Finishing Antler Handles

[senalarry]

I work with varsity scouts, and as part of a Mountain Man activity we are making knives. I'm a 1st time knife maker and am looking for finishing techniques for deer and elk antlers. Any ideas would be helpful.

 

[TJ Smith]

A finish I like is super glue.
After the antler is fastened to the knife I clean it with achocol. Just rub it down good. If you have a guard tape it. If you have a butt cap tape it.
Take a powder free vinyl glove and cut 1 finger off the glove at the palm. Put a few (2-3) drops of super glue on the antler. Use thin super glue. Rub the glue around with the finger that has the vinyl glove on it. Spread it thinly so as not to show lines. 3-4 coats, drying between each one, should leave a shiney finish. To dull it a little use a white scotch brite pad. It can be waxed with a good paste wax.
Work with it. It's easy.
Take Care
TJ

 

[Raymond Richard]

I work with varsity scouts, and as part of a Mountain Man activity we are making knives. I'm a 1st time knife maker and am looking for finishing techniques for deer and elk antlers. Any ideas would be helpful.

Linseed oil and Watco Teak finish. Put it on good and wet and let it soak in about a half hour and then wipe it off. Put it somewhere where it is warm to speed up the drying process. After it drys real good go over it with 00000 steel wool and then put a coat of paste wax on it.

 

[B Finnigan]

I use a 50/50 mixture of tung oil and mineral spirits. It will not leave a glossy finsish but still seal it against moisture and anything that would stain it.

 

[Steve Hayden]

I sand the high points and buff with white rouge (use a clean wheel) and then add a couple of thin coats of teak oil-finish off with Carnuba wax.

Depending on the age, I may use a little brown leather dye to start off with, or to color the whole thing if it seems right.

 

[LRB]

For what you are doing, I see no reason to apply a finish. I would buff polish it, and let it go at that. I have the first knife I ever made, and it has an India stag handle. I have never used a finish on stag. In 36 years, the only change in the grip is a pleasant yellowing in the color.