rain water for antler handled knife

K

kj243dx

Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
4
Hi guys, this is my first post on here. I've searched through pastforums and couldn't find an answer for my question, if i've over looked it I apologize. But Im making an antler handled knife for the first time to give as a present to my father. According to other posts ive read and research it is best to soak the antler in rain water for up to a month. I am guessing because of the minerals in tap water.

My question is:
1. Can I use spring water bought at a grocery store or mineral free water
instead of rain water?
2. I live in Texas and for some reason it snowed for the first time in years.
I have gathered a few buckets of snow from the first few inches
carefully not getting any that had been in contact with the ground. Can I
use the melted snow to soak the antler in?

thank you for the help,
Kellan Jones
Kaufman, Texas
 
Unless you're trying to straighten the antler DON'T soak it in anything. If you're making a hidden tang just drill out a slot for the tang and fill with epoxy. If you're making a full tang cut it into scales and use it as you would a set of wooden or micarta scales. Hope this helps.
 
where did you read to soak it in rain water? that is a new one on me. I live in Texas if you are needing any help let me know I am working in my shop most of this week.
 
Hi guys thanks for taking the time to respond. I am trying to get a general idea on a good, solid method in attempting this for the first time. First off, I bought the Hand forged Carbon Steel 7" Texas Bowie from Crazycrow.com. Nothing real fancy for the first attempt but a good starting point. If you would like to take a look at the knife itself there is a picture on the website. It is an Native American Arts and Crafts/mountain man store, ive used a few years ago purchasing different items while growing up through the Boy Scouts.

As for the rain water, I typed it in google. For websites, primitive ways, field and stream, and other knife making websites all have step by step directions for this method. I found a good article on it through ehow.com (however I really don't trust that website, since "joe-blow" down the road can write a response. In short, I have read that soaking the antler will soften the core. Then fix the blade in a vise grip (blade pointed down) and press the antler down the handle. Letting it dry completely before using.

Reevestx, I am from Kaufman, a small town about 40 miles southeast of Dallas.

any response, critique,
or suggestion is gladly
welcomed.

Kellan Jones
 
I have straightened antler by boiling it in regular tap water. It needs to boil for quite a while, then very quickly and very tightly clamp it in a vice. The vice should have soft wood taped to the metal plates (duct tape) so as not to damage the antler

It takes several boil/clamp cycles to get it good and straight. When you get it straight enough, let it dry in the vice and set it aside in a dry place for a few more months to let it dry out again.

I'm sure there are other ways, but this is how I've done it before
 
Most here drill out the pith then fill w epoxy and insert knife tang. That's how I do it anyway.
Cw
 
the process that your talking about (soaking or boiling in water ) is a primitive way of working with antler,that technique is mainly for working with primitive/basic tools. It can be done that way. but moving up to modern tool it would of course be much stronger drilling and using epoxy. ...steve
 
Steve Randall said:
the process that your talking about (soaking or boiling in water ) is a primitive way of working with antler,that technique is mainly for working with primitive/basic tools. It can be done that way. but moving up to modern tool it would of course be much stronger drilling and using epoxy. ...steve
Click to expand...

How would drilling/epoxy straighten the extremely curved antler? I'm referring to whitetail which is seldom straight enough for a handle
 
I was talking about attaching the blade to the antler. your right epoxy would not help in making it straight ...steve
 
kj243dx said:
As for the rain water, I typed it in google. For websites, primitive ways, field and stream, and other knife making websites all have step by step directions for this method. I found a good article on it through ehow.com (however I really don't trust that website, since "joe-blow" down the road can write a response. In short, I have read that soaking the antler will soften the core. Then fix the blade in a vise grip (blade pointed down) and press the antler down the handle. Letting it dry completely before using.

Reevestx, I am from Kaufman, a small town about 40 miles southeast of Dallas.

any response, critique,
or suggestion is gladly
welcomed.

Kellan Jones
Click to expand...

The OP is asking the process of afixing a hidden tang into a antler handle not how to straighten antler. So yes OP drilling it and epoxy is the way recommended over soaking and softening and pressing it in. It'll save u months of waiting and be a stronger more secure handle.
 
Hi Kellan,

It depends on what resources have, what your constructions goals are, what type of knife you like and what gives you joy. If you are into the primitive bush craft /woods lore type lifestyle than you are on the right track. Heck, you might even tan buckskin with deer brains and livers and craft resins and lace from pitch, roots and sinews.

If that isn't your gig though, the the route these fellas are telling you about (from the modernized electrified world of machinery and polymers) might be a more effective path for you.

Looking to hear more.

All the best, Phil
 
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