First Antler handle try

P

PCL

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May 25, 2012
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I had a reproduction youth knife without a handle and I figurd I'd try something new. I also used a brass screw as a rivet for the handle firguring the threads and epoxy would help holding it in. Anyone else try this? Not quite finished with it, lots of sharp bumps left to grind down. But all the handle work and rivet done with a dremel.

 
PCL said:
I had a reproduction youth knife without a handle and I figurd I'd try something new. I also used a brass screw as a rivet for the handle firguring the threads and epoxy would help holding it in. Anyone else try this? Not quite finished with it, lots of sharp bumps left to grind down. But all the handle work and rivet done with a dremel.
Click to expand...

I think You are not far away from a great looking antler handle, but You have some work left around the guard.

I think it's time to let the Dremel rest and use a set of fine grit keyfiles.
A roll of sanding paper will also be of great help, to create some nice radiouses around the guard.

Here's a close-up of the knife in my avatar, to illustrate what I mean.

imgp5195u.jpg




Regards
Mikael
 
Thanks for the reply, the guard is flat but I think I can get more with the sandpaper. I didn't have anything on hand for spacers so I just used some horse hide . You handle is beautiful did you remove all the bumps and divots?
 
Horsehide works fine as spacers!

I keep as much of the natural surface as possible.
If there's a sharp spot, that is uncomfortable for the hand, I usually sand it off.

It's fun to do antler handles and I will do more in the future.
Here's a pic that shows more of the handle.
I mainly use this knife when fishing and the antler sure made it personal.

imgp4965x.jpg



Regards
Mikael
 
Pic doesn't show but thanks for the try, mines a WIP. What about the polishing is that acrylic?
 
Don't know why the pic doesn't show, but here's another attempt.

IMGP4965.jpg


It's just the antler, no acrylic.
Most antlers gets a glossy surface after polishing.
For the polishing I use Knifemakers White Wax.

To enhance the color of the antler, I rub some linseed oil into the finished handle.
This gives more depth and waterprotection to the finish.
Some antlers become almost translucent and that's a very nice appearance!


Regards
Mikael
 
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