Restoring insect damage to horn handle?

Thomas Linton

Thomas Linton

Joined
Jun 16, 2003
Messages
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I picked up an Indian khukuri that I think is a military item (11/32" x 16.5" HI BAS shape; chiruwa; "TEMPERED STEEL"; "ALLIED" across a cog wheel); CBI Theater shield inset in handle; military sheath and frog; black plastic covers on rivet ends; brass bolster and butt plate).

Problem is the bugs had a field day with the horn handles x 3 - just riddled.

If I was concerned only with function, I think I'd fill in the cavities wuth epoxy, and that may be all that can be done.

Any suggestions?
 
No clue, but my first reaction was, "Bluuuhhhh!" :barf: !!!!

At least all the bugs are dead now. ;)

Nam
 
You can mix powdered horn with clear epoxy to make a repair that is pretty hard to detect. Just gob it in and then sand down to shape. Buff it and wax it, and you'll be hard pressed to see it.
 
Josh Feltman said:
You can mix powdered horn with clear epoxy to make a repair that is pretty hard to detect.
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Sounds right to me depending on the color of the horn. If the horn doesn't have its luster anymore you can also sand it down and then steel wool it with 0000 steel wool or use the fine Scotch-Brite on it.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Suggestion for source for powered horn?
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Again, depends on color. If it's black you can buy many objects made from buffalo horn pretty reasonable.
Crazy Crow. com has buffalo horn hair pipe beads. Or perhaps Bill has some junk kardas and chakmaks with horn handles he would give you? I'd ask him.;)
 
I'm curious as to what kind of bugs eat horn? Mites? Burrowing grubs?



munk
 
Termites?

Tom...I have a couple of broken/unusable K/C's. If you want them they are yours. I need to have an address emailed to me.

Considering your profession, I will of course need a waiver aginst cuts, dust inhalation, or product usability... ;)
 
munk said:
I'm curious as to what kind of bugs eat horn? Mites? Burrowing grubs?



munk
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Yea, they're burrowing bugs of some kind and are the same ones that eat feathers and furs.:grumpy:
 
I'd think just enough to color it...the strength will be in the epoxy.
 
Nasty said:
I'd think just enough to color it...the strength will be in the epoxy.
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I would mix up some test batches first. Come to think of it someone mentioned using powdered charcoal to color the epoxy for horn repair. Sure would save a lot of hassle and would definitely be black in color, might not take as much either.
 
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