Cutting Sambar Stag Slabs

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Perrin

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May 12, 2013
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I had been shopping around for some Sambar Stag scales when I happened upon USA Knifemaker's bulk stag lots. After looking at them for a time I bought a couple of lots of the tines.

Here is one of the lots that I bought.

sambar--t-41.jpg


I plan to use them on full tang style knives so I'm gonna want to cut scales out of these. I will do it in my dad's shop where I have access to a band saw and a 12" disc sander. I know to try and get three scales off a section and to use a sled with an indention in it while cutting. Any other tips or suggestions? For those with experience with Sambar Stag, does this look like good material?
 
I read a post on Knife dogs about Cutting sambar and its dangerous to digits to say the least.

They really make three length ways cuts and then match them up in pairs. This man has some jigs he made to asset him but wouldn't show anyone pictures of them.

Be careful and good luck.
 
You guys have lost me - how do you get 3 lengthwise cuts and then match them up in 2 pieces?

Tim
 
tim37a said:
You guys have lost me - how do you get 3 lengthwise cuts and then match them up in 2 pieces?

Tim
Click to expand...
Slice it through vertically into three pieces via two cuts, remove the middle... Then the sides are a matching arc that can be fit onto the tang, or rather vice versa. You want to get rid of the pith, and have as much flat surface as possible. The only way to do so is to cut the sides off. That gives you matching 'sides.'

I have only used pre-cut scales, but I'd build an L-shaped jig, then run it against a rip fence like a meat slicer... Flat end of the horn against the leg of the L if that makes sense.

But alas I hate horn. Stinks like heck and is a butt to work with. Looks terrific when done, but a pain of a process.... Last repair I had that needed it I handed off to someone else.

Cheers. Good looking lot it appears...
-Eric
 
Yes, the material definitely looks to be very good. What I have done is to cut a narrow "V" in a block, cut of that narrow end and jam the rest in the "V" after marking some guide lines when you will make the two cuts. I cut clos too but not through to the end on the first cut and then do the same on the second. You can the cut the small end off and sand these to suit. I've done a lot of mammoth ivory pieces this way as well as horn.
Frank
 
Thanks, Eric. That was kinda what I thought. Stag looks nice, but I think I'll stick with wood and micarta, with a little G10 thrown in for color.

Tim
 
No glue. What I do is cut the "V" notch so that the piece of material to be sliced will jam in there. I start narrow and increase in width. Use 3/4" or more plywood then it won't crack up .As well each piece of material to be cut must have a custom made holder. Remember that the cuts cannot go all the way through or you can't make the second cut. It may sound like a crude system to do, but it does work very well especially since the cuts do not have to be precsion made but just close.
Frank
 
I bought some of the same stag. I cut mine on my scroll saw starting with the fat end first with the antler curve on the table. Use a push block when you reach the point. Mine turned out great.
 
Thanks for the advise. Each lot looks like it has a practice tine or two. After the scales are cut and the bottoms sanded flat, does anything else need to be done prior to fitting them to a knife?
 
Not that I've had to do but if there is a lot of open pith then I would suggest filling it with an epoxy.
Frank
 
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