Make stag handles to go on a full tang knife

[NewCreation]

Does anyone know how to cut and attach stag horn to be handles on a full tang knife. My friend wants me to make a knife with stag handles for him. ANY advice would be helpful.

 

[jmf76]

I have only found one way that worked for me. I cut the stag very carefully down the middle with a band saw, lengthwise. I then ground the tang of the knife so there was 1/16"-1/8" of stag on each side of the tan. Then trace the outline of the tang on each half of the stag. After you are happy with the placement very slowly and carefully file a channel into each half of the stag 1/2 the thickness of the tang. Once satisfied with the fit (I used rubber bands to hold it together for final fit.) use epoxy (I don't like to use fast setting epoxy) and use the rubber bands to hold everything together until set, be careful to wipe any excess epoxy before securing the rubber bands. Hope this helps.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

On a full tang knife, you would install stag scales-slabs of stag with the edges of the tang exposed. I suggest drilling the tang and using pins or other mechanical fasteners.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A good way to split a stag taper into scales is to mount it on a "sled" and cut it with the band saw or a fine tooth blade on the table saw. Take a 6" piece of 2X4. Sand the stag butt flat and glue it to the board so the handle sticks straight out. You want it glued right at the edge of the board and aligned so when the board sits on the table the stag is also resting on the table and is aligned the way you want to cut it. Carefully cut the taper in half, remove from the 2X4, and sand the cuts flat. This method also works well for splitting ivory and any other odd or non-square items.

 

[skilldust]

A good way to split a stag taper into scales is to mount it on a "sled" and cut it with the band saw or a fine tooth blade on the table saw. Take a 6" piece of 2X4. Sand the stag butt flat and glue it to the board so the handle sticks straight out. You want it glued right at the edge of the board and aligned so when the board sits on the table the stag is also resting on the table and is aligned the way you want to cut it. Carefully cut the taper in half, remove from the 2X4, and sand the cuts flat. This method also works well for splitting ivory and any other odd or non-square items.

The best way that I have found is charge $150 dollars more