Opinions and advice wanted

[Josh Feltman]

Yay? Nay? Any advice on cutting and/or drilling antler is appreciated. Also, is it possible to extend the handle a little bit so that the tang doesn't extend all the way to the end and peen over? Would I just glue it in that case?

 

[Mike L.]

Josh, you might consider shortening the tang itself and drilling a "blind" hole in the antler. Then assemble with a good epoxy. It would be plenty strong, and prolly a lot less hassle. A nice bit of wood cold be used as a spacer between the guard and the antler.

Just suggestions from an olde homemade knife maker.

--Mike L.

 

[Josh Feltman]

Mike--I think I'd just make the handle longer--I've got really big hands.

 

[Fiddleback]

Sure is a beauty piece of antler. Walmart carries Devcon 2 ton epoxy for less than three bucks. Yea pin it. No need for a peened through tang. Can't wait to see the results.

 

[Sylvrfalcn]

Blind hole, two part epoxy, if tang is wide enough to accomodate, then drill through handle and tang and insert a pin, good to go. But I'm torn on this one Josh. That's a beautiful piece of antler, but there is a rustic charm and "character" in that old wooden handle that would be a shame to lose. My opinion, and that's all it is, purchase a blade and guard from anyone of the many excellent suppliers out there, and make you a nice antler handled knife. Git 'r done.

Sarge

 

[Return of the J.D.]

I've got a similar project in the works--Case Bowie blade needing a new handle, plus a piece of antler. Plan is for a totally-concealed-tang construction, though the antler is not a whole lot thicker than the tang is wide, so the antler may be pretty thin just above and below the tang in the finished product. Questions: (1) How important is it to have anything (like the "spacer" mentioned above) between the horn and the guard; (2) what are the pros and cons (apart from the obvious difficulty and expense) of supplementing the epoxy with one or more pins or rivets? (3) Any practical tips on drilling horn for a tang? (4) If pins or rivets are a good idea, where's a good source? (5) Any other good questions I should be asking, but haven't?

 

[Howard Wallace]

there is a rustic charm and "character" in that old wooden handle that would be a shame to lose.

Agreed. ............

 

[hollowdweller]

If I am out of line somebody edit the hell out of me.

But you might want to go and ask Mike Stewart of Bark River

I sent him this shed:

And got back this:

The two on each end:

So he could probably tell you.

 

[Yvsa]

Agreed. ............

Me three.......