Rejuvinating dryed out sheepshorn?

A

Amos Iron Wolf

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Mar 7, 2006
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Any suggestions for rejuvinating some very dried out sheepshorn? Don't worry, it isn't on a vintage knife, just a really dried out one. Mink Oil, beeswax, what? All ideas are appreciated.
 
I've always soaked horn and stag knives in plain old mineral oil. Drop them in a glass jar full and soak for 24 hours.
 
Interesting, Mitch. Lanolin is extracted from sheep, so seems to fit!
This is a case for google, Amos! I'll let you know what I find if anything.
 
You might look for Hooflex Original Conditioner at your local farm and ranch store or veterinary supply store, also avalable online. Works well for all kinds of horn (as well as hooves); does have a, er, distinctive odor, though.
 
Hmmm. good suggestions all. I love the lanolin cycle heheh. It does remind me of helping a neighbor and classmate skin a couple of sheep back in high school. Oh my. You ever try to hang on to anything when you're up to you elbows, literally, in lanolin? It was quite the humerous event. It would have been hilarious if it had been someone else. :D
 
How dis-stink-tive is the odor
Click to expand...
Not as bad as some of the substances frequently found adhering to hooves:barf: :D .
Mineral oil does work well for horn, and is probably the easiest and cheapest product to find- look in the laxative section of any supermarket or drugstore:eek: .
 
Thanks gang. I need to pick up some mineral oil just for oiling my blades since I use my EDCs to skin fruits & veggies.

Since it isn't an expensive knife to begin with I decided to experiement with mink oil, since I had it on hand. It seems to have worked some. There's the same interesting circle, or is that insult to injury, in using mink oil on a trapper pattern as in using lanolin on sheepshorn. :D

I think though I'm going to take Last Confederate's suggestion and just drop it in a jar of mineral oil.
 
100% Mineral Oil for 24-72 hours depending on the severity of the dried sheeps horn. Johnsons Baby Oil (high quality)is ideal.

Amos,
When you submerge the sheeps horn into the mason jar or whatever container you choose, you will see the mineral oil immediately going to work in the form of multiple tiny bubbles will start to appear where the horn has the most severe need of rejuvination.

You will be very happy with the results..:)
 
All sound advice,

Yep lanolin is sheepswool grease the brand I use is by lanotec.
www.lanotec.com.au.
It can be used on most things. My dad put me on to it. As the heavy duty versionis used as lubricant around the local mines on bearings.
Cheers
Mitch
 
I finally tossed it in a glass of mineral oil for a 24-30 hours. I tossed in two Boker stag handles for about three hours just to keep em good. The Bokers came out with a nice luster. The S&W is no longer, uh, bone dry. (couldn't resist) However, it is still less that attractive. I think it is a candidate for a first attempt at a rehandle some time in the future.

As Mitch said, all sound advice. Thanks.
 
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