Newbie material question.

[Maclean]

Hi folks:
I'm fairly new here but have been reading everything I can find on different tooling and knifemaking techniques. Found some great information on this board.
I'd like to "personalize" a few of my production knives with exotic scale material. I'm looking at various wood burls and animal horn, specifically the pre-cut slabs of kudu horn. I think I can handle working the woods without "too much" grief, but what's the best method for roughing out animal horn scales? Can I mill the rough outline and just sand it to finish, does this require diamond tooling, how prone to chipping is the horn material?
Many thanks from yet another newbie,
Mac

 

[kile]

I am definately not an expert, but I work horn almost the same way I work wood, just make sure it doesn't get to hot, and remember at least in my experience it is softer than most wood, so if you are sanding it you can remove a lot in a hurry.
Kyle Fuglesten

 

[ddavelarsen]

I'm with Kyle, horn will warp if it gets too warm so use sharp belts and slow speed if you have the option. I like horn a lot. It polishes up beautifully, is very easy to work, kind with dings, warm in winter, and has a very "grippy" nature, even when wet. It's great stuff. I had some blond horn that was transluscent, light worked all through it. Beautiful.

But be aware - those with whom you share your home will not appreciate the smell if you grind it indoors... .

Dave

 

[Maclean]

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep your advice in mind when I start working. As far as where to work, it'll happen on the balcony. I built a butcher block a few years back and tried to sand part of it indoors so as not to annoy the neighbors... had 1/4" of dust on top of the ceiling fan blades! I never said I was smart, just lovable.

Mac

 

[peter nap]

Kile and Dave said it all....Dave, if you think that stinks, try fossil whale bone!!! Ask Bruce Evans...Whew...smells like a Georga bar mens room in July!:grumpy: