Finishing an Antler Handle

[gunovice]

I'm making my first antler handle. It is hidden tang (of course) and has a micarta "bolster". My main concern is how I finish the antler. Except for where it meets the bolster, I will leave it mostly unmodified. How much should I sand the antler? Should I finish it with sealant? How about polish?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Jim

 

[Patrickknives]

All antlers are different, look through the forum and decide how much rough (outer dark color) you want left. There will be some buldges and rough parts that you have no choice. If you want to clean it up a bit use a dremmel with a wire wheel. This will knock off the rough stuff and leave some smoother dark places.

When you get to the places that you sand down to white, sand with really fine 6--0800 grit and it will give the overall handle a polished look. I finish with teak oil but about any oil will help protect.

On this handle I left alot of the bumps and so there is not alot of white showing, I could have sanded a little more and had a different look.

 

[Mace]

Soak the handle and a rag down with baby oil. Rub it in good, then wrap the handle with the soaked rag and let it sit over night. Works wonders.:thumbup:
Mace