause them to crack. Corby's are a good way to go.
Frank
 
Used it today. Basically put cow bone in place of bolster. Red Linen Micarta butted to it for handle on a D2 skinner. I use lots of deer and elk. Also texas mesquite. All have to cure just right. Cow bone can be to fresh or to dry. I sure hope mine was right, because it looks like ivory. Micarta only material I use that def. Wont Crack. I see alot of eye candy knives, that I don't think will hold up under heavy use. Good idea on the corbies....
 
The cow bone was very hard. I went through lots of paper. I think another key is to get a thick slabs. And opossed to horn, bone is void due to marrow.
 
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