Ibex horn used for handle material

[phil4422]

I was just asked to make a drop point knife and use Ibex horn for the handle. I have never used horn before, I have only used wood and antler for handle material.

I am looking any advice or input on the use of Ibex horn.

Thanks for your help.
Phil

 

[Fred.Rowe]

I made this piece last year. This is kudu horn I believe. It shaped and sanded easily.
Most horn has such a distinct look, it takes a correspondingly bold blade.

Do you have a pic of the horn you can post?

Fred

 

[ddavelarsen]

Beautiful knife Fred!

 

[deker]

I did this one a while back with Gemsbok horn.

As you can see in this picture, it's got a screwed on buttcap:

This is your standard stick tang for the most part. In order to attach the buttcap, I took a method from J. Neilson and put it into practice. Take a 1/4-20 bolt (one long enough to have a section of the shank non threaded) and cut the head off. The grind an offset into the tang and the bolt to allow for them to mate together. Drill holes in each and lightly peen a pin so that the bolt end can pivot. Then Solder a threaded rod coupler to your buttcap and screw it on. Once you have everything straight and together, fill the handle with epoxy and screw it down.

Hope that helps.

-d

 

[phil4422]

i don't have a picture of the horn yet, i will post it as soon as i get it.
once the handle is shaped, is there any finishing that has to be done, ie. sealing, protection.........?
thanks for the pictures, a picture is worth a thousand words.
phil

 

[jdm61]

I think that one of the Brazilain smiths had a tutorial out about how to straighten horn of that type.