how to work with antlers?

[coty]

Hey y'all,

I've never worked with antlers for handle material before, and I want to know how to finish it. Does it require anything more than just slapping it on some steel for a handle? I don't want it to bleach or fade, or worst of all, to rot off. It occured to me to ask a taxidermist, but I don't know any. By the way, I found a source for whitetail, muledeer, elk, and moose (maybe?) online at http://www.hideandfur.com.

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Stay sharp,

coty

 

[NickWheeler]

coty-

First of all, welcome to the forums

Now to your question...

It never hurts to have it stabilized. You can send it in to Wood Stabilizing Specialists Int. for that

http://www.stabilizedwood.com/index2.shtml

Mike will do you right.

The biggest thing on antler is getting material that doesn't have a really large diameter core...meaning that you want to have a thick enamel. The bigger the core, the more "spongey" material you will have to try to avoid.

If you can get the eye-guards...they usually have no core, or very little.

If you do use a piece with a lot of spongey core, then you will have to seal it with something like super-glue.

I have seen and made some knives with elk and deer antler that would easily compete with imported stag for looks and density.

I have never ordered from hide and fur, but I know there are some guys on here that have.

By the way, where exactly is the base?

Good luck,
Nick

Good luck

Nick

 

[coty]

Nick,

thanks for all the advice. I'll put it to good use. The base is in Spokane, about 10 miles down Hwy 2 off I-90. Where's Winlock?

 

[NickWheeler]

coty-

I forgot to mention, it's best to use antler that has been sitting for some time. If it's freshly shed, or killed, it has some curing time in need.

After it's been off the animal for awhile...then it can be stabilized and you will have little to worry about in the way of shrinking or warpage.

Winlock is a tiny town right in-between Seattle and Portland on the I-5 corridor. If you ever get to this side of the mountains, the shop is open.

Nick

 

[coty]

thanks Nick, I'll keep that in mind. I'd love the chance to poke around somebody else's place, see how you do this and that. Don't be suprised to hear from me if I get the oportunity.

--coty