Deer antler handle

[Sharpe5097]

First antler handle. How am i supposed to make each side even without ruining the look of the antler. Should i start over

 

[Sharpe5097]

 

[Sharpe5097]

 

[Sharpe5097]

 

[Sharpe5097]

I used ferric chloride for blade etching

 

[Busto]

You want to taper the front of the scale make them a more uniform thickness without the straight 90 degree just a slight radius. You should check the Photos in the Custom and Handmade Gallery for some ideas...just start a page 64 and go back the other direction there are some wonderful works of ART!!!! Plenty of ideas

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/photos-sharpbycoop-•-gallery-of-handmade-knives.612884/page-64

 

[Willie71]

It takes a pretty good selection of antler to find pieces that are about the right size for your knife. I have three large boxes I rummage through any time I need antler.

 

[Willie71]

These pieces came off of a 2” diameter crown.

IMG_1051 by Wjkrywko, on Flickr

IMG_1063 by Wjkrywko, on Flickr

You will have to sand some of the texture off except in rare cases to get an ergonomic handle.

I find hidden tangs easier with antler than scales.

FullSizeRender by Wjkrywko, on Flickr

I hate crowns, but I do get requests sometimes:

IMG_2205 by Wjkrywko, on Flickr

 

[Randy3000]

Normally when working with antler scales, i split a piece and then use it to trace out the outline for the tang. I grind the tang close to the line. After the scales are on I'll grind just enough to make it flush. Antler that isn't perfectly oval or round is difficult. If it has flat spots perpendicular to the flat side of the scale, it's going to look uneven. Some people use potassium pomegranate to restain and careful file work or dremel work to jig it where it looks even. I've never done that. For me, it is what it is, and that's what you get with antler.

Hidden tangs are the way to go if your piece is straight enough.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Potassium PERMANGANATE.
Pomegranate is a fruit.

 

[Randy3000]

Potassium PERMANGANATE.
Pomegranate is a fruit.

Dang auto correct

 

[Sharpe5097]

Thank you

 

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

Look up straightening antler. Boil it and clamp it straight. I have done it that way, works for me.

 

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

Dang auto correct

Yep, auto correct. Double edged sword, cant type anything with or without it

 

[Geoff Flato]

One thing to keep in mind with stag is that as much shaping as possible should be done from the back side of the scales. The scales should be at the final size and thickness before you ever touch the visable surface. All you should be doing on the bark side is rounding off corners and removing any major lumps

 

[Randy3000]

Look up straightening antler. Boil it and clamp it straight. I have done it that way, works for me.

I have had lots of success straighting antler tips. I made a set of small leather working tools using antler tips off a 6 pointer that were very curved. I had had zero success straighting crown base pieces. Doesn't mean it can't be done, but it is noticeably harder.

 

[BearPawBlacksmithing]

I have had lots of success straighting antler tips. I made a set of small leather working tools using antler tips off a 6 pointer that were very curved. I had had zero success straighting crown base pieces. Doesn't mean it can't be done, but it is noticeably harder.

Yes, I have had to boil them quite a bit longer than the tips and clamp them down a bit more.