Ebony or water buffalo horn?

C-Camerer

C-Camerer

Joined
Nov 1, 2000
Messages
806
I'm getting ready to handle a large spearpoint bowie with a coffin style handle. I am wanting a black handle with nickel silver pins. I have both Ebony and water buffalo horn available and was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the two materials?

Craig
 
Water buffalo grinds, sand, and polishes very easy but smells like he**. Takes a glass like finish.

Ebony is hard and in my experience, likes to gum up my belts. I rough it out with fresh 36 grit belts and finish the shape with wood rasps and sandpaper. I like it but I kinda feel that it is is alot of work for a plain black handle, unless you get rewarded by a lighter brown streak.
 
Horn is very soft and tends to shrink away from the guard and tang. Ebony is a much better handle material; it's hard, fairly dense, and looks good with a hand rubbed or polished finish.
 
Hey Camerer

I like ebony just because horn being soft.
Although you may try soaking the horn in
min-wax wood hardener cut with acetone
for a day or so--- Then let it dry for 2-3
days. Will it work I don`t know ?????:confused:
 
Mr. McLurkin's advice is sound indeed. Listen to him. Water buffalo will tend to shrink away. It will tend to "move" with a change in humidity.


C Wilkins
 
Both look great,Stabilize your Buffalo horn and you wont have anymore problems with iy shrinking.But if you are looking for a authentic satin look go with the ebony .I also suggest having the ebony stabilized also.
You can't go wrong with either one for the handle it will just depend on the look you are after.
Bruce
 
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