Horn Shrinkage

[knife_nut73]

One of my khuks seems to have some horn shrinkage where the horn as swelled up and there's a very very small space between tang and horn. I'm not really sure what to do about it. Do I need to give it more oil as all I did was give it a wipe down? Is this common with horn handled khuks? I assume I shouldn't use it till the horn goes back into place as it could break off, right?

 

[Steely_Gunz]

That's a pretty common occurrence with natural material, especially horn. If you want to try rehydrating it, I would try something with lanolin in it. The horn will soak it up, and might go back to snug. There is a product found at most feed stores called Hoof Flex. It's basically hand cream for horse feet It should plump the horn back up.

If you don't feel like going that route, I would fill it with a good 2 ton epoxy (found at most every hardware store). If you want to be really artsy/savvy, try mixing the epoxy with a little charcoal dust to mask the fix.

It's not a big deal, probably Good luck!

 

[Fiddleback]

Jake is right on. Horn is a natural material and will move with changes in temp and humidity.

I use mineral oil baths periodically to keep it from moving much. Fill a stadium cup with mineral oil. Submerge handle in it. Allow 24 - 48 hours to soak. Drain for 24 - 48 hours. Wipe clean.

 

[seaice]

If you want to be really artsy/savvy, try mixing the epoxy with a little charcoal dust to mask the fix.

Epoxy can also be made to match up to what's being glued/filled by thoroughly mixing in a little of the pigmentation powder that is used for the coloration of resin mouldings (stuff you'd find in a model-making store).