There are large elk herds around here so this coming year I will be trying to collect some unusual elk antler. I figure like with the wood, the more unusual, the better.
Sounds good Mark!
Of course, one of the main challenges with stag is the actual shape and form of the piece(s) used for handles. A maker hasn't much latitude to alter its shape like can be done with wood. There are three cuts, so to speak, usually used : crowns, rolls (split for scales too) and tapers.
Solidity is also an important factor. That's one of the reasons sambar and axis are so popular. They are nearly solid all the way through. N. Amer. deer have very thin bark and lots of pithy core. From what I've seen elk are a little better and moose better yet.
Next comes the quality of texture. Popcorn and grainy wavy bark is pretty exciting. Not only does it look cool, but usually adds to the handle's grip.
All that remains is color. From what I've gathered, folks have come up with numerous methods and recipes. Some folks are very particularly in what they want in this regard. I've seen various combinations of browns, ambers, white, blacks and grays.
I believe there's a drying and curing need for freshly harvested antler. Not sure how long. I guess sheds are a different matter. I have a friend, Indian George, who likes to age the dickens out of his stag. He throws it up on his shop roof in the sun and rain and snow until it grays and cracks and looks like crap. He then dies and stabilizes it and gets some really interesting stuff. Some of it almost looks like fossilized mammoth ivory.
It will be interesting to see what you come up with. Are you going to collect the ivory teeth too? Leg bones? Elk hides/leather? BTW, if you can talk any of your hunter friends into saving bladders, I'd be interested.
All the best, Phil
