Kudu Horn Scales

Bmgillum

Bmgillum

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I am intrigued by Kudu Horn as a material for knife scales but have seen very few knives posted for sale using it and was wondering why...is it hard to work with?...does it not make for a nice finished product?...Jantz Supply has an excellent selection right now so I know it’s not a supply problem...I am reluctant to request a maker build me one with as little knowledge as I have...any input would be helpful...

Thanks/bg
 
I had never even heard of it as a scale material, id say it's probably uncommon because countries with the majority of knife makers don't have wild kudu so the thought may not have occurred, as opposed to the more common stag handles.

On that note, I know nothing of the properties of the kudu horn but I believe its used for different crafts in Africa, maybe research the capacity its used in its native country? I would assume, it being horn an all, its be a fine scale material, especially if its treated with some sort of protective coating.
 
Do we know how kudu horn is obtained ?
Do they shed it naturally ?
If not I don't think kudu is eaten, and not killed for their horn and this would make it an uncommon material.
 
back when I was collecting, I commissioned a side lock folder from WD Pease with kudu horn scales.
I don't know about working with it, I'm sure it has the same challenges as ram's horn or stag.
Pease is known for his scales and ability to work with these natural materials
 
Joe Paranee woud be the guy to ask, but if animals of that type are taken by guided hunters, then I do believe that the meat is eaten the camp and/or even to the locals. Big antelope can be very tasty critters. Nilgai would remind you of elk.
Hickory n steel said:
Do we know how kudu horn is obtained ?
Do they shed it naturally ?
If not I don't think kudu is eaten, and not killed for their horn and this would make it an uncommon material.
Click to expand...
 
jdm61 said:
Joe Paranee woud be the guy to ask, but if animals of that type are taken by guided hunters, then I do believe that the meat is eaten the camp and/or even to the locals. Big antelope can be very tasty critters. Nilgai would remind you of elk.
Click to expand...

Yeah, someone who has hunted in Africa would be the person to ask if Kudu is something people hunt and eat.
All I know about Kudu is that I believe they can jump really high :D
 
Folks will eat most "bush meat" over there. Some if just better. Eland is supposedly really good and you would get a LOT of meat from one of those big muthas!
 
I imagine most of these come from Texas and not Africa.
 
I have a kuduhorn at home and told my 6yo it is a unicorn horn I hunted in Africa.
I let her beleave it for a day
 
Actually what I was asking is how hard is it to work with and what kind of finished product does it make on a knife handle?...the thread got kind of sidetracked...also, does it need to be stabilized?...

Thanks/bg
 
see if this helps
the first pic is the Pease folder and what I would consider to be a premium scale.
the second is a less costly auto folder and not as amazing a look, both are kudu

As far as how hard it is to work with, I would call Mr Pease, I believe he can answer you

1sIzX4h.jpg


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I used it several times a long time ago. Works very easy, similar to water buffalo horn. It did have a tendency to want to pull away from the tang, again like water buff. It just wasn't all that great, never used it again. If I were to use it these days I'd definitly use Corby's or Loveless bolts. The scales I had did come from Africa.
 
I did two knives about 5 years ago with some Kudu my nephew got from his employer. He shot it in Africa. What I remember is it stinks when grinding but made a beautiful scales. I peened them on with SS pins I think.
 
Kudu horn works about like cow horn.
It should be "aged" for a couple of years before using to avoid shrinkage.
 
https://imgur.com/a/Z9lT8 Just acquired this Corrie Schoeman w Kudu Horn. Why or what is this supposed to be? Damaged, Cracking inside? What bothers me most is the areas where the white looks to be on the surface not buried inside.

Above is the album of 8 photos. Havent yet figured out how to post more than on bbcode link.



 
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That looks nothing like any kudu horn I have ever seen.
 
Cert from Corrie and short video ( knife shows up at the end ) on his table



 
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