elk antler

[rotor]

i found an eklk antler at a local antique shop for 35.00

its a large antler at the base of the crown it is 3"in dia.I cut 4 cylinders 5-6" long and 1 1/2" in dia. and all the tines are big enough for a standard good size knife the only problem

is the crown two of the tines were rite a the base of the crown i cut these off with my scroll saw and carve and sanded it down but the place were the two tines hit in to the marrow which the color is a mottled gray color but is hardand slightly till you get a 1/2" in. the center 1/2" is very pourous but very hard. my question:confused? is there away of covering this up or should stain it and then stabilize it.or should i leave it alone and let it add to the character of the handle your help will be greatly appreciated. thanks ahead of time. Russ


[This message has been edited by rotor (edited 10-30-2000).]

 

[Running Dog]

It's very common to have that little spur to remove...I would just polish it and go with it...You might scrim your name or logo there...

Running Dog

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[Yvsa]

:
What I have done in those place where the tine comes off is to mount a nice piece of turquoise,coral or other nice stone that will fit into the porous area. You can also carve a nice piece of hardwood to fit and epoxy it in as well. Both ways work to make something ugly into something beautiful.


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[L6steel]

I always sanded it down nice and smooth where I couldn't feel it when holding it like it would be held after on a blade. Sand it thru 320 and soak the marrow with super glue. Then resand and after the knife is together, buff it up. Shines up real nice.

 

[NickWheeler]

This is the biggest reason many makers will shy away from elk antler.

It's beautiful, but that core can glare you in the face like a bashed in front panel on a brand-new car.

I agree with L6 on the procedure to remedy it

Best of luck to you,
Nick

 

[AchimW]

I use the same method as L6steel, but i've seen a couple knives from Bill Bagwell (co-founder of the ABS) who used to cover this area with a pinned-on piece of brass sheet.

Achim