Merino Sheep Horn Question

C

cgdavid

Joined
Sep 12, 2005
Messages
85
I'm looking at using (for the first time) Merino Sheep horn from AKS. The horn they sell doesn't appear to be stablized. Is it a good idea to have Merino Sheep horn stablized or does it work as is? How do you seal/finish it?

Thanks...Curt
 
Sheep horn can be the best of all world if it is properly aged. I don't know what kind of form you are getting the horn, but if you simply put it in a dehydrator for a couple of months, then go to your final shape you will be better off than having it stableized.

I have developed a long process for the horn we use. I soak it with a hose, then dry and repeat it until it whiskers, then age it for seven years in a dry place before putting it on a handle and have experienced no problems. The dehydrator may shorten the time required.

When I work it I use sharp 36 grit belts, never get it hot and then work with files and sand paper.

Good Luck
 
Ed

here is the the material I'm looking at. It's already cut into scales.
12037-s.jpg


Here is the entire inventory (about halfway down the page.)
http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/barkbone.htm
Thanks!...Curt
 
Ive never had any problems with sheep horn. I never have it stabilized either. If fact I think the resin from the stabillizing will look terrible. The horn you are looking at from Alpha is very good quality and is already dry. The Bybees only sell the best stuff. I say Go for it!
 
It does look like nice horn, also like it came from two different bucks, but that is OK, unless you harvest it from the skull yourself you have to work with what is available.

If you are going to make a right hand knife I would put the bottom one on the left side. It looks like it will have the nicest grain and the owner will look at that side the most.

I would work them up, leaving them a little over size, then go to the dehydrator for a week or so, measuire them before you put them in the dehydrator and after a week, if they have shrunk, leave them in another week and see if they have quit moving, once they quit put them on the knife.

Brownells Acra glass is a good slow cure and will penetrate into the horn for good adhesion.
 
Curt:
Better than measuring the sheep horn, weigh it before you put it in the dehydrator. A reloading scale works well and provides an acurate scale.
Good Luck!
 
Everyone I know that uses the stuff bolts the two halves together (corby or loveless type) Both for scales or morticed for hidden tang. Stinks like hell when your grinding. Oh and don't grind when your wife has the washing on the line .

Peter.
 
Thanks all....

I'll call in an order this afternoon.

Did a knife recently with imistag. My daughter walked into the garage and promptly turned around and left. Bet grinding sheep horn will fend off well-meaning neighbors that stop to talk when I'm trying to work :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top