Help with Antler.

[Doug C]

Bought blade to use in Whitetail antler,tang of blade will extend into antler approx.1 3/4". Drill,Dremel at lower speeds then file to fit? Any suggestions appreciated.Thanks.

 

[Kim Breed]

Better stick a little more tang in the handle. if short tang you should pin it for extra holding power.

 

[Doug C]

Thanks Kim.Was thinking of takedown type,hole already drilled in tang.

 

[Rick Lowe]

I sure agree with KIm, the strength will be a lot better if the tang runs deeper into the antler. Usually at least 3" and more if possible. Drill the antler same size as the tang. If it's tight, you can heat the tang and let it burn to fit in the antler. Of course, be careful not to change the blade temper. I drill a small, 1/16", hole on the bottom side of the handle, right where the tang is going to bottom out so the epoxy will totally fill the hole around the tang. When the epoxy starts to seep out the little hole, cover with a piece of plastic and duct tape. When it's set up, you can drill out a little bit of the 1/16" hole, sand some antler and put the dust in the hole and add super glue. This will usually make the weep hole almost disappear. Last thing is a pin through the antler and tang.

 

[Doug C]

Thanks Rick.Will do the 1/16" drill hole where tang bottoms out and fill in with antler powder and superglue. Thank you both,much appreciated! First antler horn handle,can I just use an oval guard and maybe a spacer as I probably shouldn't attempt a tricky bolster.

 

[Rick Lowe]

You can use most any type slotted guard, then spacers and the antler. I've just finished a couple using first leather then water buffalo, then the antler. Just be careful to watch how the angle of the antler fits up to the spacers and guard. Also, watch to keep the blade aligned with the antler. Sounds really hard, but mostly just go slow and check everything.

 

[Doug C]

Two beautiful knives,Rick. Thanks again for the advice and posting the pics. This place is great! :thumbup: