Question about elk antler

[Jim Rehrer]

OK im going to try to use some elf antler for the first time as scales. The antler was dry when I got it and has sat in the garage for another two years.. Of course i want to keep the antler rough outside, but does anyone stabilize this before using? Can it be stabilized without having to sand off the outside?
Working tips/thoughts appreciated!

 

[Deweyknives]

OK im going to try to use some - elf antler - for the first time as scales. The antler was dry when I got it and has sat in the garage for another two years.. Of course i want to keep the antler rough outside, but does anyone stabilize this before using? Can it be stabilized without having to sand off the outside?
Working tips/thoughts appreciated!

Hmmm, elf antler. Never tried that.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Thet're horny little devils!
Antler doesn't need to be stabilized. The elk don't have it done, and it holds up just fine.

 

[Jim Rieck]

I assume the elk antler you have is from one that is mature and not a yearling spike. I didn't know they have elk back east. Anyway, the main thing I have found is that it is necessary to use the portion of antler that has the largest diameter for sufficient length to make scales. Using a smaller diameter portion makes the handle rounder and bigger (seems counterintuitive). Also, the larger diameter part will have more bone and less pith. Take care to cut the antler so that the surface of the antler is close to where you want to end up widthwise. That generally means making it thinner than you would expect. Doing that, you will find that the only pith visible on the finished knife will be a little bit at the butt. The only finish I use is buffing compound. Hope this helps.

 

[indian george]

Here is pic's of a Bowie that I am working on. I dyed and stabilized it myself. It was all white and cracked. I left it on top of the smithy for 2 years.

 

[indian george]

Hmmm, elf antler. Never tried that.

It's really good with some HT'g Relish. HEHEHEHEHEHE!!!