impala jigged buffalo horn question

[KnifeHead]

I bought a set of impala jigged buffalo horn slabs to see what they looked like and possibly design a knife around them some day. They look great except they are bowed a bit; about an 1/8" on each end on one of them. The other one isn't bowed too bad and can probably be used as is. Assuming someone here has used them before, can these be straightened and, if so, what method do you use to do that?

 

[Chuck Gedraitis Knives]

2 options.
I guess that you could steam them to soften them and then clamp then down to something flat and let them dry.

Or just grind them flat again. Just don't get them too warm or they will warp again.

 

[KnifeHead]

2 options.
I guess that you could steam them to soften them and then clamp then down to something flat and let them dry.

Or just grind them flat again. Just don't get them too warm or they will warp again.

The one on the left could be sanded flat easy enough as it's bow is approx. 1/16" the the full length. The other would have to be bent and steaming sounds like a good way to do it.

 

[mdoyle]

I've never tried it on horn or bone but I have had good luck straightening wood. Set the piece with the bow side down like a rocking chair. Clamp each end down lightly using very little pressure. Heat up with a heat gun. Gradually increase the amount of tension as the piece heats up. It takes quite a bit of heat. Let the piece cool with the clamps on after it goes flat. Sometimes you must do this more than once but if they go flat they usually stay. Better off requesting a refund or merchandise exchange.
Matt Doyle

 

[KnifeHead]

Better off requesting a refund or merchandise exchange.
Matt Doyle

Oh yea...not going to do anything till I get a response back from the seller. He probably has dealt with the issue before. I'll post the answer I get back here.

 

[KnifeHead]

The supplier says that they will sometimes bow a little when they are shipped due to environmental changes. He recommended wrapping in a damp cloth and clamping them straight overnight. Sounds viable to me...anyone see a problem?

 

[Gossman Knives]

Kerry, I use alot of buffalo horn and I've found the best way to make them flat is to just sand them on a flat platen. If you try to straighten them by wetting them, there is a chance they will bow again if in a damp enviroment. They will pull away from the tang at the corners.
Scott

 

[KnifeHead]

Kerry, I use alot of buffalo horn and I've found the best way to make them flat is to just sand them on a flat platen. If you try to straighten them by wetting them, there is a chance they will bow again if in a damp enviroment. They will pull away from the tang at the corners.
Scott

I figured this would be the best fix. My concern was the amount of bow in the other one will require about 1/8" of material be taken from the center, leaving it only about 5/32" thick.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I use this size 1 1/2" wide 5" long and 3/8" thick. This leaves plenty of material to sand them flat. I get mine from Jantz supply. Most have very little bowing.
Scott

 

[KnifeHead]

Ha!..I just measured mine and they are the same size. It's because I bought them from the same place...but on Ebay. Washita Blade and Tool. Maybe I will get by with sanding. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Gossman Knives]

Kerry, keep an eye on them while you're sanding. They will turn a light gray. You can tell when you're getting it flat when the entire surface is the same tone. Give it a try, you really don't loose as much as you think.
Scott