Hidden tang and guard idea

[brokenspearpoint]

Really struggling with this idea, so I wanted to get some input from the experts out there. I am working on a hidden tang knife, approx. 8 1/2" long and wanted to use a slice of Axis deer antler for the guard. However, I am really having a lot of problems "milling" the slot in the antler (with my limited tools), so that it mates up perfectly with the blade. I've not given up yet, ... but my question is this, is it somewhat odd for a hidden tang knife NOT to have a guard? Will the handle shape alone be enough protection against hand slippage? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Stag & Steel]

Using antler for a hidden tang knife, I think it should have a guard. I have made them without a seperate guard by using the brow tine for an intregal guard or a odd point off a main beam could work as well. It is hard to make a clean hole in the piffy center part of an antler that would mate up nicely.

 

[Sean Cochran]

Im trying to do the same thing right now. I have a customer who has requested it.
I tried it once before just to see if it would work and I could never get the fit and finish right, partly because I could not "mill" the hole perfectly square.

Im thinking about using a tip and grinding a flat on the front side (the side abutting to the guard shoulders) and somehow with pins or other means attaching a piece of nickel to it. This would give a flat, square face to join to the shoulders and well as hide any imperfections in the hole the where the tang passes through the antler. The nickel could be shaped before putting it on the antler, maybe a nice oval.

Let me know what you think.

Sean