HORN for scales

[divewize]

good morning,

hope all had a nice weekend.

im planning another knife and had some questions on using horn for scales.

this will be a user that will work around the yard, go to camp and sit in the truck for those everyday CUTTING occasions.

im thinking of using water buffalo horn as Ive only worked in wood and wire in the past.

So for this knife and if I make others I have these questions please

1) is water buffalo horn sutable for a user (I would think so But?)

2) Ive seen plain black horn but am wondering if the pricer black with white or the dyed red are the way to go.

3) and when using horn is the preferd construction HIDDEN or Exposed pins? I notice on the web that many knifes made with horn scales (factory and custom)do not have exposed pins. are hidden pins the prefered method with horn or is it just personal pref. I have some homemade mosaic pin left from my last project and was thinking of using it?? but hidden pins would be fine if thats what it takes.

many thanks , !!

 

[fitzo]

Horn shrinks and swells a lot. If you want it on a user, I'd tend to recommend only using stabilized horn, and then I'd still think twice about it. I love the way it finishes, but it's not real stable, IMO.

 

[Dan Gray]

I'd soak it very so often in mineral oil or stabilize it.
In my banner below is some select buffalo horn.
it will delaminate if you keep it in water unprotected..
I used hidden pins in that one, but you can use either.
I like the stuff...