Cutting mountain sheep horn for scales

[John L]

Anyone have any knowledge on this? Do all cuts need to be heated and then flattened until cool? Sounds very creative to say the least I have a couple of horns and thought I might get some help before I ruin them all....which would be very easy!

 

[Erik Fritz]

Contact Bill Burke i think he has done this once or twice.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

I've done it many times.
I heat them in my kitchen oven up to about 225+ degrees for about 15 minutes.
Just make sure they are heated all the way through and don't forget you put them in there or they will be ruined.
Pull out and QUICKLY!!! flatten with whatever type of press apparatus you have that will hold them tight and flat until cool.
Just think about quenching a blade. You want to get them flat QUICKLY!!!! before they cool.
I'm lucky enough to have an old antique book press. Just look that up on Ebay when you have a minute.
It works better than anything I can imagine.
Keep your eye open for one at sales.

 

[Bill Burke]

before you do anything else cut off the last eight inches of the tips and send them to me. after that with a good bandsaw cut the wide flat curl from the top of the horn flatten this for scales like Karl said. Now split the remaining channel of horn into two halves and straighten it likewise. I recommend letting the slabs age for at least six months as they are going to move, sometimes alot and sometimes only a little. now grind them flat being carefull to not heat them up or they will move again.

 

[John L]

Thanks everyone. GOing to cut them today and use my aluminum HT plattens to flatten after heating. What are the tips used for....Fowler style handles?

 

[Bill Burke]

Thanks everyone. GOing to cut them today and use my aluminum HT plattens to flatten after heating. What are the tips used for....Fowler style handles?

Yep, In my opinion the hidden tang handle as in fowler style handles is the best way to use sheephorn for a handle. It warps and shrinks less this way and if used thoughtfully makes a very distinct and beautiful handle. All kidding aside I would be willing to buy the tips from you.

 

[John L]

Bill: What length do you want them or at what diameter do you want them cut? I have no use for them and will send them to you.

John Lloyd

 

[Bill Burke]

John, If I could get them about an inch and a quarte to an inch and a half at the wide end. I am happy to pay you or send steel or ? in trade.

 

[John L]

I'll try to get them cut tomorrow. I'll cut plenty off as I cannot use it. WHat cut is the second part to the typical Fowler knife? ALso email me with your address. What length would also be...... about?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Many years back, Ed Fowler put me in touch with a friend of his who flattens sheep horn. He told me he puts the slices in a pre-heated box of sand and places it back in the oven for 1/2 hour at 250. He takes them out and quickly presses between two boards in a vise. If it won't flatten, try 25 degrees higher.

I am not sure about aluminum press plates, as they may cool the sheep horn too fast. Wood works well. The trick is to get them clamped fast. The cool down should be slower.

 

[Bill Burke]

if by the second cut you meen the spacer just behind the guard it is made by using two pieces from the thick front side of the horn this is also the part that is goint to make the best scales for you so don't worry about that. I have quite a few spacers that I have cut and put btogether over the years and I don't want to see you ruin your best scales for my sake. I'll pm you my adress or you can pm me your pay pal and I send shipping fees.

I'll try to get them cut tomorrow. I'll cut plenty off as I cannot use it. WHat cut is the second part to the typical Fowler knife? ALso email me with your address. What length would also be...... about?